Blog > Preparing Your Home for Winter
Check for Air Leaks
Act now on your home maintenance checklist to save on heating costs during the winter months. And check for air leaks around windows and doors, including cracks in caulking or weather-stripping. Also, replace caulk and weather-stripping if necessary.
Crawl Space Vents
Be sure to close open crawl space vents to avoid moisture build up that can lead to mold in your crawl space. Foam insert work great and stay in play even in snow.
Inspect Insulation
Adequate insulation will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. And if your insulation is insufficient, your heating system will have to work overtime this winter. By adding some insulation to your attic, walls and crawlspace, you can save money on heating costs.
Check the Roof
Give the roof a good look before winter hits. Are there any loose or missing shingles that may result in leaks from melting snow? And use your home maintenance checklist as an excuse to check for any broken seals around vents and the chimney.
Protect the Air Conditioner
Even though the condensing unit is built for outdoor elements, it can still be damaged by falling icicles and other debris. You don’t need to invest in a waterproof cover (in fact many manufacturers recommend against it, because it creates a warm space for critters). Just place a sheet of plywood held down by a few bricks on top and your AC should be ready to work again in the spring.
Check Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating is the cause of 27 percent of structure fires during the winter months. So make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working in your home. And it’s best to have smoke alarms in every room of your home, including hallways. Be sure that home maintenance includes checking the batteries in all alarms once a month is always on your homemaintenance checklist.
Protect EntrywaysAll that snow, ice and mud can wreak havoc on your entryway floors. Place mats both inside and outside the door, along with boot trays inside the entryway. And make sure your mudroom is ready with a place to dry wet jackets, hats, and gloves.
Clear Gutters
If you haven’t already, clear gutters of debris including sticks, pine cones and leaves so melted snow will drain properly. And direct downspouts away from your home’s foundation to help prevent basement leaks and flooding.
Trim Tree Limbs
Your winter home maintenance checklist should include trimming any dead tree limbs so they don’t fall and damage your home during a winter storm. And if you need to remove large limbs or remove a tree, it may be best to hire a professional.
Stop Ice Dams from Forming
If your home is prone to icicles and ice dams, take steps now to make sure you have proper insulation and venting. And you can also prevent ice dams by raking the snow off your roof and installing heat cables.
Clear Debris from Flat Roofs
If you live in the Southwest United States, you may have a flat roof that is surfaced with pebbles or asphalt. And before winter, be sure to remove leaves that can hold moisture. This home maintenance task can be done with a rake or blower.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans, there should be a switch to make the fan blades run clockwise. Running the blades in a clockwise position during the colder months can push heated air down. This home maintenance task makes rooms with high ceilings more comfortable.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing
When water freezes, it expands and can cause your pipes to burst. To prevent frozen pipes, insulate pipes near windows, doors and in areas of the home that are unheated. Disconnect your garden hose from the outside faucet. Finally, set the heat to no lower than 55 degrees F.
Salt and Ice Melt Destroy Driveways
Salt and Ice Melt can be great but they are very hard on concrete driveways. Repeated use could damage your driveway.
