Home Repairs Before Winter

Performing home repairs before winter is a great way to avoid huge headaches and save on heating costs. Here are a few things you can do to get ready for frigid winter weather.

1. Check Your Furnace

Have your furnace serviced by a professional. Oil based heating systems should be serviced every year. Gas based systems should be serviced every two years. Heating technicians will check the efficiency of your system and ensure that all parts are operating properly. Additionally, be sure to clear the area around your exterior exhaust vent (i.e. trim back shrubbery). Carbon monoxide could leak back into the house if not properly vented. Lastly, replace air filters before the heating system (and monthly throughout the winter).

2. Seal Windows and Doors

One of the most important home repairs before winter involves your windows and doors. Close and lock windows and doors. From the inside, visually check for gaps where cold air can get in or warm air can get out. Air can escape through the smallest of openings. Caulk any seam that might be an issue. From the outside, do the same. You should also check for rotting would that needs to be replaced. If the paint has worn off but the wood is still in good condition, you may want to add a layer of paint to help protect it. For larger gaps, purchase seals available at your local hardware store.

3. Clean Gutters

With so many leaves falling, gutters can get easily clogged. Check and clean your gutters of any leaves or debris. These can block melting snow and ice and create ice dams during the winter, which causes huge headaches and can be extremely costly to repair.

4. Winterize Your Pool and Sprinkler

Close your pool by blowing out the water lines, adding an anti-freeze to them, draining down the water level and then covering the surface. Blow out your sprinkler lines as well and close the main water line that leads to them. Hire a professional if you are unsure how to winterize these systems. Proper winterization of your pool and sprinklers not only protects those investments from the harsh winter conditions, but it also makes for a much easier opening process in the spring.

Summary of Home Repairs Before Winter

Completing home repairs before winter is a smart way of saving yourself time, money, and stress. No one wants to deal with fixing a broken furnace when it’s 10 degrees out or having water leak into your walls during Christmas. A few simple precautions will help you stay safe and warm during the holiday season and cold winter months.