Though temperatures have dipped quite a bit, that doesn’t mean you’re free to ignore winter home maintenance tasks until things warm up. In fact, here are ten winter home maintenance tasks you should tackle after kicking off the new year.
New Year, New Maintenance Schedule: 10 Winter Home Maintenance Tasks to Get Done Today
Although you don’t have to do all these home maintenance tasks right now, it’s a good idea to get started and set a schedule for yourself in the coming months to make sure nothing falls by the wayside. If you’re trying to sell your home in the spring or summer, you’ll be glad you got these ten winter home maintenance tasks out of the way early.
Winter Home Maintenance Task #1: Change Out Your Air Filters
If you have minimal dust in your home and live under normal conditions, you should change the filters in your HVAC system every six months or so but if you live in a home with pets, you should change them out every 90 days.
Winter Home Maintenance Task #2: Have Your Fireplace Cleaned
Have your fireplace cleaned out by a professional and while they’re doing so, ask them to check for debris, cracks, creosote buildup, and birds’ nests, too.
Winter Home Maintenance Task #3: Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries
You should change out your smoke detector batteries at least once a year, and you should check them every month.
Winter Home Maintenance Task #4: Change Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries
While you’re changing your smoke detector batteries, swap out the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors, too. Like your smoke detectors, you should check carbon monoxide detectors once a month.
Winter Home Maintenance Task #5: Check Your Sump Pump, if You Have One
If your home has a sump pump, you should pour a few gallons of water into its pit to make sure it turns on. Most sump pumps last about ten years, so if yours is older, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Winter Home Maintenance Task #6: Look for Air Leaks
Stroll around your home and check for drafts around windows and doors. Even if you don’t feel anything, have a look at caulking and weatherstripping to make sure it’s not cracked or broken.
Winter Home Maintenance Task #7: Do a Visual Inspection of Your Roof
Walk around your home’s exterior and do a visual inspection of your roof. Look for missing shingles or tiles, bald spots on shingles, or debris. If you see anything, call a roofing professional to schedule a free inspection.
Winter Home Maintenance Task #8: Clear Debris From Your Gutters
Climb up on a ladder and clean out your gutters; there may still be debris from the last monsoon season in them. If you can’t do so safely, call in a professional to do it for you.
Winter Home Maintenance Task #9: Check Your Insulation
If your home is getting cooler than usual, particularly at night, you may have an insulation problem. Check out the insulation in your attic and anywhere else that it’s visible; if it appears thin or damaged, you may want to call a professional to check it out for you.
