Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

With winter on the road, it’s time to make early preparations for your home for the season. When the temperatures plummet and snow rushes down, all sorts of issues can arise, including fire security dangers, water damage, and higher energy bills. Here is what you can do around your home to prevent the majority of these problems:

Prepare an entryway shoe storage. Since winter contributes to snow, you’ll need an area to drop off your shoes and keep your floor clean and water-free. Think about investing in boot trays, hooks, or cubes.
Type out your garage. Move the tools you do not need for winters, such as lawnmowers and weeders, to the back of the garage. Additionally, bring forward the tools you will have to tackle the snow such as snow blowers, snow shovels, and sleds. Also, consider placing down deicers facing your garage to be prepared for the first time the ice hits.
Fend off pests. Critters like spiders and bugs are more inclined to enter your house during winter as a result of chilly weather. Look at spraying the perimeter of your home with critter repellant merchandise.
Protect outdoor furniture. Make sure that your patio furniture and also outdoor heaters are protected from the elements. If you can’t bring them inside, shield them with covers. Do not forget to wash out the kids’ sand table and the grill.
Winterize your windows. If you have screens on your windows, then down them to let more light input your property. Additionally, place draft snakes around windows to prevent cold air from entering the home.
Empty plant ships. Should you leave pots filled with clay outside during winter, they could crack when temperatures drop. Take them inside to prevent this, but if you live in a warmer climate, then you can simply empty the pots and leave them out.
Before winter starts, have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure that no issues arise when you want to heat the most. Change the furnace filters each month during the chilly season.
When you have a fireplace, use a flashlight to check it for build-up, cracks, or bird’s nests. Check the exterior of the chimney for crumbling mortar and broken bricks.
On average, about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is dropped if your ducts are badly sealed. To prevent this, have your ducts sealed and insulated; you’ll save energy and reduce your annual electricity bill.
10. Throughout winter, there is an increased risk of heating equipment fires. Take your smoke and CO alarms scrutinized and replace the batteries before turning on the heat. Don’t forget to also examine the smoke alarms monthly to make sure they’re working properly.

Check out more information to prepare your property for winter in this article. During the cold season, there is also a heightened risk of power outages. Tips to prepare for winter storm blackouts can be found here. For professional mold elimination, in addition to fire and water restoration services, contact your local PuroClean Smithtown office. Click this link to find out more.