Prepping your home to spend winter in it is a great idea, still there are a few things people tend to overlook and it might start serious troubles. Although one can easily remember such things as shutting down the sprinklers or buying some salt to put on the driveway, a number of maintenance tasks can be forgotten. Such neglected activities may cost you money, damage and even make life in winter less comfortable. Performing them early during the fall season will keep your house warm, safe, and in good running condition during the cold seasons.
Cleaning the gutter is one of the chores most homeowners never think of. Leaves, twigs and other debris cause blocks of gutters and downspouts during fall. Unless they are cleaned prior to winter, they may create severe issues, such as creating the ice dams, overflowing water, and even damage the roof. Gutter cleaning in Lacey, Washington is particularly something to consider due to the high frequency of rain and freeze-thaw events that occur on the area. Cleaning the gutters makes water run away your home, minimizing damage associated with ice in wintertime.
Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Heat loss in winter is among the leading causes of air leaks. The cracks around windows, doors, and even plugs may allow the cold to come in and increase your heating account. Leaks may be checked by holding a candle or incense stick to window frames and to the edges of the doors. When the flame pulsates, you have a leak.
Seal the gaps with the use of weather stripping or caulking. Do not ignore the windows in the basement or the hatches in the attic since these are some of the common areas that are not focused. These leaks not only make your house colder but they also increase energy bills and make moisture seep into the house.
Replace or Clean Furnace Filters
Your heating system has to strain when the furnace filter is dirty. This may cause increased utility bill costs and even breakdown of a furnace. Make sure that you check your filter before winter season sets in and change it when it appears dusty or gray. You might need to replace it more frequently especially when you have pets or live in a dusty place.
Using clean filters makes the quality of the indoor air better and enables your furnace to operate much more effectively. Note to yourself in your calendar to clean the filter once a month during the heating season. When a furnace is in good condition, the problems are reduced and comfort is increased.
Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses
A good number of individuals overlook draining of outside faucets and disengaging the garden hoses. Water remaining in hoses may freeze, expand and result in bursting of pipes. Such damage is costly and it may cause flooding in basements or crawl spaces.
All outdoor hoses should be detached before the first freeze. Empty them, and keep in a garage or shed. Cover your non frost-proof outdoor faucets with insulating covers. This little effort can prevent major repairs in future.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
During winter, furnaces, fire places and space heaters pose more danger of fire break out and carbon monoxide leaks. This is why one should ensure that the smoke and CO alarms are in proper working condition. Test each of the devices by pressing the test button and make sure it is ringing an alarm.
To the extent that the alarm is weak or fails to sound replace the batteries. In case your devices are older than 10 years, it is better to change them entirely. These detectors are life saving; therefore, do not underestimate their maintenance.
Other Important Pre-Winter Checks
The following are other major yet easily overlooked projects that allow you to secure your home during winter:
- Turn ceiling fans backward in order to circulate warm air down.
- Examine insulation in your attic to avoid loss of heat.
- Look at your roof and see whether the shingles are missing or not.
- Cut tree branches close to your home which may snap under the snow.
- Ensure that your snow blower is in good working condition and is also fueled.
These are small things that can save you a lot of heartaches once the winter is here.
Don’t Ignore Your Gutters
We have already said, but it has to be repeated. Fixing the gutters is one of the best moves you can make before winter. The melting snow and ice are unable to drain properly when gutters get clogged. This results in ice dams which force water behind your roof shingles and results in leakages and water damage.
In such places such as Lacey, winters may be wet and icy hence clogged gutters may give problems in a short span. Local gutter cleaning staff is the best way to go because you know that the work is safely and well completed. That is a minor price to pay to the destruction that water can cause to your roof, siding and foundation.
Conclusion
Homes are not easy during winter but a few preparations can save you a lot. Some of these tasks are such that people can remember but there are others such as sealing air leaks, draining hoses and checking detectors which people tend to forget. Cleaning of the gutter is another necessity that safeguards your house against water. Your winter will be warmer, safer and more comfortable as you address these maintenance tasks in time before the first snow.