Welcome Home! Let’s Chat About Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Winter is definitely here! Colder temperatures, ice rain, snowfalls and unpredictability seem to reign in this El Niño year, so here are a few tips and tricks to keep your home in tip-top shape in preparation for spring.

Inspect Your Gutters and Clear Ice Dams.

Hopefully, a fall clean up ensured that your gutters are free of debris such as leaves and branches. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which may cause water damage to your roof and interior spaces if left unchecked. If you didn’t clear your gutters, it’s never too late to do so during a thaw. You might want to consider installing roof heater coils in areas that tend not to see the sun and accumulate ice and snow.

Check and Service Heating Systems.

Being without heat suddenly on a chilly winter’s day is awful and can be dangerous! Schedule a professional inspection and service for your heating system as soon as possible before or during winter. This includes checking your furnace, fireplace, and any other heating appliances to ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently.

Seal Drafts and Insulate Windows.

Cold drafts can significantly increase heating costs. Booking an Eversource Energy Audit is a great way to find out where winter heat (and summer cooling) is leaking out. Inspect windows and doors for drafts and use weather-stripping or caulking to seal any gaps. You can also consider additional insulation to windows and doors to keep your home warm.

Protect Pipes from Freezing.

Frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive damage. Although generally running water through the pipes daily can alleviate most issues, it’s still a good idea to insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home. It’s also good practice to allow faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold temperatures to prevent freezing.

Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors.

Winter often brings an increased risk of fires and carbon monoxide leaks due to heating systems and fireplaces. If you haven’t already, test your detectors regularly and replace batteries to ensure they are in proper working order.

Prepare for Power Outages.

The bane of our New England existence is the certainty of power outages! Get prepared by stocking up on essentials like flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items. Create an emergency kit that includes blankets, first aid supplies, water, and any necessary medications. Consider investing in a generator or an alternative power source to keep essential appliances running during power outages.

Regular maintenance and preparation can go a long way to ensure a safe and comfortable home during the winter months. If you’re thinking of selling your home, chat with me today to explore some sale-ready, freshening-up tips you can undertake while stuck inside during the winter months. From my cozy home to yours, I wish you continued warmth – it’s cold out there!