Winter Maintenance To-Do List
Winter Maintenance To-Do List
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Every year your home needs regular maintenance to stay safe and functional.
Late fall and winter are the best times to perform home maintenance as the signs of deterioration are more apparent than in spring and summer.
In this post, we will go over some key tasks you must do in winter to ensure that your house stays healthy.
Your To-Do List
The following are some tasks you should accomplish in late fall or winter.
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Have a professional examine your heating system.
If you have a furnace or another common heating system, have a professional look at it to ensure it is working properly and does not leak any harmful substances.
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Check out your water pipes.
Take some time and look over your water pipes. If you notice a leak, evident damage, or your water pressure has dropped, you need to have your pipes repaired at once. Frozen water or blockages are a significant threat in winter as they can prevent you from getting water and can cause serious damage.
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Have your fireplace and chimney cleaned?
When the cold weather comes, chances are your fireplace will see heavy use. Make sure there is a clear place for the smoke to go or else it will go back into your living room.
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Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
In the winter, you are more likely to have fires burning and your furnace running. Make sure your home is protected from fire and dangerous gases.
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Test your sump pump
If flooding is common where you live, make sure your sump pump is up to snuff. When the snow outside melts there is a serious chance that the water will seep into your basement. Pour five to ten gallons of water on your sump pump to ensure it is working properly.
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Stock up on non-perishables.
If you get snowed in or stranded, it will give you peace of mind to know you have several weeks of non-perishable food and water. Canned goods and bottled water can make you feel secure in even the harshest winter storms.
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Look for gaps in insulation.
When the cold weather comes, it will be easy to tell where cold air is seeping in. Look for cold spots and plan to insulate accordingly. Also, be sure to insulate any pipes near windows and doors.
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Check for ice dams on your gutters.
You need to make sure that your gutters are clear and free of damage. Large ice dams can easily put undue strain on your gutters and shorten their lifespan.
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Run your ceiling fan in reverse.
Any ceiling fan should have an option to run in reverse. This will help keep the warm air from rising, making your house stay warm more easily.
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Flush your hot water tank.
Sediments and other debris settle in your hot water tank over time. This winter completely flush out your hot water tank to remove this debris. Your water heater will run more efficiently, and your pipes will thank you.
Winter can Damage Your Home
Winter is a beautiful season, but freezing and thawing water and cold air can wreak havoc on your house’s foundations.
Make sure the systems of your house are healthy and that the cold weather is not taking its toll.
You as a homeowner can only do so much. Your community must also do its part to ensure the infrastructure of your neighborhood is up to date and healthy.
At Management Plus, we are the best community managers in Ohio when it comes to putting the health of your house first. We always go the extra mile to ensure that your home is in the best position possible this winter.
Contact Management Plus today to see the difference we can make for your community.