How To Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter home maintenance is essential. Even though winter can seem like an exciting season to get through, it still brings winter storms and freezing temperatures. These things can wreak havoc in your home if you don’t take the necessary steps to prepare. Read on to find out how you can prepare your home for winter.

Ways To Prepare Your Home for Winter

Here are some home winterization tips you can follow before winter arrives.

Clean Gutters & Downspouts

This should be done every season, but especially before winter arrives. If you live in a location that sees a lot of snow during the winter, your gutters will have to put up with the extra weight. If your gutters suffer too much additional weight from the snow, they could easily get pulled away from your home.

But don’t forget, that it is essential to clean your gutters to avoid water damage from the melting snow and ice.

Check Windows & Doors

Make sure that your doors and windows are sealed tightly so as not to allow air to seep through. This can also prevent water damage and help you save a lot on your heating bills. You can caulk the exterior of your windows and doors using a caulk gun. Be sure to only caulk the outside area of the molding using exterior silicon caulk to hold during the freezing temps.

Cover Outdoor Air Handler

To prevent damage from the harsh winter elements, be sure to cover up your outside AC unit. This will prevent rust, mold, and other issues that can be costly to repair next season. You can purchase a cover specially designed for your AC unit from your local hardware store.

Change Furnace Filter

Replacing your furnace filter right before winter will assist your system in many ways. It can help save you money on your heating bills and even make your system operate more efficiently. You can take care of this simple task without having to call in an HVAC professional. Replacing your filter also ensures that your furnace will distribute clean air free of dust and other contaminants.

Have Chimney Inspected

This tip is especially crucial if you have a fireplace in your home. You must have your chimney checked and cleaned before burning it, even if you don’t use it as your primary source of heat. This is because when burning wood, creosote accumulates inside your chimney, which can be extremely flammable and cause a fire.

Have Roof Inspected

Besides having your chimney inspected, don’t forget to have your roof inspected as well. If minor issues are found during the inspection, the contractor should be able to repair those right away. If you ignore these issues, they can turn into bigger problems which can cost you more later on down the line. Not just rain, but winter storms consisting of heavy snow, sleet, and ice can wreak havoc on your roof.