How to Create Your Winter Home Maintenance Schedule

While it may not be fun to think about, or do, prepping your house for colder weather is something you cannot afford to skip or ignore. By engaging in the right maintenance tasks now, you can save electricity, reduce the need for future repairs, and save money.

Now is the time to create your winter maintenance schedule. Some tips to ensure you cover everything can be found here.

Weatherproof Your Windows and Doors

Get ahead of the winter weather by ensuring your home is ready to handle the onslaught of cold coming its way. Check all windows and doors for signs of gaps or any other problems that could lead to a draft.

You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them tightly. If the issue is too severe, it may be time to consider replacing the problem window or door.

Clean Out the Gutters

Your gutters are attached to the roof. If they are full of leaves, twigs, or other debris, these items may freeze, causing excess weight in the gutters.

While emptying your gutters, be sure to look over your roof for any issues. If necessary, call for roof repair near me.

Since water expands as it freezes, pipes that freeze may burst. This can cause extensive water damage and the need for expensive repairs.

There are a few tips you can use to help prevent your pipes from freezing this winter. These tips include:

• Insulate the pipes
• Disconnect hoses from the outside faucets
• Leave faucets dripping
• Keep the heat set at 55 degrees or higher

If a pipe freezes, turn the tap on and leave it open during treatment. Let warm air move to the affected area to start defrosting the pipe. If one frozen pipe is found, be sure to check all the taps – if only a drip emerges, there is likely more than one frozen pipe.

If it is impossible for you to access the frozen pipe, or if you are unable to thaw it, call a plumber for help.

Clean Your Dryer Hose

A clogged dryer hose is a huge fire hazard. Each year, more than 14,000 house fires are caused by dryers.

You can prevent these by cleaning the lint filter, replacing the dryer hose, or regularly checking the exhaust and vent.

Creating an Effective Winter Maintenance Schedule for Your Home

It is essential to create an effective winter maintenance schedule for your home. Doing so will ensure your home is ready to withstand the cold temperatures and adverse weather that may come your way.

In the long run, investing in this maintenance now will help you save a lot of money and time.

If you are looking for other tips to improve your home, be sure to check out our other home improvement blogs. They will help you make the most of your home and money.