Keep Your Home Shipshape with Winter Prep
As temperatures drop, preventive maintenance is key to ensuring a warm, cozy, stress-free winter. Following are important basics to help prevent air and water leaks, fire, and more.
Check Windows & Doors
Check for condensation between windowpanes, which can indicate broken seals. Repair any damaged weather stripping around doors to prevent drafts.
To find points of heat loss, wet your hand and run it around windows, doors, and heating duct joints. If air is getting through, you’ll feel it. Another option: Hold a lighted stick of incense near a suspected leak. If the smoke changes direction, you’ve got a leak.
Quick fix. If you find a leak, apply adhesive-backed EPDM rubber or foam weatherstripping to seal any gaps. For drafty door bottoms, add an insulating sweep.
Clean & Repair Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to water damage.
Before winter sets in:
- Remove leaves and debris.
- Repair any loose or damaged sections.
- Ensure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from the foundation.
- Consider gutter guards to prevent clogs and reduce future maintenance.
Inspect & Repair Shingles
Visually inspect for curling, cracking, or missing shingles. Repair before snow hits to prevent leaks and prolonged damage. Check to make sure flashing around chimneys and vents is secure and watertight.
For work on the roof or ladders in general, consider professional help. It may cost a bit, but a job done well without you risking accidental injury is priceless.
Seasonal Heating To-dos
- Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up.
- Replace filters monthly during periods of heavy use.
- Clear any obstructions from vents and radiators for best airflow.
- Check for any unusual noises or odors that may indicate a problem.
- If you don’t have a smart or programmable thermostat, consider getting one to control temperature and reduce energy costs.
Ceiling Fans
This simple step improves heating efficiency. Kevin O’Connor of “This Old House” says, “One easy way to ease your heating bill: Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan so it runs clockwise, which will push down and recirculate the warm air that collects at the ceiling.”
Maintain the Fireplace and Chimney
Have the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned to remove any creosote — buildup can be a fire hazard. Ensure the flue damper opens, closes, and seals properly. For added safety, install a chimney cap to keep out debris, rain, or animals.
Carbon Monoxide Risks
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a real risk in winter. Install CO detectors on every floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and keep batteries fresh. If your detector sounds or you experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea, leave the house immediately and seek fresh air.
Create an Emergency Kit
If you’ve ever experienced a prolonged outage, you know the importance of this item. Pack the necessities below for people and pets (if you have them) and consider anything more you might need. Store the kit in an easily accessible location and review its contents annually before winter hits.
- Non-perishable food and water for at least three days for people and pets
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid supplies and necessary medications
- Warm clothing and blankets
Winter Car Kit
Prepping the car for winter is often overlooked. Your car kit might include an ice scraper, shovel, blankets, extra warm clothes, non-perishable snacks, and a first aid kit. These can be crucial should you get stuck in winter conditions.
While many of these tasks can be DIY projects, consider a professional for those you feel unsure about doing yourself due to lack of expertise or risk of injury.
Whether you or a professional does the work, “just do it.” Proper prep will ensure you enjoy a warm, safe, and comfy winter.