As we enter fall the cold and chilly months of winter are upon us (I am cold just thinking about it!) Just like making sure the kids winter gear still fits, and getting the winter tires put on your vehicle, there is a little bit of proactive maintenance that is recommended to get your home ready for the winter months. As tempting as it is to want to cozy up and put off the chores, these basic things can make a world of difference not only now but in the years ahead when it comes to the preservation of your home.
When most people hear “winterizing your home” they think of the exterior… and for good reason. The exterior is of course the shell of your home, and therefore the first line of defense against all of the elements. Regular maintenance ensures fewer surprises and better long term health. Inspect windows and doors for cracks in caulking or damages to weather striping and replace or touch up as needed. This easy fix that can protect against winter drafts and moisture but not only that it will also help keep energy bills lower! Eavestroughing and downspouts might just be the most important maintenance chore in this article. Giving them a good clean before the cold winter can help provide better drainage for melting snow, which in turn will help to reduce risks of ice dams that can cause damage to your roof.
Most of us are guilty of enjoying a warm summer afternoon sitting on the patio enjoying the warm sunshine with family and friends. If you can find storage space for your outdoor patio furniture I would highly recommend it. While not directly impacting your home – you will get a much longer life if you can store it away from the elements during the colder months.
There are a few things inside our home we can do as well to help this winter. Small changes can lead to big savings when it comes to our furnace’s life and energy bills. Replacing your furnace filter every 1-3 months is a great way to keep air flow moving properly and efficiently. If it’s in the budget, having your furnace serviced can help to ensure everything is running smoothly and no surprise breakdowns might be upon you in the middle of December! We touched on it earlier but filling in any holes that may be allowing for those cold drafts to come into your home working against your furnace. This is a great way to help your furnace not have to work so hard to maintain a cozy temperature in your home.
Winter always brings its share of challenges, but with preparation, your home can face the season with confidence. Think of these tasks not as chores, but as a way of protecting your comfort, investment, and future equity. By doing regular maintenance it helps to ensure fewer surprises, prevent costly repairs, and support the long-term health of your home, both structurally and financially. Set aside time each fall to winterize, you’ll save money, reduce stress, and enjoy the season knowing your biggest investment is protected.
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Isabel Livingston, Sales Representative at Gale Group Realty Brokerage Ltd.