It’s that time of the year again—the snow is coming! As much as we love the beauty of a winter wonderland, it can be harsh on our homes. That's why it's important to do some prep work around the house before the snow sets in. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of a few things you should do around the house to ensure that your home is ready for winter. By the end of this post, you will know what steps to take to keep your home and family safe and cozy.
Tidy Up Fallen Leaves in Your Yard
As beautiful as autumn leaves may be, they can cause significant problems during the winter months if not properly taken care of. Fallen leaves can clog gutters and drains, leading to water leaks and potential damage to your home's foundation. They can also create a slippery mess on walkways and driveways, posing a safety hazard for you and your family. Make sure to regularly rake and dispose of fallen leaves to prevent any potential problems during the winter season.
One way to properly dispose of fallen leaves is to compost them. By creating a compost pile, you not only get rid of excess leaves but also create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. If composting is not an option, be sure to bag and dispose of the leaves according to your city's guidelines. This will help keep your yard clean and prevent any potential issues with your neighbors.
Blow Out Your Sprinkler System
Before the temperatures drop below freezing, it’s important to blow out your sprinkler system. This will prevent any water from freezing inside and causing damage. You can hire a professional to do this for you or you can do it yourself with an air compressor. If you're not comfortable doing it on your own, it's best to hire a professional to avoid any potential damage to your sprinkler system.
Seal Your Windows and Doors
One of the main reasons homes become drafty in the winter is because of leaks around windows and doors. Before the winter sets in, inspect your windows and doors for any air leaks. If you find any, seal them with caulking or weather stripping.
By properly sealing your windows and doors, you can significantly reduce heat loss in your home during the chilly winter months. This not only keeps you and your family warm and comfortable, but it also helps save on heating bills. When there are air leaks around windows and doors, your heating system has to work harder to maintain a constant temperature, resulting in higher energy consumption.
Roof and Gutter Maintenance
Snow and ice buildup can cause significant damage to your roof and gutters. Have a professional inspect your roof for any damage and replace any missing or damaged shingles. Clear out your gutters and downspouts of any debris or leaves, ensuring proper water drainage. In addition, make sure your roof is strong enough to withstand heavy snow and ice loads by reinforcing it with snow bars or having a professional install them. This is also a great time to perform any roof repair, if needed.
Service Your Heating System
Your heating system will be working overtime in the winter, so you need to make sure it's in good condition before you need it. Schedule a tune-up or maintenance visit with your HVAC professional to ensure that your heating system is functioning correctly.
If you notice any unusual noises, strange smells, or inadequate heating from your system, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Other signs to look out for include increased energy bills and inconsistent temperatures throughout the house. If you encounter any of these issues, it's best to call a professional HVAC technician to inspect and repair your heating system before the winter sets in.
Get Your Pipes Ready
Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home and can be expensive to fix. Before the temperatures drop, make sure that all exposed pipes are insulated properly. This includes any outdoor faucets or pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
To insulate outdoor pipes, you can use materials such as foam pipe insulation or heat tape. These materials can be easily found at your local hardware store and are relatively simple to install. For added protection, consider wrapping the insulated pipes with electrical tape to keep them in place and prevent any gaps. It's also a good idea to turn off outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water from the pipes before winter. This will prevent any potential damage from frozen pipes and save you from expensive repairs.
Prep Your Landscaping
There are a few things you should do to your landscaping before the snow sets in. Trim back any trees or branches that could fall on your home during a winter storm. Additionally, it's important to clean out any debris from your lawn and garden beds. This will prevent any potential damage to your landscaping during heavy snowfall or ice buildup. You can also cover delicate plants with mulch or burlap to protect them from the harsh weather.
Now you know the 5 things you should do around your house before the snow sets in. By taking these steps, you’ll not only prepare your home for winter but also increase its energy efficiency and save money on your heating bills. We hope you found this blog post helpful, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact a local professional for assistance. Stay warm and safe!
