HERE’S THE ESSENTIAL HOME WINTER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
As winter approaches, it’s essential to ensure your home is prepared for the season’s harsh conditions. Neglecting key home winter maintenance tasks before the cold sets in can lead to bigger problems later on. At Harmony Home Concepts, we believe in protecting your home from top to bottom so that it remains a safe and comfortable haven all winter long. In fact, that’s why we started our professional home repair The Best Home Guys almost 20 years ago! Here are the top home winter maintenance and repair tasks to prioritize before the temperature drops.
1. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can lead to significant heat loss, driving up your energy bills and making your home less comfortable. Before winter, take time to inspect the weather stripping around all windows and doors. Replace any worn or damaged seals, and consider adding caulk to fill gaps or cracks. If windows are old or inefficient, this might also be a good time to upgrade to energy-efficient models that can help you save on heating costs.
2. Check Your Roof and Gutters
The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Before winter storms hit, have your roof inspected for any loose, missing, or damaged shingles. These can lead to leaks and water damage when snow and ice accumulate. Also, clean out your gutters to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, leading to ice dams that can damage your roof and siding.
3. Service Your Heating System
Your heating system works hard throughout the winter to keep your home warm, so it’s critical to have it serviced before the season begins. Schedule a professional inspection to make sure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump is functioning efficiently and safely. Change your filters regularly, and consider installing a programmable thermostat to keep your home at an optimal temperature without wasting energy.
4. Inspect Your Insulation
Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm and reducing energy costs during the winter. Check the insulation in your attic, walls, and basement to ensure it meets recommended standards. Adding extra insulation where necessary will help prevent heat loss and keep your home warmer without overworking your heating system.
5. Prepare Your Plumbing for Freezing Temperatures
Frozen pipes can cause major headaches during the winter. To avoid this costly problem, insulate any exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Drain outdoor hoses and shut off the water supply to any exterior faucets to prevent freezing and bursting. If your area is prone to extreme cold, consider installing heat tape to keep pipes from freezing.
6. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With heating systems running and fireplaces in use, winter poses a higher risk of fires and carbon monoxide leaks. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home to ensure they’re working properly. Replace old batteries, and consider upgrading to newer models if your detectors are outdated.
7. Inspect Your Garage and Outdoor Spaces
Winter isn’t just hard on your home’s interior; it can take a toll on your garage and outdoor spaces as well. Check your garage door for proper insulation and smooth operation. At Harmony Home Concepts, we offer custom garage solutions, including storage cabinets and durable flooring like Swisstrax Pro, to keep your space organized and protected from the elements. If you store snow-removal equipment, make sure it’s accessible and in good working order.
8. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Before the first snow hits, stock up on essential winter supplies like salt or sand, snow shovels, and ice scrapers. If you use a snow blower, check that it’s functioning correctly and ready to go. Being prepared in advance will save you time and frustration when the snow starts to fall.
9. Clean and Inspect Your Fireplace
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have it professionally cleaned and inspected to ensure it’s safe for use. Creosote buildup in chimneys can cause dangerous fires if not properly maintained. For gas fireplaces, inspect the pilot light and gas connections to make sure everything is functioning safely.
10. Schedule a Professional Home Checkup
Consider hiring a professional to conduct a comprehensive home inspection before winter. This can help identify potential problem areas that you might overlook and ensure your home is ready to withstand the winter weather.
At Harmony Home Concepts, we’re not just about custom solutions; we also offer professional home repair services to help you get your house in top shape before winter. Our experienced team can assist with essential tasks like fixing drafty windows and doors, testing your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors, and ensuring your home’s plumbing is protected from freezing temperatures. Although we don’t do all of the items listed in our essential home winter maintenance list, we work with many reputable professionals that can help solve those areas.
Beyond basic repairs, we provide tailored solutions to enhance the functionality and comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen with custom slide-out shelves, install garage cabinets, or optimize your closet space, we have you covered. Our Swisstrax Pro garage flooring adds durability and style and keeps that slushy winter mess in the garage and not in your home, while our custom closet systems make your daily routine more efficient.
