Checklist: Winter Home Maintenance Must Dos
Winter can be rough on the home. The cold temperatures and wet weather can damage materials and if you are not careful, you can find yourself with hefty repair bills that could have been avoided. If you are looking to save money on repairs and eliminate issues that can pop-up out of nowhere in the middle of winter, you need to have a home winter maintenance plan ready for the season. With a little general home maintenance and repair work, you can prevent damage and protect your home through winter.
Follow this winter home maintenance checklist to get your home ready for the cold weather.
Trim Tree Limbs
Winter storms can knock down large tree branches to damage the home or other things on the property. Make sure to cut any large branches that are hanging over or near the home. You should also look above the driveway to see if any might be above where you park your car. If you want to make this winter home maintenance task easier, consider using a tool like the Worx 20V 10” cordless chainsaw.
Furnace Filter
Your furnace is going to work harder as temperatures continue to dip. Check the furnace filter to see if it needs to be cleaned or changed. A clean filter allows the system to heat the house more efficiently. If it has been a few years since the last time you had the furnace inspected, you should call a technician to come check the heater out before it gets too cold.
Snow Removal Tools
You need to get your snow removal tools ready before the first snowfall. Get your snow shovels out and make sure they are in good shape. If you have a snow blower, you should give it a quick inspection to make sure it is still working well. If you’re in need of a snow blower, check out the brand new Worx 40V 20” cordless snow blower, capable of throwing snow 20 feet thru its 180° rotating chute.
Check Attic Insulation
Much of your home’s heat is going to escape through the attic. This is why checking and possibly adding insulation is one of the best winter home maintenance tips. Adding insulation can save money on your heating bill and it can also be a good way to prevent issues with ice dams.
Inspect and Clean Gutters
You are going to need clear gutters to protect your home and roof. Climb up on a ladder to inspect and clean your gutters. Patch any leaks and use your cordless drill to secure any sections that are coming loose. You can make some of the work safer and easier by cleaning your gutters with a leaf blower. All you need is a gutter cleaning kit and you can do the work from the ground.
Check for Roof Damage
Inspect your roof for any leaks or loose shingles. You will want to get these issues addressed before the weather turns cold. You can make some of the repairs easier with a cordless electric nail and staple gun. With a good nail gun, you can replace or refasten shingles quicker and easier than doing the work with a hammer.
Prep Your Exterior Doors
Your doors can also be an issue during winter. You should check all of your exterior doors when working on your winter home maintenance plan. Inspect the seals to check for leaks. If the finish is getting old, you might want to consider a new finish before winter. With a good power sander, you can remove the old finish quickly and have a new finish applied in a matter of no time.
With this winter home maintenance checklist, you can do a lot to protect your home and save money this winter. You just need to be willing to get out and start doing the work before the cold weather sets in.
