Don’t let the cold weather catch you by surprise and bog you down with problems that should’ve been taken care of earlier. Fall is a great time for you to check off these seven things on your list before the cold winter months set in. From hiring plumbing services to checking in on your HVAC system, here are seven tips for winter prep that will help you get ready for the cold weather. This blog is all about Seven Home Maintenance Tips for Winter Prep.
- Check Your HVAC System
The cold winter months may mean you’ll have to keep the heat on for longer periods of time, so it’s important that you have a working HVAC system in place. This means having a fully functional thermostat with no sudden drops in temperature. Don’t go outside with wet or sweaty clothes that’ll lead to chills, especially if you’re heading toward the thermostat.
Don’t wait! HVAC systems can be dangerous without proper installation and usage guidelines if they need replacing. Get your system checked before the temperatures turn with a professional check-up to make sure everything is working properly. You will thank yourself when the temperatures drop, and your system is able to keep up with the changes!
- Test Your Smoke Detectors
Having a small fire in your home can be devastating, and it’s important that you’re alerted to anything like this right away. Your smoke detectors should work and announce themselves when the batteries need changing. This will give you peace of mind and save lives if something does go wrong.
To check your smoke detectors, push the “test” button on each detector to make sure they’re working properly. You can also use a broom handle at an angle to test whether your smoke detectors are working.
- Look for Roof Damage
Roof damage is common when you have freezing and thawing conditions, so it’s important to have a roofing company in Northern Kentucky check for any leaks before the winter months set in. This is because the heat from your home will leave through any damaged spots, which can lead to serious damage and require costly repairs! Be sure to seal up these holes or cracks during the fall season too, so it doesn’t become an issue when it’s even colder outside.
Do you have a metal roof? These roofs are more likely to develop holes in them while the weather is cold, so be sure to stay safe by keeping any fires or candles away from these areas.
- Order a Plumbing Inspection
Have you been putting off plumbing services this year?
It’s recommended that you have a professional plumber look for any leaks or damage in your plumbing, especially if you’re having problems with your faucets. If you need to replace some of these pipes under the sink or behind walls, it’s best to do that during the fall when temperatures are milder instead of in the dead of winter when they’ll be more expensive to fix.
- Vacuum Your Blower Fan
The blower fan in your furnace is what moves the air through your home, and it can get clogged with dust or debris during the fall months. If there are any holes or cracks in this vent, you could risk carbon monoxide poisoning while you sleep!
Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas that can kill you if you breathe it in for too long. It’s always best to be safe and have a professional take a look at the blower fan vent just to be sure nothing is wrong with it or that it hasn’t been damaged due to wear and tear over the years.
- Replace Sealants Around Showerheads and Sinks
If you have sealants that are cracked or damaged around your showerheads or bathroom sinks, then it’s best to replace these with new ones before winter arrives. Cracked sealant means leaks and expensive repairs if the damage spreads to important plumbing areas. It also makes it more difficult for you to have a proper water flow when taking baths or showers!
The fall would be the perfect time to get on your hands and knees to replace any damaged sealants around these areas.
- Clean Your Chimney
If you use your fireplace often, this means that there’s probably ash buildup inside the chimney. This ash can become damp during heavy rains or storms and then dry out into dust that will float into your home through the air vents. If you don’t clean this out once in a while, it’s best to do so before the cold weather arrives so you don’t have to worry about coughing up ash or dust in the winter!
Preparation Is the Best Medicine
With home maintenance, it’s all about being proactive instead of waiting for a crisis to hit before getting started! You can always hire a professional or have a handy family member handle the work needed around your home.
With the above tips, you’ll be prepared for whatever winter brings to your home.