The snow we had earlier this week looked so beautiful in our communities and served as a reminder that we’re very much in the middle of winter. With cold temperatures, ice, and snow still upon us, it’s important to make sure your home is well equipped to deal with the harsher conditions. Here are five critical winter maintenance tips to help:
- Tune Up Your Heating System – Acting sooner rather than later is important here, because just like with A/C most people tend to wait until the last minute to have repairs done. Get your system checked regularly and if something seems off, call a professional. You don’t want to find yourself waiting for a technician to have an appointment when it is the coldest day of the year.
- Have Your Chimney Checked – Fireplaces are beautiful and so inviting, but must be maintained. Have your chimney checked and serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year to guard against chimney fires.
- Protect Your Home from Drafts – Realtor.com goes into great detail to explain the ways in which you can draft proof your home from the winter chill. This is vital not only to make sure your home is well insulated and comfortable, but it also will help protect you from skyrocketing energy bills in the winter.
- Cover All Outdoor Furniture – If you have a grill, keep a good cover on it as well as any other outdoor furniture (such as patio furniture). Snow and cold temperatures can damage wood over time, metal will eventually rust, and plastic can harden and crack. Taking the time to cover all outdoor furniture will not only save your furniture, but save your wallet as well.
- Snow and Ice Safety – We all know how slippery things can get with snow and ice so make sure you’re taking the proper precautions, such as dressing appropriately, giving yourself extra time to get around, and taking it slowly.
As we trudge through the winter months keeping an eye on home maintenance will go a long way to ensuring you can enjoy the better parts of winter, like having hot chocolate and cookies with your family and neighbors!