Fall is a great time to start thinking about home maintenance and getting your home ready for the cold winter, especially if there are household-related items on your to-do list.
It would probably be better to get them done as soon as possible instead of braving the cold to get it done later.
Here are a few items to consider to make sure your home is happy to come wintertime.
Heating systems can last anywhere from 12 to 15 years, though various variables and circumstances can cause some to fail after about 10 years. Others can make it to 20 years with the right conditions and care.
Your roof is all that stands between your family and snow, sleet, or rain. You need it to function well to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter.
Start by checking your roofline. Your roofline should be straight. If you see dipping, curving, or sagging, this indicates an issue that might require a roof repair.
Most fires happen during the winter since the furnace is blasting, and people are building fires. Additionally, during the winter, you are likely to have your home closed uptight. This increases the risk of carbon monoxide accumulation.
Always check your chimney flue before starting a fire in the fireplace. This will prevent you from suffocating. Check your smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly and have new batteries as well. If your home does not have a carbon monoxide detector, now would be a good time to get one.
Winter is coming. It can wreak havoc on your home. However, if you take the time to do some preventative maintenance during the summer and fall months, you can prepare your home for winter and lessen the chances of needing a serious repair during the winter months.
Review Your HVAC System
Heating systems can last anywhere from 12 to 15 years, though various variables and circumstances can cause some to fail after about 10 years. Others can make it to 20 years with the right conditions and care.
A lot depends on how an HVAC system is maintained. Before winter comes, change all of your filters. You can also have a good HVAC contractor review your system. The contractor should check to make sure that your heat will work when you need it to.
It is better to find out that your HVAC system is broken during warmer weather than to find out that your heater is not working during the frigid winter.
Check Your Roof
Your roof is all that stands between your family and snow, sleet, or rain. You need it to function well to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter.
Start by checking your roofline. Your roofline should be straight. If you see dipping, curving, or sagging, this indicates an issue that might require a roof repair.
During the winter, your roof is exposed to heavy rain or snowfall, which means there’s accumulating weight gathering. This puts extra stress on the roof and can worsen an existing sagging problem, leading to a cave-in in some worst-case scenarios.
Check the chimney flashing for leaks. Your flashing should not be loose or damaged, and any caulking holding it in place should not be cracked or deteriorated. Check for signs of water intrusion around the chimney.
Finally, remove debris and clean out your gutters. Low hanging branches present a danger during heavy snowfall. Remove those for the greatest protection.
Check the chimney flashing for leaks. Your flashing should not be loose or damaged, and any caulking holding it in place should not be cracked or deteriorated. Check for signs of water intrusion around the chimney.
Finally, remove debris and clean out your gutters. Low hanging branches present a danger during heavy snowfall. Remove those for the greatest protection.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Most fires happen during the winter since the furnace is blasting, and people are building fires. Additionally, during the winter, you are likely to have your home closed uptight. This increases the risk of carbon monoxide accumulation.
Always check your chimney flue before starting a fire in the fireplace. This will prevent you from suffocating. Check your smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly and have new batteries as well. If your home does not have a carbon monoxide detector, now would be a good time to get one.
Winter is coming. It can wreak havoc on your home. However, if you take the time to do some preventative maintenance during the summer and fall months, you can prepare your home for winter and lessen the chances of needing a serious repair during the winter months.
