It is important to know how to prepare your home for winter. As a first time home buyer, it may be something no one ever told you about, especially if you bought your home during the warmer seasons. Preparing your home for the cold day ahead helps save energy, prevents major issues from occurring (saving money), helps you stay warm, and makes your home a comfy haven during the frigid temperatures.
Exterior Maintenance
As a first time homeowner, you take pride in your home, including the exterior. Maintaining the home’s exterior is essential to prevent issues later down the road that could lead to expensive catastrophes. Here are some key tasks to get your home ready for winter.
Sealing Cracks and Gaps
Addressing cracks and gaps in your home keeps the cold out and the warmth in. Seal them with caulk and weatherstripping to keep your home warm and improve indoor air quality during winter. Securing these openings isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a practical step to prevent drafts and heat loss.
Winterizing Pipes
Pipes that are above ground and exposed need to be covered. You can buy pipe insulation foam/tape, but covering it with a towel and a plastic bag has also proved to be effective. The towel provides insulation, and the plastic bag creates a barrier so water is not absorbed. You will also want to cover the water spigots. When water becomes frozen, it expands, which leads to pipes bursting. Also, make sure you know where the main water valve is to the home so if there is an emergency, you can cut the water supply off quickly.
If you have a sprinkler system, you will want to watch our quick video on how to winterize your water sprinkler system to prevent damage to it.
Checking Roof Condition
Your roof is a shield for your home. You should examine it to ensure it is in good shape and repair any damaged or missing shingles.
If some shingles are damaged or gone, it could allow water to come in. A leaky roof could lead to wood rot, mold, and other troublesome scenarios that can affect the inside too. Fixing these issues is a simple yet important step to keep your home safe and dry.
Inspecting and Cleaning Gutters
Gutters are your home’s drainage system — trouble brews when clogged with leaves and debris. Maintaining gutters by clearing out the debris is essential to prevent problems. If gutters are blocked, water can’t flow properly, posing a risk of damage to your home’s foundation, siding, and interiors.
Use a trowel to clean out the gutter and consider wearing gloves. Cleaning debris stops mold and mildew from growing and avoids getting water trapped.
Regularly maintaining your gutters, especially before winter, is a small effort that pays off big. It is a safeguard to your home, staying dry, cozy, and free from potential water damage. You may also consider services from Leaf Home, which can save you time cleaning and protect your gutters.
Heating System Maintenance
Taking care of your heating system involves giving it a check-up to keep it running smoothly and safely. Scheduling a professional furnace inspection means having an expert ensure everything is in good shape. Kind of like going to the doctor for an annual well visit.
The main goal is to make sure your heating system is operating efficiently. Just as a regular health check-up catches any issues early on, having a professional check on your furnace prevents bigger problems. Maintaining your HVAC system can save you from spending more money down the road
Cleaning or Replacing Furnace Filters
Taking care of your furnace filters could be considered as giving your home a breath of fresh air. Cleaning or replacing them is more than just a chore — it’s a way to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Maintaining clean filters keeps the air circulating in your home while reducing dust and pollutants. This keeps your living space healthier and helps your heating system run more smoothly. It’s a simple task that goes a long way in keeping your home’s air clean and your energy bills in check.
Testing and Resetting Thermostats
Checking and resetting your thermostat verifies proper functionality and programming. By testing your thermostat ensures it’s working as it should, helps keep your home at the desired temperature.
Save energy by reducing thermostat settings when you’re away or sleeping. Lowering it between 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit every day can help you reduce your heating and cooling expenses by 10%.
Bleeding Radiators
If your home has radiators, bleeding them is part of maintenance and ensures they’re in tip-top shape for efficient heating. Bleeding radiators release trapped air, preventing blockages and ensuring hot water circulates freely. This helps your heating system, making sure every part works optimally to keep your home warm and comfortable.
Winterizing Outdoor Plants and Gardens
Before winter arrives, cover sensitive plants with frost blankets or mulch the soil around them in a thick layer to create insulation to keep them healthy and ready to thrive when spring returns. Consider moving potted plants indoors or to sheltered areas to shield them from extreme cold. Trim back any dead or overgrown branches to promote healthy growth once spring arrives.
Stocking Up on Winter Supplies
As the temperature drops, have ample rock salt or other environmentally friendly products for melting ice. Check flashlight batteries in emergency kits and replace them if needed to guarantee they’re ready for use. Have a supply of warm blankets and extra layers for added comfort during power outages or heating system issues.
Winterizing Your Home
As a first-time homeowner, preparing your home for winter is a proactive step towards comfort, energy efficiency, and protection against potential issues. It improves your living experience and contributes to the long-term well-being of your new home. Stay warm and enjoy winter in your well-prepared abode.
Collaborative article with Guest Article Aging Wellness https://agingwellness.org/