Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Whether we like the weather or not, winter is upon us! The first snow has falling and the temperatures keep dropping. More than likely, you’ve already switched out your wardrobes, have a stack of firewood ready for your fireplace, but have you checked our list of winter home maintenance tips?

This list of winter home maintenance tips will ensure your home is in tip-top shape:

Turn Off All Outside Faucets

Water that has been undrained in your hoses and in your pipes can freeze, which will cause pipes to burst as ice expands. If you haven’t already, start by disconnecting all garden hoses and draining the water that remains in the outside faucets.

Prevent Ice Dams

Take steps to prevent potential damage this year due to icicles and ice dams.

Tune Up Your HVAC System

You don’t want to be caught without heat in the middle of winter! An HVAC technician will inspect your furnace or heat pump to be sure the system is clean and in good working order.

Don’t Prune Trees or Shrubs Until Late-Winter

Horticulturalists advise waiting to prune until late winter for most plants, when they’ve been long dormant and just before spring growth begins.

Please Note: You may need to hire an arborist to remove deadfall or trim limbs close to your home or power lines that could cause problems in a winter storm.

Caulk Around Windows and Doors

If the gaps between siding and window or door frames are bigger than the width of a nickel, you need to reapply exterior caulk. Check the joints in window and door frames, too. Silicone caulk is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and it’s impervious to the elements.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, use it to run the fan’s blades in a clockwise direction after you turn on your heat. Energy Star says the fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air from the ceiling (remember, hot air rises).

Need help with your winter home maintenance? House Doctors is here to help! Contact us today.

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