
5 Housekeeping Items to Remember as Winter Gets Colder

As the temperature drops and the snow starts to accumulate, it’s important to make sure your home is ready for the winter weather. Not only does this ensure that you and your family stay warm and comfortable, but it can also help prevent costly damages and repairs. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of five housekeeping items to remember as winter gets colder.
Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can be a nightmare to deal with, which puts them high on the list of housekeeping items to remember this winter. First, insulate your pipes in unheated areas like your basement, garage, and attic. Second, keep the temperature in your home above 55 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. Third, run a trickle of water through your faucets during extreme cold weather to keep the pipes from freezing. Don’t neglect your plumbing system during the winter. This often goes overlooked, but keeping water flowing when temperatures freeze will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
This may not sound like a job you want to do during cold weather, but it’s important to clean your gutters and downspouts before winter sets in. Why? When gutters and downspouts are clogged with leaves, debris, and dirt, water can’t flow properly and can lead to water damage on your roof, walls, and foundation. Plus, when water freezes in your gutters, it can cause them to pull away from your home, which can be costly to repair. So, grab a ladder and some gloves and clean those gutters and downspouts!
Seal Windows and Doors
Did you know that up to 30% of your home’s energy can escape through drafty windows and doors? That’s a lot of money wasted on heating bills! To prevent this from happening, make sure to check all your windows and doors for drafts and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking. You’ll be amazed at how much warmer your home will feel and how much lower your heating bills will be. Plus, sealing your windows and doors can also help keep out any unwanted critters trying to escape the cold.
Check Your Heating System
The last thing you want is for your furnace to break down during the middle of a snowstorm. To avoid this, make sure to get preventative HVAC maintenance done by a professional before winter arrives. This will ensure that it’s working properly and efficiently, and will help prevent any unexpected breakdowns. It’s also a good idea to change your furnace filter every three months to keep it running smoothly. Frequent furnace checks throughout the winter will also help you make sure it is running efficiently.
Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms can knock out power for hours or even days, so it’s important to be prepared. Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and flashlights. Plus, if you have a generator, make sure it’s in working condition and keep extra fuel on hand. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place for how you will stay warm if the power goes out for an extended period of time.
By taking the time to prepare your home for winter, you’ll not only stay warm and comfortable but you’ll also prevent costly damages and repairs. Remember to clean your gutters and downspouts, seal windows and doors, check your heating system, protect your pipes, and prepare for power outages. With these housekeeping items to remember solidly in mind, you’ll be ready for whatever winter weather comes your way!
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