If you’ve ever visited a home that’s been sitting for a long time without receiving proper care, then you probably understand that homes require time and attention. You can’t just live in a house without making the necessary repairs throughout the year. It’s especially important to prepare your home for winter in advance because it can become a more difficult task after temperatures drop. Below are some of the steps you can take to get your home ready for the winter.
- Inspect Your Heating System
One of the most important things you’ll need to do is make sure the HVAC system is working properly. Maintenance should start with a heating system inspection to see if there are any areas that require immediate attention. An inspection is actually something that should be performed by a professional to ensure your family’s safety because there are dangerous components and important requirements. A professional inspection and maintenance in advance will also reduce the possibility of incurring significant costs down the road when you least expect it.
Depending on your home, you may need furnace repair services since the winter often requires the use of more heat. Services provided will likely include changing filters and making sure there are no safety hazards. If you have a heating and air conditioning unit that’s connected, you may also need to search for “heat pump repair near me”. It’s always best to ensure the inspection and services provided are completed in the fall because the cost of services tends to rise in the winter. Unfortunately, there tends to be a lot of people in need of emergency HVAC services to deal with frigid temperatures in the winter.
- Seal the Exterior of Your Home
It almost goes without saying that winterizing your home involves sealing the exterior of your house, including all windows and doors. This is especially important for wooden surfaces that can easily deteriorate if they are not properly protected. What usually prevents wood in these areas from rotting is the use of paint and caulk. Failure to properly treat wood surfaces can result in extensive damage caused by water and moisture. It’s unfortunate to incur exorbitant costs that could have been avoided with proper insulation. This is often considered a do-it-yourself project for many homeowners, but you may need the help of a carpenter to make sure it’s done properly.
In addition to preventing deterioration, you can also save a lot of money by insulating doors and windows. If you end up securing the services of a carpenter and you have a deck, that’s another wood surface that should be treated before the winter arrives. Wooden decks are known to rot if they are not properly treated because they absorb water. This isn’t something that has to occur on an annual basis, but your deck should be inspected to make sure there are no issues.
- Cover Patio Furniture
If you enjoy spending time lounging on your patio, you’ll want to protect it to avoid water and moisture damage. This should be on your checklist of things to do before the rainy season starts. Even if you don’t live in a region where it rains frequently, your patio furniture should be covered during those months when it’s not in use. Patio furniture can be costly and covering everything in advance can save you money in the long run.
While all of the above-referenced tasks should be performed before winter arrives, the most critical is the HVAC inspection and any associated repairs. Not only will you ensure your family has heat during the winter, but you’ll also ensure their safety. With some exceptions, HVAC repairs are not something that you should attempt to do on your own because of the dangers involved. It’s best to find someone that you can trust to provide regular service.