As temperatures begin to dip, it is crucial that all systems in your home are prepared for winter. From cleaning filters and changing fan spin directions to reversing ceiling fan spin direction reversal, performing these seasonal tasks can save money and prevent costly repairs.
Stock emergency supplies such as bottled water, shelf-stable foods, flashlights and first aid kits in case of an emergency situation. Inspect chimneys regularly to minimize fire risks.
Check Your Attic Insulation
As temperatures become chillier, insulation in your home becomes even more critical to its comfort and energy efficiency. If your attic contains old insulation with low R-Values or is lacking it altogether, now may be an opportune time to upgrade or install replacement insulation yourself – one task of home maintenance you’re more than capable of taking on by yourself!
Look for an R-Value label on either the paper facing or insulation itself (pink, yellow and white = fiberglass; dirty grey = greenfiber; white with no itching = cellulose). If your current attic insulation falls below R-30 then upgrading may be worthwhile.
Assuring air leaks around doors and windows are properly sealed is also key, particularly where frames meet. Don’t forget to update batteries in smoke/CO monoxide detectors too!
Wildlife such as rodents, squirrels and raccoons seek warmth during the winter and may enter homes through gaps or crevices. To minimize entry points for wildlife such as rodents and squirrels into your attic and basement areas, inspect these spaces thoroughly for entryways before plugging any that exist. Installing self-regulating heating cables onto roofs may prevent ice dams from forming which could otherwise dislodge shingles leading to leaky roofs.
Prevent slip and fall accidents by installing non-slip mats at the entrance to your home and having on hand salt or other eco-friendly de-icing products for de-icing sidewalks and walkways. This will keep friends and family safe, and also reduce costly insurance claims due to snow or ice damage claims.
Check Your Furnace
Though you might consider your furnace just another piece of equipment in your home, it plays an integral part in keeping you and your family warm during winter. Therefore, it is wise to inspect and service it prior to using it again for winter heating purposes.
Assure That Your Furnace Is Clean – Over time, dirt and debris can build up around your furnace, making it inoperable. Check for any signs of obstruction to air intake or exhaust, as well as that the panel door is fully closed – otherwise, your furnace won’t start up!
Check Your Thermostat Settings – Sometimes your thermostat can get set to “Cool”, meaning it is no longer activating your furnace when needed. Check the temperature setting and set it higher for several minutes to see if that causes your system to come on.
Alternatively, inspect the breaker box (usually found downstairs or in the garage) to identify an individual circuit that stands out – if any are inactive switch them on before continuing with this step. If your unit still keeps tripping breakerbreakers call a professional electrician to come inspect.
Check Your Gutters
Winter rain gutters can quickly become blocked with ice dams, leading to expensive repair bills and potentially irreparable property damage. To prevent this issue from arising, make sure that you check your gutters prior to winter arrives – make sure your hangers and downspouts are tight against fascia, and that water flows freely away from your home.
Additionally, be sure to trim back any overhanging branches that could fall on your home, helping keep gutters clear of debris that clogs them. Finally, run water through your gutters regularly in order to test if they’re working as intended.
Your winter home maintenance checklist should also include replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, vacuuming lint from dryer vents, stockpiling sidewalk salt and ice melt and installing a programmable thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature while away or asleep, saving energy costs while preventing frozen and burst pipes. Also consider insulating exposed outdoor pipes located in unheated areas as well as caulking cracks around windows and doors to block drafts and inspect/replace door sweeps to block drafts; finally consider installing mats made of olefin fiber which absorb moisture from shoes/boots so moisture doesn’t track indoors when walking in or bringing moisture inside from shoes/boots onto floors/carpets/carpets into the house!
Check Your Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can save energy and money by automatically lowering temperatures while you are away or asleep, saving energy and money. Make sure it is set appropriately to provide either heating or cooling when necessary and its timer works. If something seems amiss with it, reboot or turn it off/on; if that fails to solve the issue then consider replacement.
Check fuses and circuit breakers on your HVAC equipment; if they trip, it could indicate a problem with either your thermostat or HVAC system. Also make sure your programmable thermostat settings are appropriate for winter; ensure it’s set at neither too high nor too low a temperature setting.
As part of your winter maintenance checklist, remove window screens as part of their winter maintenance checklist. They not only reduce your home’s ability to retain solar heat efficiently but can also damage windows and sills when snow and ice buildup occurs.
Assuring that your chimney remains free from creosote build-up is vital in order to minimize fire hazards. Regular chimney cleaning and inspection will help keep it clear of buildup of creosote that poses fire risks.
Examine your emergency supplies to ensure that you have enough bottled water, shelf-stable food, flashlights, batteries, first-aid items and hand-crank radio. Consider purchasing a generator in case the power goes out during cold weather or snowstorms; additionally replace and test regularly the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working.
