8 Winter Home Maintenance Tips

While the wind is whistling outside, there’s plenty to do in your home to keep it in tip-top shape! In Central Pennsylvania, the winters get cold and those heating bills can add up, so many of these tips can help you reduce heating costs or at least save you some money on future home repairs.

    1. Weatherproof Your Windows
      That gusty wind we were just talking about can sneak in through small air gaps and create energy loss. Caulking the gap in your windows can save you money, and warm you up! This can usually be done on your own, but a licensed handyman can help with this project, too.
    2. Get Your Roof Inspected
      Those winds (again) along with melting and shifting snow and ice can damage shingles and allow space for leaks to occur. Once that happens, the leaks can cause all sorts of problems as the moisture travels through your home’s ceilings and walls. If there has been a storm, try to get a roofing pro in as soon as possible to check for issues, and repair those shingles if necessary.
    3. Clean Your Chimney
      Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean out debris and toxins from your chimney. If it has been a while, you may want to have it inspected for cracks or damage as well. This can often be done with a specialized camera. Having a clean, well working chimney is incredibly important for your family’s health, as well as a fire precaution.
    4. Trim Those Trees
      While you’re cozy indoor, you may just want to decorate your tree this time of year, but outside, you’ll want to actually trim your trees back. If any of the trees are hanging over your home, cars, or other structures, you’ll want to be sure the heavy snow doesn’t weigh them down, possibly causing damage or injury if the branches break or the tree falls. Professional tree companies often work year-round, but you’ll still want to get that scheduled before the first big snowfall.
    5. Check Your Sump Pump
      Melting snow and ice can cause flooding when the winter sun decides to peak out for a few days and warm the ground. If you have a sump pump in your basement, you’ll want to be sure it’s in working order before the flood waters start to rise. Make sure it’s clean, clear of debris and that it moves freely. If it runs on electric, you may also want to invest in a generator to keep it working in the event of a power outage.
    6. Insulate and Protect Your Pipes
      Drain and put away outside hoses and sprinkler systems. Check outside faucets for leaks and be sure the water is completely turned off to them if this is an option. If the temperature goes low inside the home, usually due to the loss of power or heating source, turn faucets on to a trickle and open cabinet doors under the sinks to keep warmer air circulating around the pipes.
    7. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
      Spinning fans can either pull the hot air up or push it back down. Remember, hot air rises, so reversing the direction of your ceiling fans will push the warmer air back down to where you need it. This works great in large rooms with higher ceilings.
    8. Protect Your Floors
      Salted sidewalks are great for winter traction, but when the sand and salt get carried into your home and throughout your beautiful floors, it can be a problem. A simple solution, so you’re not sweeping several times a day, is to put a mat inside the doorways, especially if you have a wood or stone floor. This protects your investment and makes for easy clean up later.

Article Adapted from: https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/winter-home-maintenance-tips-that-save-you-big-time/