Homes need a lot of attention and continued maintenance in order to stay long-lasting. Without proper care, negligence can lead to long-term damages and may risk decreasing the value of your home. Set your home up for success this winter and prepare for the changing seasons with this winter checklist.
1. Check your heating system. Heating systems have the potential to last years longer with proper care and maintenance. Before the weather starts cooling down, change your air filters. We also recommend getting your air ducts cleaned. Each time your heater is turned on, contaminants and particles are circulated in the air of your home, including dirt, dust mites, and pet hair. Our Rotobrush technology does an efficient job at thoroughly cleaning your air duct systems to reduce contaminants and protect your family’s health.
2. Add extra insulation by weatherproofing your doors and windows. Check your doors and windows for gaps that can cause the cold air to leak into your home. Consider weatherstripping or using caulk to seal them up to keep your home warm during the cool days.
3. Seal your home’s exterior. Protect and seal wood on the exterior of your home from the winter elements. This can be done with paint or caulk to prevent your wood from getting wet and potentially rotting. This also includes an outdoor deck or patio if you have one. Make sure to seal your deck. Check to see if it is protected by pouring water on it to see if it beads up over the wood. If the wood absorbs water, you should coat your wood with a fresh seal.
4. Keep your gutters clean. By now, dead leaves may be backing up your gutters from the fall season. Clear out your gutters from debris and leaves to prevent them from overflowing. Water that constantly runs down your home not only leaves behind unwanted streaks, but can also speed up the deterioration of your home.
5. Check and replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s no surprise that people use their fireplaces more during the cold season. But before you light up your winter fires, make sure you are taking the necessary steps to ensure your family and home’s safety by checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace all old batteries to ensure they are working. Also consider having a yearly chimney inspection.
6. Don’t forget to bring outdoor furniture and appliances inside. Increase the longevity of these items by properly storing them away in a shed or garage to protect from rain and changes in temperature. This can include throw pillows, chairs, lawn mowers, grills, or anything else of value that is left outside.
7. Prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. A safe practice is to insulate pipes near windows and keep the heat running in your home. If you live in colder areas, consider letting your pipes drip to keep the water flowing and prevent freezing. Additionally, you can disconnect your garden hose from outside faucets.
Keep your home happy and well maintained this winter with the proper care it deserves. For more information on how you can keep your home long lasting and in good shape, get in touch with our team at Caldwell Construction. We provide construction solutions to ensure you and your family have a home that is long lasting and timeless.