When winter approaches, when the temperature starts to drop, you need to start preparing your home for the cold months. Proper winter maintenance makes sure that your home stays comfortable and warm and also helps to prevent any expensive repairs caused by extreme weather conditions from having your chimney cleaned to insulate your property.
Photo by NATHAN MULLET on Unsplash
Here are some of the essential maintenance tips you need to get your home ready for the winter:
Clean Your Chimney
One of the most important ways that you can prepare your home for the winter is to make sure that your chimney is safe and functional, especially if you are planning on using your fireplace this year. Having a dirty or blocked chimney can lead to dangerous chemicals or chimney fires damaging your home. Regular chimney maintenance, including a good sweep, will remove any buildup of blockages, such as nests or debris. Think about arranging their professional chimney sweep before the winter to make sure that your chimney is free of obstructions, reducing any fire risks.
Tackle Drafts
Drafty windows and doors are one of the most common problems when it comes to losing heat in your home. It can make it extremely difficult to keep your home warm and cause energy bills to be extremely expensive before the cold weather gets here. Inspect your doors and windows for any gaps, cracks, or worn out, whether stripping seal off these areas to prevent the cold air from seeping in and the warm air from escaping from your home.
Look After your Heating
It’s a good idea to make sure that you service your heating system, as a well-functioning heating system is important for surviving the winter months. A range and annual service before the temperatures get low, such as a professional hvac technician or a gas engineer. This way, you can address any issues that may arise before the middle of the winter. It’s better to fix it now than to wait until it is an emergency. If you are relying on a wood burning stove or fireplace for warmth, make sure that your chimney is swept in order to keep your home walled throughout the winter.
Insulate Your Pipes
One of the main problems we encounter when we get weather is frozen pipes. This can happen during the winter and is quite common; however, it can cause significant water damage if they burst. To prevent this, the best thing to do is insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, garages, and basements. It’s easy to do; all you need to do is use some foam pipe insulation or heating tape to keep them warm. On top of this, make sure you connect and drain any outdoor hoses as if you leave new water inside them, it can cause damage to your plumbing system.
Proper winter maintenance is essential when it comes to keeping your home warm and safe during the winter. By sealing your windows, cleaning your chimney, and looking after the pipes of your home, you can make sure that your home is well prepared for the winter’s challenges.
