Winter Home Maintenance

Winter is a time of the year that can certainly lead to damage to your home. The winter weather can lead to substantial problems that can simply escalate throughout the winter. Following this winter home maintenance list can enable you to take the best steps to care for your property. A home is likely one of the largest purchases that you will make in your lifetime. It is important to ensure that you continue to care for your property after you have made the purchase in order to improve its value and keep it in good condition. Our experienced team at Premier Utah Real Estate can help you to find your dream home. With this appropriate winter home maintenance, you can keep your dream home in superior condition.

Change Furnace Filters

It is important to change your furnace filters on a regular basis. This will help to improve the air quality of the building and ensure that your furnace continues to operate efficiently. It is also important to note that your furnace will see a substantial increase in use over the winter months. Due to this, it is important to change the filters of the furnace when you are preparing your home for the cold winter temperatures.

Check out Drafts

Inspect your home for drafts before your home gets extremely uncomfortable. When there are drafts around your windows or doors, it is a sure sign that you don’t have sufficient insulation. You should ensure that you have these leaks sealed in order to keep your home comfortable during the winter. You may also want to consider adding better insulation throughout your property. This can improve your level of comfort, as well as enable you to reduce your energy expenses during the winter months.

Inspect your Chimney

You are more likely to use your fireplace in the winter than any other time of the year. Due to this, it is essential to ensure that you carefully inspect your chimney before you begin to use it. The chimney will often need to be cleaned prior to use, as well. Taking these steps will go a long way toward improving the safety of your home.

Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Maintenance

Your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors are present in order to keep your property safe. These detectors need to be checked on regularly to ensure that they are able to perform their duty. You should change their batteries and ensure that they are still working as they are supposed to. It is also important to keep in mind that there are many things that can increase the risk of fires during the winter, such as space heater use, so it is important to have a working smoke detector.

Winterize Pipes

When the temperatures drop, it is possible that a frozen pipe can cause devastation to your property. Water damage is extremely difficult and often expensive to repair. By ensuring that you have your pipes winterized, you can minimize the likelihood of a pipe freezing and subsequently bursting. This is especially important for your exterior pipes because they will be more susceptible to the outdoor temperatures.

Clear Driveways and Walkways

When the snow starts to fall, it will be helpful to prevent it from accumulating in the driveway and on walkways of your building. When you are diligent about removing ice and snow from these fixtures, you will substantially improve the safety level of your property. Preventing injuries is beneficial both to protect your family and to protect you from potential liability expenses.

Check Gutters

Your gutter system is an incredibly important and valuable fixture of your home. It serves to effectively guide water away from your home’s foundation. When your gutters aren’t in good condition, it is possible that your home will see a significant amount of damage. It is important to check on the condition of your gutter system, as well as ensure that you clear them of leaves, debris, and other particles. By caring for your gutter system, you can provide additional protection for your home.  

Test Sump Pump

A sump pump is designed to help remove water from your home and prevent flooding. Before the winter weather wreaks havoc on your home, it will be particularly useful to ensure that you test your sump pump and ensure that it is continuing to function as intended. This will allow you to have the appropriate repairs made when necessary before your home sees damage.

Clean Dryer Vents

You also need to clean out your dryer vents on a regular basis in order to protect your home. When you don’t have your dryer vents cleaned, it is possible that the accumulation of lint and debris can increase the likelihood of fires. With the appropriate cleaning, you can help to minimize this risk. This can be a beneficial step to add to your winter home maintenance.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans generally work by redistributing the air in a room. It is well known that heat rises, so your ceiling fan will have a different job in the summer than the winter. By reversing the ceiling fans, you help to distribute warm air throughout the room, rather than cold air. This is often a very simple solution that can substantially improve the comfort level of your home.

Our team at Premier Utah Real Estate is dedicated to providing you with the expertise necessary in obtaining the home of your dreams. When you provide the appropriate maintenance for the building, you will be able to maintain its value and even raise its value over time. This winter home maintenance checklist can go a long way toward reducing issues with your home and protecting its condition. To learn more about how to obtain the right house to meet all of your needs, contact us at Premier Utah Real Estate today!