5 Basic Home Maintenance/Improvement Tips for This Winter

As fall ends and winter begins, the time comes to put away the rakes and the lawn mower and start preparing your home for the cold temperatures ahead. But winter is not the time to hibernate from home repairs. There are still tasks to be done to maintain your home. Here are five basic tips to help keep your home in tip-top shape this winter.

1. Detach Your Garden Hoses

Leaving your garden hoses attached to your exterior hose bibs can cause problems when freezing temperatures arrive. Water in your hose can back up into your plumbing as it freezes, which could cause your water pipes to burst. Even hose bibs that are “anti-freeze” still suggest removing hoses during freezing temperatures. Detach your garden hoses to prevent damage to your plumbing.

2. Cover Your Gutters

Gutters are often neglected because they are out of reach for homeowners, especially homeowners with two story homes. Falling leaves can clog downspouts with little effort, leaving your home’s rainwater to spill over the side of the gutter like a waterfall. This may not seem like a major problem, but puddled rain water can also creep up under your shingles and leak into your home. When clogged gutters are left uncorrected, you could end up spending a lot of money repairing water damage. Keep your gutters from clogging by installing gutter guards, like Gutter Magician NKY. Or, if you’re nervous about climbing on a ladder, have them professionally installed. Keeping your gutters clear is an easy way to prevent pricey home repairs.

3. Adjust Your Furnace Flow

During the summer, most air conditioning units direct the flow of cold air to the top floor for a consistent temperature throughout your home. The cold air will fall, thus cooling your top floor as well as your main level. When temperatures get chilly, however, you need to switch the direction of this flow. Heat should be directed to the bottom floor, so it can rise to the top. Many homeowners forget to adjust this flow, causing their second story to be extremely hot, while their main level is freezing. Do yourself a favor, keep your utility costs low, and direct your hot air where it’s needed most.

4. Reverse Ceiling Fans

During winter, switch your ceiling fans to rotate clock wise. This will cause an updraft and push the hot air near the ceiling down towards the ground. This is especially helpful if you have vaulted ceilings. Put your fan to use and get the most out of your heater this winter.

5. Caulk Around Windows

If your windows are constantly letting in freezing temperatures, seal them up with a bead of caulking. Remember to use silicone caulking on exterior leaks since it’s more resilient to temperature changes. Keep those icy winds outside where they belong by sealing up any leaks.

Properly maintaining a home will help keep utility bills down, and will prevent major problems arising because of neglect. Your winter will be a lot more bearable because you have taken the time to take care of your home. Follow these five tips to proactively take care of your home this winter.