Winter brings cold, snow, and challenges that can affect your home. To keep your retreat safe and cozy, it’s important to address potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. While owning a new home under warranty can alleviate some stress, neglecting maintenance can impact your coverage. Regardless of whether your home is warranted or not, regular inspections and upkeep can protect your investment and prevent costly repairs.
Use this guide to prioritize essential winter tasks, tackle them at your convenience, or consider hiring a professional for efficiency and precision. Follow these recommendations to keep your home in excellent condition, inside and out.
Interior Winter Home Maintenance
1. Replace Cracked Caulking
Inspect caulking around bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Damaged caulking can lead to water penetration, causing significant damage over time. Reapply caulking if you notice wear, cracks, discoloration, or shrinkage.
2. Inspect for Water Ingress
Examine the basement and attic for signs of water ingress, such as mold, mildew, musty odors, or damp patches on concrete or carpeting.
3. Check the Hot Water Tank
Consult your tank’s manual to test the temperature and pressure relief valve. Drain several gallons of water from the bottom to remove sediment, improve energy efficiency, and extend the tank’s lifespan.
4. Seal Drafts
Draft-proof your home to improve comfort, reduce heating costs, and keep pests out. Inspect windows and doors for cracks, loose weather-stripping, or air leaks. Open blinds to allow airflow and reduce condensation or frost buildup.
5. Replace Furnace Filters
Change furnace filters every three months to maintain airflow and indoor air quality. A clogged filter can cause cold spots and overwork your heating system.
6. Clean Bathroom Fans and Smoke Detectors• Bathroom Fans: Turn off the power, remove the cover, vacuum dust, and soak the cover in warm soapy water. Scrub and let it dry before reattaching.• Smoke Detectors: Use a vacuum to remove dust and press the test button to ensure functionality.
7. Monitor Humidity Levels
Low humidity in winter can cause dry skin, sore throats, and respiratory issues. Maintain optimal levels with a humidifier or plants, and monitor with a smart thermostat or hygrometer.
8. Check Faucets for Drips
Leaky faucets waste water and increase bills. Inspect and repair damaged cartridges, valves, or seals.
9. Clean Drains
Prevent clogs by regularly cleaning drains in sinks, showers, tubs, and dishwashers. Remove hair and buildup, sprinkle baking soda, and follow with boiling water.
Exterior Winter Home Maintenance
1. Clear Gutters and Roof
Remove snow to prevent ice dams, which can cause flooding, roof damage, and costly repairs.
2. Remove Snow Around the Foundation
Keep snow away from the foundation to prevent water seepage and damage to siding or walls when snow melts.
3. Inspect Electrical Cords and Outlets
Check all cords, plugs, and outdoor outlets for wear and ensure they’re properly sealed against moisture. Avoid propping open weather covers.
4. Check for Ice Dams and Icicles
Ice dams can damage gutters, loosen shingles, and cause leaks. Use a snow rake to reduce snow buildup on the roof and prevent ice formation.
Conclusion
By following this checklist, you can protect your home and keep it functioning efficiently during winter. Whether you tackle tasks yourself or call a professional, maintaining your home regularly ensures it stays in top condition throughout the season.
Use this guide to prioritize essential winter tasks, tackle them at your convenience, or consider hiring a professional for efficiency and precision. Follow these recommendations to keep your home in excellent condition, inside and out.
Interior Winter Home Maintenance
1. Replace Cracked Caulking
Inspect caulking around bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Damaged caulking can lead to water penetration, causing significant damage over time. Reapply caulking if you notice wear, cracks, discoloration, or shrinkage.
2. Inspect for Water Ingress
Examine the basement and attic for signs of water ingress, such as mold, mildew, musty odors, or damp patches on concrete or carpeting.
3. Check the Hot Water Tank
Consult your tank’s manual to test the temperature and pressure relief valve. Drain several gallons of water from the bottom to remove sediment, improve energy efficiency, and extend the tank’s lifespan.
4. Seal Drafts
Draft-proof your home to improve comfort, reduce heating costs, and keep pests out. Inspect windows and doors for cracks, loose weather-stripping, or air leaks. Open blinds to allow airflow and reduce condensation or frost buildup.
5. Replace Furnace Filters
Change furnace filters every three months to maintain airflow and indoor air quality. A clogged filter can cause cold spots and overwork your heating system.
6. Clean Bathroom Fans and Smoke Detectors• Bathroom Fans: Turn off the power, remove the cover, vacuum dust, and soak the cover in warm soapy water. Scrub and let it dry before reattaching.• Smoke Detectors: Use a vacuum to remove dust and press the test button to ensure functionality.
7. Monitor Humidity Levels
Low humidity in winter can cause dry skin, sore throats, and respiratory issues. Maintain optimal levels with a humidifier or plants, and monitor with a smart thermostat or hygrometer.
8. Check Faucets for Drips
Leaky faucets waste water and increase bills. Inspect and repair damaged cartridges, valves, or seals.
9. Clean Drains
Prevent clogs by regularly cleaning drains in sinks, showers, tubs, and dishwashers. Remove hair and buildup, sprinkle baking soda, and follow with boiling water.
Exterior Winter Home Maintenance
1. Clear Gutters and Roof
Remove snow to prevent ice dams, which can cause flooding, roof damage, and costly repairs.
2. Remove Snow Around the Foundation
Keep snow away from the foundation to prevent water seepage and damage to siding or walls when snow melts.
3. Inspect Electrical Cords and Outlets
Check all cords, plugs, and outdoor outlets for wear and ensure they’re properly sealed against moisture. Avoid propping open weather covers.
4. Check for Ice Dams and Icicles
Ice dams can damage gutters, loosen shingles, and cause leaks. Use a snow rake to reduce snow buildup on the roof and prevent ice formation.
Conclusion
By following this checklist, you can protect your home and keep it functioning efficiently during winter. Whether you tackle tasks yourself or call a professional, maintaining your home regularly ensures it stays in top condition throughout the season.