Here in the northern hemisphere, we’re currently entering the coldest and snowiest time of year. This is a great time to take preventative measures to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long. There are plenty of things you can do for easy home maintenance that will save you time and money all season long. Here are some tips to consider before winter arrives.
Preparing for winter
The best way to prepare for winter is to keep your home cozy and warm. In the colder months, more people turn up the heat in their homes, but all that extra heat can have a negative effect on your heating bill. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save on heating costs this season.
First off, check your insulation! Insulating walls and ceilings will help you save money on heating costs by preventing the loss of heat from escaping through your home’s exterior walls and ceiling. You should also consider investing in a space heater if you don’t have adequate insulation or your home is poorly insulated. Just make sure not to overheat rooms with a space heater, as it could pose a serious fire hazard.
Another way to prepare for winter is to find ways to save energy when cooking and baking at home. This includes using natural light whenever possible instead of turning on an electric or gas stove, using slow cookers or pressure cookers when appropriate, and cooking large meals in big batches so you don’t have to cook multiple times a day.
Make sure you plan ahead before winter arrives so you can take these easy steps for easy home maintenance this season!
Checking your pipes
It’s important to check your pipes for any blockages. You can do this by running water in your sink and checking for any leaks. If you notice any potential problems, call your plumber right away.
Taking care of your windows
One of the best things you can do for your home is take care of windows. If you have older windows, it’s a good idea to apply new window insulation before winter comes. Window insulation kits are cost-effective and will keep your family warmer with less energy use. They are also easy to install.
If you have newer windows that are well sealed, then they should be okay to use as they are. But there are still plenty of other things you can do to maintain your windows all winter long. For example, applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or oil-based sealant on the inside frame is an easy way to prevent accumulating moisture from entering your home. This will also help prevent condensation on the inside of the window and make it easier to remove frost in the morning. Regularly washing your windows will keep them looking great and protect against dirt build-up or water spots as well as small scratches caused by dirt and salt particles during winter weather conditions. It’s also important to make sure any leaks under doors or at baseboards are sealed up tight so that warmer air doesn’t escape outside the house and cold air doesn’t come in through those cracks.
Taking care of your garage door
A garage door is a major investment for any homeowner and it’s one of the most neglected parts of your home. Think about all the time you spend walking past it every day.
If you want to keep your garage door in great shape, it’s important to take care of it. Here are five things you should do to keep your garage door running smoothly during winter:
— Cleaning the tracks: Grime can easily seep into the track and make sliding doors difficult to open or close. Cleaning off the tracks will make sure they function properly when winter comes.
— Checking the tension: If there is too much slack caused by a malfunctioning spring, tension can cause a lot of problems with opening and closing. The last thing you want is for your garage door to get stuck halfway open or closed when you’re in a hurry! To help prevent that from happening, check your tension twice a year.
— Replacing weather stripping: Every few years, replace the weather stripping around your garage door to ensure it lasts longer and keeps out cold air better.
— Replacing old brackets: Old brackets have been known to break due to rust, so be sure they are replaced before winter arrives!
— Pay
How to prepare the yard for winter?
Mulching your garden beds will help them stay cool and moist during the winter months. This is one of the most effective ways to keep your garden alive through winter.
Treating your deck
The deck is one of the most important parts of your house. It’s where you relax, entertain friends and family, and enjoy summer evenings. But during cold weather, snow, or rain it can become slippery and unusable.
Luckily, there are many things you can do to keep your deck safe. Treat the deck with a waterproofing sealant to make it watertight. Cover the deck with insulation if possible. This will prevent drafts from coming up through the floorboards. If you have stairs on your deck, consider installing non-slip mats to make them safer for everyone who walks on them.
There are many easy ways to prepare for winter so that you don’t have any unwelcome surprises when the snow finally arrives!
Raking up leaves
One of the easiest ways to prepare for winter is by raking up leaves. Gathering leaves into one place can also help prevent an infestation of pests that thrive in leaf piles, like spiders and earthworms.
Make sure your gutters are clear.
One of the simplest things you can do to make your home more winter-ready is making sure your gutters are clear. Not only will your gutters need to be running smoothly this winter, but they’re also important for preventing ice dams that can lead to costly home repairs.
To keep them running smoothly, clear out any leaves or debris once a month during the summer. This will help prevent clogs and overflows in the fall. And when it does start to snow, remember the basics: Make sure all leaves are cleared from the roof and gutters so they don’t freeze and create problems.
