As the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder. you may start to think of the upcoming holidays and snuggling up under a warm blanket at home. Before you nestle up and settle in, there are some projects around the house you may want to take care of first. Here are 8 home maintenance tasks to consider completing before the snow begins to fall.
1. CHECK YOUR FURNACE
It's a good idea to do some basic maintenance to help keep your heating system running smoothly through the winter. Check your furnace filter and change it. The filter should be replaced at a minimum every three months. I set a calendar reminder in my phone to check the filter on the 28th of every month. This way, I am always prepared to order a few more from Amazon when I need to make a change. By keeping a few extra on hand, you can also see the difference between a dirty filter and a new one.
2. INSPECT YOUR ROOF
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends having your roof inspected twice a year to check for any signs of damage. Whether you inspect it yourself or hire a professional, spotting potential problems such as damaged or missing shingles may help you avoid a bigger problem and potentially more expensive repairs down the road. Additionally, in the cold weather, you need to be aware of areas where ice dams could form from melting and freezing ice. I would also recommend having a licensed roofing contractor make suggestions about heat tape to avoid areas where ice dams can form.
3. FILL GAPS AROUND WINDOWS AND DOORS
Drafts around windows and doors can leave you feeling cold and at a minimum they are wasting energy as your furnace works harder to warm that cool air. Caulk around the window trim to seal off any drafts (search a few YouTube videos before attempting). Another option is to install weatherstripping around edges of doors and windows to create a tight seal.
4. INSPECT YOUR CHIMNEY AND FIREPLACE
The National Fire Protection Association recommends having a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney annually. If you have a gas fireplace, your chimney and flue should be inspected for any blockages. A professional will also inspect the gas lines and vents for leaks and can make necessary repairs.
5. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS & DRYER VENTS
Clogged gutters can lead to issues like water damage, loosened gutters, ice dams, and issues with insects and rodents. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are cleared of leaves. sticks and other debris at least twice a year -whether you handle this chore yourself or call a professional.
Dryer vents build up lint over time. Even when you empty the trap with every use, residual buildup can accumulate through the exhaust vent which can lead to risk of a home fire. The process to clean the vent is simple, but I choose to have a professional do this for me so as to not damage the vents during cleaning.
6. STORE OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Winter can be hard on patio furniture. Wicker, plastic, resin, and wood furniture should be cleaned (follow the manufacturer's directions) and stored indoors for the winter. Teak and metal furniture can be stored outdoors year-round. although you'll want to clean it appropriately to help protect it during the winter, consider covering furniture to help protect it. and store cushions and patio umbrellas indoors.
7. TURN OFF OUTSIDE FAUCETS
In cold weather. water in exterior pipes can freeze and cause pipes to burst. So, before the temperatures dip, disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. If your exterior faucets have shutoff valves, turn them off. Then, release any water remaining in the pipe by opening and closing the outside tap. You can also help protect exterior faucets with an insulated cover.
8. GET YOUR WINTER WEATHER SUPPLIES
Don't wait for winter weather to arrive to head to the hardware store. Check out the stuff you already have and replace damaged snow shovels or other items. Don't forget to pick up ice melt and salt as these items tend to go quickly when storms approach.
As always, if you have any real estate questions or are looking to buy or sell your home in Heber City, Midway, Utah or Salt Lake Counties, please reach out to me with any questions. Please reach out to me at (801) 885-2558 or by email at brandonrwood19@gmail.com.