As winter descends, the need to fortify your home against the cold becomes paramount. Beyond the allure of snowy landscapes and indoor warmth, winter demands a proactive approach to preserve your property’s integrity.
Join me, Michael Dalton, your trusted REALTOR© from My Next Home Columbus, as we explore a comprehensive winter home maintenance checklist tailored to ensure a stress-free and cozy season while protecting your investment.
Inspect and Clear Your Gutters
As fall remnants settle in your gutters, kickstart your winter home maintenance with a thorough inspection. Clear out any debris to prevent ice dams and ensure unobstructed drainage. At My Next Home Columbus, we believe in safeguarding your investment from the rooftop down.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Detecting and sealing gaps and cracks is vital to prevent drafts. Take a stroll around your property, paying attention to windows, doors, and walls. It is also important to understand what type of caulk to use on the outside of your home.
My Next Home Columbus encourages you to use weatherstripping or caulk to enhance energy efficiency, reducing heating costs.
Service Your Heating System
Before the cold sets in, schedule a professional service for your heating system. This is an essential task for your winter home maintenance checklist.
Regular maintenance ensures optimal efficiency, keeping your home comfortably warm. Don’t overlook the importance of changing air filters regularly throughout the winter to maintain peak performance.
There is a difference in the type of filter to purchase make sure you choose properly so both you and your furnace can breathe properly!
Replace Batteries in Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Reduce the risk of fatalities in a home fire by half with functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, can go unnoticed without operational batteries in your carbon monoxide detector.
Ensure safety by maintaining working batteries in both devices.
Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs. Safeguard your plumbing by insulating exposed pipes in colder areas of your home. Disconnect and store garden hoses, and consider installing frost-free hose bibs, for less than five dollars. During extreme cold, allow faucets to drip, and open cabinet doors to facilitate warm air reaching pipes under sinks.
Check Your Roof
Your roof bears the brunt of winter, so ensure it’s up to the task. Inspect for loose or damaged shingles, addressing any issues promptly. Remove debris to prevent ice dams.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional roofing service. My Next Home Columbus recommends a comprehensive inspection for your peace of mind.
Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney
Prepare your fireplace for cozy winter nights by inspecting the chimney for obstructions. Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect the flue, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Prepare Outdoor Spaces
Extend your winter home maintenance checklist to outdoor spaces with My Next Home Columbus. Clean and store outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements. Trim overhanging branches that could pose a threat during snow or ice storms. Promptly clear walkways and driveways to prevent accidents, ensuring a safe environment.
Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Prepare for winter emergencies with a stocked supply of essentials. My Next Home Columbus recommends rock salt, sand, snow shovels, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items. Keep emergency kits easily accessible for unforeseen situations, securing your peace of mind..
Conclusion
Investing time in a winter home maintenance checklist with My Next Home Columbus safeguards your property and guarantees a cozy, stress-free season. By addressing potential issues before they escalate, you can revel in the winter wonderland outside while staying warm and secure within the comfort of your well-maintained home.
Trust My Next Home Columbus to guide you through a winter where your home is not just a place but a haven. If we can be of any assistance in recommending vendors or answering any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (614)642-4889.
