Even though home needs certain maintenance checks for all seasons, it is particularly important not to skip out on anything in preparation for winter. This is because winter is a long, harsh season. You must prepare for it to ensure that your house maintains its integrity throughout the season. Having a problem come up once the cold and snow are here can be extremely uncomfortable and expensive. By making sure ahead of time that you take all the necessary steps to winter-proof your house, you can save on repair and electricity costs. Here are the most important things that you must do before the start of the season:
1. Do a review of your HVAC system.
Winter means that you are going to require a perfectly functioning heating system. Having an HVAC problem in the middle of winter can be a huge inconvenience. Make sure that you have had your heating system inspected ahead of time. Check the pipes so that there is no buildup of debris or dust. Make sure that your ventilation is working and that there are no leaks in the lines. Fire up your boiler before the first cold day comes so that you are not left without heat when it does come. You can also upgrade your thermostat to a programmable one so that you can make greater energy savings.
2. Insulate, insulate, insulate your home.
The best way to protect your house and make energy savings is to invest in insulating your house during fall. Make sure that your caulking and walls don’t have any cracks through which the cold can come in. All your doors and windows should close properly, and there shouldn’t be any cracks in the seal. Add extra layers of insulation in the coldest parts of your house, such as attics, basements, and walls that are made of stone.
3. Repair any problems with your structure.
Your foundation can suffer during winter. This is why it is extremely important to identify and take care of any problems with your foundation and structure before the season. During winter, the cold and damp are perfect for water damage and mould growth. The extreme cold can even cause cracks to develop in the foundation and concrete walls. Make sure that you use concrete crack repair products to patch up any cracks, which can worsen as the season progresses.
4. Leak-proof your house.
When the winter snow melts, it brings with it a flood of water that can get everywhere. Make sure that your roof does not have cracks, gaps, or missing tiles. This can affect your insulation and cause water damage to your house. Pay special attention to attics and crawl spaces as these are already prone to water damage.
There is no end to things that you have to get done before winter comes, such as getting your fireplace inspected. Thankfully, fall is a mild and perfect season for this prep work. With timely steps, you can avoid incurring bigger charges and damage.
