Kara Masterson 2m 453 #winter
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Getting your home ready for winter will ensure that you and your family stay cozy and comfortable during the coldest months of the year. With a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can also keep your utility bills at a reasonable level no matter what the weather is like outside.
Schedule Your Service Calls Early
One common mistake that many homeowners make is not scheduling their HVAC and plumbing service calls until the outdoor temperatures have already dropped considerably. While residential HVAC and plumbing systems are designed to be very durable, they must still be regularly serviced by a professional, someone like the technicians at Countryside, if you want to avoid unnecessary damage. Those service calls will reduce your risk of issues such as burst pipes, slow leaks, a broken condenser, and acrid smells coming from your heater.
Check Your Roof and Rain Gutters
Even seemingly minor roof damage can quickly spiral out of control and cause severe structural problems during a winter storm. At some point during the fall, you should spend a little bit of time inspecting your roof for curling shingles, missing shingles, and bent flashing. It is also recommended that homeowners clean their rain gutters once every few weeks so that they don’t become clogged with leaves and other debris.
Consider Sealing Exterior Wood
Any wood that is exposed to the elements should be sealed or painted at least once every few years. When the humidity levels fluctuate and the temperatures drop, you might find yourself dealing with damaged handrails, decking, trim, and doors. Luckily, sealing those materials is usually a relatively easy job that requires nothing more than a handful of tools and a high-quality sealant or paint. You might also want to consider using some exterior caulk to seal up any cracks or openings you find around doors, windows, and vents.
Inspect Your Insulation
Your insulation is vital to your comfort, and your HVAC system is going to struggle to keep your house at a consistent temperature if the insulation is matted or torn. Every product is slightly different, but insulation must usually be replaced at least once every 10 to 20 years. If you have blow-in insulation, then you might be able to simply add an extra layer of cellulose over the current pile.
These few projects are relatively easy to carry out, and they could help you avoid some expensive problems this winter. They are also going to extend the lifespan of your home’s key systems so that they continue to work perfectly in the coming years.
About the Author
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.
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