How to Maintain Your Home This Winter 2022? Here are 9 Awesome Tips For You!
Maintaining your home is essential if you want to keep it pristine and functioning for a long time. Because winter is the coldest season of the year, many homeowners tend to neglect their homes or take care of them less. Here are 12 tips to maintain your home this winter season:
Table of Contents
1. Prevent Frost Buildup
Freeze and thaw cycles can damage the surface of glass windows. You should put ice-melt products on window sills, walkways, and exterior doors to ensure that they do not freeze because even though you turn up your heat indoors, areas near outside walls will still be much colder than the inside of your home. Also, if you have uninsulated pipes, maintaining a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit in your house could prevent major plumbing problems during the winter months. Oftentimes these issues lead to burst pipes so being proactive is the best way to avoid a disaster.
2. Check Your Outlets For Leaks
If you have seen water dripping from electrical outlets, you should check for leaks in your pipes, because oftentimes when there are internal plumbing problems this will cause moisture to seep through your walls and into your home. The most common spots where leaks occur are at joints and connections (where two pipes join together) and fixtures like sinks and tubs. Homeowners can prevent these issues by having yearly inspections of their plumbing systems done by a professional plumber. This service usually costs around $100-$200 but it could save you thousands of dollars on repairs or damage.
3. Keep Your Yard Clear Of Ice And Snow
It’s best to clear your yard of all ice and snow because if this debris builds up it could cause major damage. After a heavy storm has passed, homeowners should use shovels or blowers, to remove any excess snow or ice that may have accumulated on the ground. This will allow water to drain properly which prevents ice dams from building up. If you do not do this, the weight of the ice/snow can push down on your roof causing water to back up under your shingles (making them wet) and possibly leading to leaks (leaving your wallet empty).
4. Inspect Your Roof And Gutters For Damage
As part of your winter home maintenance routine, homeowners should check for broken flashing around chimneys, skylights, walls, or drain spouts. These issues can cause water damage to your home’s interior. Homeowners should also inspect the roof and gutters for any signs of flashing damage or water leaks.
5. Insulate Your Pipes
One of the easiest ways to prevent frozen pipes is by wrapping them with heat tape which costs only $3-$15 per linear foot depending on its rating (the higher the rating, the better it holds up in colder conditions). It’s best to purchase this type of piping insulation from a professional supply store or specialty hardware store as you could buy inferior quality products at cheaper prices elsewhere – but beware: many times these items simply do not hold up over time and homeowners end up spending more money.
6. Seal Gaps And Cracks Around Windows And Doors
If you live in a drafty area, you should be sure to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors because warm air escaping through them can also cause your water pipes to freeze. You will need caulk or foam to do this which usually costs about $8-$20 depending on the size of the job (try asking for leftover supplies at hardware stores if they are willing, as this could save you quite a bit of money). If you have large gaps between subfloors and floors, it may be necessary for homeowners to install weatherstripping too. This typically costs $2-$30 per linear foot but it is very effective at stopping air from squeezing through.
7. Check Your Chimney
If you have a metal chimney, there should be flashing around the top of it and also a rubber sealing gasket around your firebox. If these parts are damaged or missing then water could seep into your fireplace which would cause damage to surrounding areas. You should check this during winter months as well because sometimes homeowners successfully fix their chimneys only for them to break again during the next cold season!
8. Be Careful With Light Switches And Outlets
Homeowners who live in damp locations (areas near water) may want to remove light switches that aren’t covered by drywall to prevent them from getting wet. The same should be done for electrical outlets, especially those that are installed near water sources like bathroom sinks or laundry machines.
9. Check Your Gas Furnace’s Filter
One of the most important things to do during the winter months is ensure that you have a clean furnace filter. A clogged-up filter can cause your furnace to use up more energy which is very bad for its long-term health. If you have a regular filter, it should be replaced every 1-3 months.
The best way to prevent major damage during the winter season is to maintain your home regularly. Not only will this help save homeowners money on repairs or damage but it will also prevent them from being cold and miserable all winter long!
