Single-digit temperatures and icy water from your taps mark the beginning of winter sports and the holidays.
Like most people, you might be looking forward to curling on your sofa with a hot mug of cocoa.
Besides assuring you of a comfortable stay, preparation will help you to avoid costly repairs. Here’s how to do it.
Table of Contents
1. Maintain The Heating System
Your gas furnace is probably the most critical item in your home when the temperatures drop.
Most heating systems last between 12 and 15 years. However, the lifespan varies depending on its quality and how well you maintain it. Some don’t work after the tenth year, while others keep going even after 20 years.
Before the weather turns icy, make sure that the heater is in brisk condition. If you aren’t an expert, consider asking an HVAC contractor to inspect it.
If the furnace is broken, consider sourcing credible Furnace repair professionals to fix the issue early.
Consider searching in your area, for instance, you might search for furnace repair in Ottawa if you live in Ottawa. Filters are a common cause of broken HVAC systems, so you may want to have them checked.
2. Clean Your Drainage System And Gutters
Winter is often accompanied by rainfall, so you want to be prepared. Although cleaning the gutter isn’t the most comfortable and most exciting task, it will save you more money than you can imagine.
Well maintained channels minimize the need for replacing them and the possibility of roof damage. A clogged gutter not only results in an overflow, but it might stain the roof.
You can do the cleanup yourself or call an expert. If you choose to DIY, start by setting your ladder against the house and ask someone to clutch it for you to avoid accidents.
Use a shovel to scoop the dirt as you damp it into a bin. Finally, use a hose to flush out any remaining debris.
3. Seal The Hard Surfaces And Masonry
Your patio requires some attention too. Concrete patio, driveways, and walkways should be protected.
Apply concrete sealant to all flat exterior concrete surfaces because they tend to develop cracks occasionally.
Spare some time to inspect your concrete and fill any cracks before applying the sealant. That way, water won’t get inside and freeze during winter.
The process helps to prolong the life of your expensive concrete work. If you have an asphalt driveway, now is a great time to reseal it too. If you can’t DIY, consider calling an expert to deal with that.
4. Weatherproof Exterior Pipes
Freezing temperatures might cause severe issues to your external pipes. If pipes freeze, they might crack, and end up losing hundreds of gallons in a day. Not only is this going to raise your water bills, but it can also lead to terrible structural damages.
Check all your pipes for signs of weakness. If you notice moisture on connectors and faucets, there could be severe tear and wear issues.
Turn off your external pipes from the mains and drain all water in the pipes before inspecting for damages.
You can also buy an insulating tape to wrap around exterior piping and channels in the basement. Consider painting your exterior faucet handles a bright color for easier spotting at night or against the snow.
5. Check Your Electrical System
Now that subzero temperatures are upcoming, the last thing you want is to stay in the dark for prolonged periods. It might happen if you have a faulty electrical system.
Before the cold weather sets in, remember to schedule an electrical maintenance tune-up. Inspect the mains for sparking and make sure that brake wires are well insulated.
You can use a multi-meter to test power flow into the electrical circuits. Confirm that wall sockets and extension cord are in good shape.
If you encounter any issues, hire a credible electrician to investigate the problem further. Electrical work requires significant expertise, so you might not achieve much on your DIY endeavor.
As elaborated above, there are several things you can do when undertaking winter home maintenance.
By doing these projects, you will be making your house cozy and thus ideal for hibernating as much as you like when the temperatures drop.
