Getting a Jump Start on Winter Maintenance for your Home

Guest Blog #200, Entry #688 October 4, 2011

Last week I was getting my air conditioner fixed for the warm weather, and this week we are pulling out jackets and long sleeved shirts for the cooler weather, here in Jacksonville, Florida. For many of you the cooler Autumn months have already creeped in, and that means winter won’t be far behind. Today’s Guest Blogger gives tips for getting a jump start on winter maintenance for your home.

Before you know it.. winter will be here!

Image courtesy of Criagwood

Winter has a way of sneaking up on many homeowners. There’s nothing worse than being unprepared for cold winter weather when it finally hits. Be ready this year with these home winter preparation tips. You will be ready when Jack Frost comes blowing your home’s direction.

 Is Your Furnace Ready to Keep you Warm?

There is nothing worse than turning on your home’s furnace on the first really cold night in fall and having nothing happen.

1. If it’s been awhile since your home’s heating system has been checked, do it before the cold weather hits. HVAC professionals get booked at that time and you don’t want to be shivering.
2. Make sure the area around your furnace is free of debris and contains no flammable materials.
3. Go to the store and get stocked up on furnace filters and be ready to change them monthly. It keeps your furnace running more efficiently and assures you’re breathing cleaner air.
4. If you haven’t already done it, get a programmable thermostat installed.
5. If you use hot-water radiators to heat your home, bleed the valves.

Seal up air leaks in windows and doors

 No More Energy Leaks!

Is your house drafty? You can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling costs in your home by being sure your energy leaks are plugged, (US Energy Department).

1. Use caulk around cracks and joint areas like windows, door frames, plumbing pipes/fixtures, and even ceilings. You can also install weather stripping around windows and doors. Caulk is great around areas where you need a flexible seal.
2. Other important areas to check for leaks are around electrical outlets, pipes, and vents that go outdoors.  Check more removed places like closets for drafty locations. You might be surprised where you find drafty spots.
3. A big part of your home that can have undiagnosed air leaks are the air ducts. You may want to have an HVAC professional check your ducts and if needed seal and insulate them. It can save you lots of money and wasted energy.

Start now for winter maintenance items on your home

Image courtesy of Pixdaus

 Insulate or Hibernate

Since we don’t hibernate like the bears, it’s never a bad idea to consider putting more insulation in the walls and attack.

Insulation will help your home stay cooler in hot summer temperatures and warmer in the cold winter months. Insulation comes in lots of forms fiberglass to cellulose, rigid foam board , and even spray foam. The best location to add insulation is in your attic, and experts recommend about 12 to 15 inches for the most efficiency.

Get Your Roof Ready

Is your roof ready for 12 inches of wet, cold snow? Are you gutters clear and ready to get unwanted water away from your house? It’s time to check your roof, gutters, and downspouts to be sure they are in good condition and ready to take on Jack Frost.

1. Check roofing to be sure it’s in good repair. Loose shingles should be removed and replaced.
2. Check your gutters and be sure they are clean of any debris.
3. Get out your hose and spray out downspouts to be sure they are ready for water.
4. If you have lots of trouble with falling leaves getting into gutters, consider getting some leaf guards to cover your gutters and keep them free of plant debris.
5. Make sure your flashing is also in good shape. You don’t want water getting into the wrong places.

This post was written by Derek Dasher from YourLocalSecurity.com, your source for ADT home security systems.

For more home maintenance ideas on Stagetecture, click here.