Winter is finally here! In the United States and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, winter begins on December 21st in 2022, which is also the winter solstice! If you’re a first-time homeowner, you may be wondering what you should do to prepare for the change in seasons. Below, we’ve shared some of our top winter preparation tips to keep your home cozy, warm, and safe throughout the cold months ahead.
Why Is Winter Maintenance Important?
If you’re a first-time homeowner, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to winter maintenance. Winter brings brutally cold temperatures, snow, and freezing conditions. It’s important that you prepare your home for the cold weather ahead to protect it from damaging conditions and keep it safe and comfortable for your family.
How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
The beginning of winter is one of the most crucial times of the year for home maintenance. Get your home ready for the cold weather ahead by checking off the following tasks on your to-do list:
- Insulate pipes: Make sure that your water pipes are well-insulated. Pipes can freeze and burst during the winter, resulting in costly repairs. Make you thoroughly check all pipes, including those located in your attic, crawlspace, or basement.
- Drain sprinklers and shut off outdoor faucets: If you have a sprinkler system, you’ll want to hire someone to drain it for winter or read up on the manufacturer’s recommendations and do it yourself. You’ll also want to turn off all shut-off valves for your outdoor faucets.
- Trim trees and cut back perennials: Cut back overgrown tree branches, especially those growing above your roof and powerlines or close to your home. You’ll also want to trim your perennials to protect them from winter frost.
- Have your furnace serviced: Now is a good time to get your furnace serviced if you haven’t already. Having your furnace maintained is important not only for safety reasons but also to make sure that you’re not overspending on energy costs.
- Seal gaps and cracks: Protect your home from drafts and cold air. Seal gaps and cracks with caulk or weather stripping. Replace any pieces of siding that are damaged or missing.
- Have your roof inspected: Winter storms can cause major damage to your roof. Make sure that your roof is in good condition by having it inspected by a professional.
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