Shorter days and cool nights are a good reminder that winter is right around the corner but what we sometimes forget is that winterizing our homes starts in the fall. If you’re not ready, low temperatures, strong winds & heavy snow can spell real trouble for your house. From water damage and mold to pests and furnace breakdown the issues can significantly impact your family’s health, safety and financial wellbeing. So before old man winter makes his arrival, be sure to complete this list of essential maintenance before it’s too late!
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts allows water to flow easily from your roof and away from your home, preventing ice buildup causing leaking into your house that ultimately causes severe damage and mold. This helps to ensure that the inside of your home stays warm and dry. Installing gutter guards is another way to prevent the buildup of leaves and other debris in your gutters and save you from the task of cleaning your gutters annually.
Inspect Siding, Windows and Doors
Gaps and cracks in your siding and along the frames of your windows and doors can cause drafts and leaks in your home and serve as enticing entry points into your home for pests. Sealing gaps larger than the width of a nickel is essential to keeping your home warm and efficient and bugs and rodents out. Weather stripping your windows and doors is another great way to keep the cold out.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets
This essential maintenance item keeps your pipes from freezing and most important of all, helps to avoid bursting pipes and flooding inside your home. All exterior faucets must be turned off for the winter and all water drained from the pipes.
Furnace Maintenance & Filter Replacement
Regular maintenance of your furnace can improve its performance, increase its lifespan and save you money in the long run. Furnace filters should be replaced every 3 months for the best efficiency and better indoor air quality.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Install a smart thermostat to keep your home warm while helping to cut hydro bills. Set your thermostat to lower the heat setting while you are sleeping and raise it before you wake in the morning.
Home maintenance can be daunting, time consuming and sometimes even dangerous. The good news is that you don’t have to tackle it all on your own. Book a FREE, no commitment home inspection with a HomeBert pro and let us show you how we can help get your home winter ready before it's too late.
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