Winter can be a harsh season, and as well as being hard on sus with all of the rain, snow and ice that makes us feel less than comfortable and cozy, it can also be harsh on our homes too, and that’s why, in the wintertime, it is especially important that you keep a close eye on your home.
That being the case, here are 6 things you should check around the house this (and every) winter:
1.Your Heating System (AKA: The Thing Keeping You Alive)
Before temperatures plummet, make sure your heating system is actually prepared to do its job. Change the filters, dust off vents, and schedule a quick tune-up if it’s been a while. Your heater works hard in winter, and like most of us, it prefers not to be overworked, ignored, or yelled at when it stops functioning on a Monday morning.
2.Insulation: Check the Fluffy Stuff
You may not think about insulation unless you’re renovating, but it’s one of the biggest factors in whether your home stays warm or acts like a giant refrigerator. Peek in the attic, feel around windows and doors for cold drafts, and don’t be shy about adding weather stripping or a door snake. A well-insulated home keeps heat in, bills down, and you happily cocooned.
3.Gutters Matter
Clogged gutters are one of winter’s quiet troublemakers. Leaves, debris, and last month’s mystery sludge can all block water flow, leading to ice dams and roof damage once the freeze-and-thaw cycle kicks in. So, grab a ladder or hire someone braver than you) and clear them out before winter truly settles in.
4.Your Plumbing: Prevent the Big Freeze
Pipes are winter’s favorite victims, and a burst pipe is a chaos level no homeowner wants. Insulate exposed pipes, keep cabinet doors under sinks open during extreme cold, and make sure your outdoor spigots are shut off properly. If you suspect your plumbing system needs more than a quick glance, bring in professionals like Bluefrog Plumbing to inspect and winterize things before disaster strikes. Trust me, nothing ruins a cozy evening like an unexpected indoor waterfall.
5.Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Winter means heaters, fireplaces, and staying indoors more often, so your detectors need to be in top shape. Give them a test, replace the batteries, and make sure you’ve got enough alarms throughout the house. Five minutes of maintenance now could save you from major headaches later.
6.Windows and Doors: The Draft Catchers
It’s never a bad idea to run a hand along window edges and door frames at this time of year. Feel a cold breeze? That’s your heating bill crying. Use caulk, sealant, or draft stoppers close those gaps. It’s a small fix that makes a surprisingly big difference in comfort (and cost).
You can’t stop winter from coming, but you can stop it from causing any serious harm to your home by making these simple checks and fixing any problems you find when you do.
