Winterizing Your House

Even though winter is blowing its last gasps this time of year, if you haven’t already, there’s still benefit to winterize your home.  Proper winter maintenance keeps your house warm and comfortable, and prevents costly repairs. Here are some essential home maintenance tasks to tackle before and during winter. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors.  This is where old caulking shows its age.  Cold air  seeps through gaps in windows and doors, leading to higher heating bills and discomfort.  Check for gaps and cracks around window and door frames.  Remove the old caulk and lay down a new line where needed.  Then, consider adding thermal curtains for extra insulation. Service Your Heating System.  A well-maintained heating system provides efficient performance, especially when the weather is at its coldest temperature.  Make sure your service replaces the old filters.  Then, check the vents and ducts for blockages.  Finally, consider installing a programmable thermostat to save energy. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing.  This is the one that will cost you big time if ignored.  Insulate exposed pipes in basements, attics, and crawl spaces, and then 12 inches within the structure.  Don’t set the thermostat to low when going away.  Finally, an old trick is to let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to prevent freezing. Clean Gutters and Downspouts.  This is an oldie.  Clogged gutters cause ice dams, leading to roof damage and leaks, and even structural damage.  Remove leaves and debris build-up from gutters.  Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation. Check the Roof and Attic.  A well-maintained roof protects your home from leaks and heat loss. Conduct a visual inspection of the roof for damaged or missing shingles.  Ensure attic insulation is adequate to prevent ice dams.  Lastly, check for signs of water leaks or mold in the attic. As they say, a stitch in time prevents nine.  Paying attention to your house on a Saturday afternoon can prevent a missed work-day later during the cold season for emergency repairs.