Winter Maintenance Check List For Your House

The cold weather is rolling in and it’s time to prepare your house. Before winter is in full force, there are a few things you should check in your home to ensure you are prepared.

Check Your Heating System

With the weather getting colder, your heating system is more important than ever. Schedule regular maintenance, like a check-up for your system. Your boiler system may need to be cleaned or your vent pipes may need to be clear. Have it looked it before the temperatures dip down.

Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney

Tis the season to gather around the fireplace and clear out the chimney for Santa. Failing to clear ashes and other debris from your fireplace could result in a house fire. Before starting up your fireplace, make sure it is safe.

Prevent Pipes from Bursting

Water expands when it freezes, so when it freezes inside pipes it can lead them to burst. Insulate any pipes near windows or doors to prevent them from freezing. Disconnect any garden hoses and store them away for the winter. If you are leaving your house for a holiday vacation, don’t set your thermostat any lower than 60 degrees F. Burst pipes can be a costly repair.

Test Your Sump Pump

A sump pump keeps your basement dry during the cold and wet seasons—you’ll want to make sure this one is working properly before these seasons hit. Pour a few gallons of water into the pit of your sump pump to ensure the pump turns on. These systems usually last about ten years.

Update 72-Hour Kits

Depending on where you live, your home may be prone to winter storms. Be prepared for any possible scenario with 72-hour kits. These kits should include batteries, flashlights, food and water, first-aid supplies, phone chargers, and anything else you may need in an emergency situation.

Inspect Insulation

Insulation helps to keep the warm air in and cold air out. If you’re paying to heat your home, be sure that it stays warm with proper insulation.

Water Heater Maintenance

Each year your water heater should be drained. Without draining, sediment will build up and cause your water heater to fail. You can lower energy bills and extend your water heater’s life by draining it once a year. If you have an old water heater, you may want to consider wrapping it in an insulation blanket. This will help your heater to keep warm and use less energy.

Trim Trees

Don’t just trim your Christmas tree this year. Any outdoor trees with looming branches could potentially cause damage to your property. Trim back any branches or limbs that are reaching over your house before a winter storm causes them to fall and damage

Cover Patio Furniture

Protect your patio furniture from water and ice damage by covering it and bringing it inside before the cold hits. Though the cold weather may not completely ruin your furniture, it will certainly take its toll.