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Is Your Home Ready for Winter? Not If You Haven't Done These 6 Tasks, Say Experts
It doesn’t matter if you consider the colder months to be a winter wonderland pulled straight from a snow globe or if you spend the entirety of winter waiting for the spring and summer, the truth is that the winter season can wreak havoc on your home—and as a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to ensure you’ve done all you can to protect and maintain your house throughout the ice, snow, and significant temperature drops.
If you’re worried about the upcoming winter season and want to ensure your home is fully prepared to handle the impending weather, you’ll want to read on. We spoke to a handful of experienced home experts to get their insights on exactly where you should be putting your time and attention before the temperature drops any lower. Here are seven home maintenance tasks to do before winter to ensure a safe and stress-free snowy season:
Check your attic’s insulation
Nick Chatzigeorgakis, a New York City-based contractor with more than 20 years experience, suggests that you first check your attic and ensure proper insulation. “You’ll want to add more insulation if needed, as heat rises and you'll lose a lot through the attic if under-insulated,” says Chatzigeorgakis. “We've seen energy bills drop by up to 30 percent after adding additional insulation!”
Inspect windows and doors for air leaks
Chatzigeorgakis also suggests taking the time to inspect all windows and doors for any air leaks or cracks, and seal them to avoid heat loss. “Weatherstripping tape or caulk works well for most issues,” he says, adding that you should consider storm windows for older homes. “We installed high-efficiency windows for a client last year, and their boiler now runs two hours less per day.”
Have your HVAC system serviced
“You’ll want to have your HVAC system serviced before winter hits,” says Chatzigeorgakis. “Replace air filters and check for any needed repairs or tune-ups. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently and lasts longer."
Having your HVAC serviced can also help prevent any major mid-winter inconveniences, too. “Perform a heating system or furnace tune-up in the fall to decrease the likelihood of it going out in the peak of winter,” adds Richie Drew, vice president of operations of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. “An HVAC tech will also check the gas line for leaks, clean the burner assembly, test for carbon monoxide, and more.”
Check for proper pool coverage
You might think draining or covering your pool is enough for the winter, but Jimmie Meece, president of America's Swimming Pool Company, urges homeowners not to forget the components that help keep your pool running smoothly. “Having a proper pool cover helps maintain water quality and reduces the need for cleaning during the off-season,” he explains.“But winterizing pool equipment should also involve draining water from components such as pumps, heaters, and filters to prevent freezing and potential damage as well.”
Tend to outdoor plumbing and gutters
“You’ll want to drain and protect your pipes, as they may freeze in 32-degree weather,” says Joseph Wade, vice president of operations of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “Disconnect hoses and store them indoors for the season. Clean your gutters of any other debris that may build up during fall. Otherwise, during rain/snow storms the water won't be able to drain properly and may lead to water damage in the home.”
Think about outdoor lighting and power
Dan Mock, vice president of operations of Mister Sparky suggests considering upgrading your outdoor lighting on stairs and walkways, in advance of dark and icy weather, to protect your family and guests during the winter months. “I would also consider a generator for the winter months because it provides backup power during power outages, allowing you to maintain heat in your home, keep essential appliances running, and prevent potential safety hazards like frozen pipes, especially if you live in an area with harsh winter weather.”
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