As a homeowner, it's winter maintenance is imperative... especially if you're facing freezing, challenging weather conditions, or merely concerned about heating costs. Winter weather bring risks, but small, preventative measures can make a big difference—not just in avoiding costly repairs, but by making sure your household is stable and safe. Throwing on your thick socks and cranking the space heater helps, but it doesn't prevent serious damage. By staying ahead of issues like drafts, frozen pipes, and HVAC inefficiencies, you can focus on enjoying the colder months for what they are. After all, a well-prepared home is the foundation for a warm and worry-free winter.
To learn more, we connected with the experts at Frontdoor who staff skilled tradespeople that are available to discuss home questions and concerns via video chat (they're like telehealth, but for your home). If you have any home maintenance issues to address during the next cold snap, don't hesitate to reach out to their vetted, local pros as needed.
Practice Safety First
Make sure your fireplace and chimney are serviced, inspected and clean before using to prevent real hazards including smoke and CO buildup. When safe to use, prevent excess smoke and soot by using only dry, seasoned firewood and gradually building the flame when starting a fire. As an extra security measure when using your fireplace or anytime during the winter season, test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
Optimize Your HVAC Performance
Maintaining your heat source should also be at the top of your list. Change your air filters (per manufacturer’s instructions) to make sure your forced-air system is keeping your home comfortable, warm, and free of airborne allergens. Filters not only ensure good air quality but also keep contaminants out of your heating system, allowing your home to heat at peak efficiency.
Additionally, be sure external wall vents are clear of any snow or ice build-up.
Protect Your Pipes
One of the biggest dangers during extreme cold temperatures are frozen pipes and resulting damage. Take steps to prevent this inside and outside of your home by:
- Unhooking and draining outdoor hoses
- Adding a layer of insulation to pipes vulnerable to extreme cold
- Leave cabinet doors open when you're able to allow heated air to circulate to pipes (definitely worthwhile if you're leaving your home for a weekend and outdoor temperatures are expected to plummet.)
- Letting water drip from faucets, allowing water to circulate and prevent ice blockages
- Locate and identify your home’s main water shut-off valve in case of emergencies.
Prevent and Treat Ice
When the weather gets bad, you'll be happy you planned for a no-slip zone. Have snow and ice removal gear on standby and easily accessible before storms and ice events – ordering online can prevent pre-event rushes. Before attempting to clear ice or snow, create safer outdoor access by using salt or sand where you will work and wearing footwear with traction as well as proper and warm outdoor gear.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Reverse ceiling fan blades to a clockwise direction to circulate rising warm air down into living spaces where it belongs, maximizing energy efficiency and overall comfort. This can be done by either flipping the fan’s directional switch near the pull string or, for modern fans, pressing the button that reverses fan rotation.
Stop Drafts
Check your windows and seal any air leaks or gap around windows and doors that will let in the cold. Insulation matters. Remember that every draft impacts your home's comfort and, ultimately, the heating bills. Consider these strategies to prevent heat loss:
- Replace older, less efficient weatherstripping with new fit-to-measure strips to reduce energy waste. Be sure to first inspect the inside of your door and window frames for any deterioration before applying.
- Shrink-wrapping drafty windows helps create an airtight seal between your window and the inside of your home. Think of this extra layer like double glazing. You can buy a kit or use plastic you may already have at home. Apply double sided tape, then cut a piece of clear plastic to the width of the window. With a hair dryer, blow an inch or two away from the shrink wrap until it condenses, and all wrinkles are gone.
- Caulking will eliminate any gaps around windows and trim where cold air can seep in. Apply a silicone-based product as it is more flexible and better able to withstand temperature extremes.
- Draft stoppers around exterior doors reduce air flow at entryways during the winter months.
