Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! Follow These Tips Now
Winter is one of the most unpredictable seasons of the year in Maryland. So much can go wrong, especially in colder states such as this one.
Facing a winter without practicing good cold-weather home maintenance in Arnold, MD can not only leave you uncomfortable, but could also become dangerous. Don’t get caught unprepared during the winter months.
A Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
This winterizing checklist of energy-saving winter tips and winter home improvement ideas can help ensure you have everything you need to see you through the cold and get your home ready for inclement weather.
Your Home’s Exterior
Check these tasks off of your list for the exterior of your home. You will thank yourself next spring.
- Trim tree branches away from your home and electrical service wires.
- Avoid water damage by adding dirt where necessary to ensure rain and snow melt drains away from the foundation.
- Aerate the lawn, reseed, and apply winter fertilizer.
- Remove attached hoses, drain them, and store them for the winter season.
- Turn off the water to outdoor faucets.
- Inspect outdoor lighting, outdoor electrical outlets, and holiday lights before the holiday season comes.
- Clean any clogged gutters and inspect downspouts before the first cold snap.
- As winter approaches, inspect handrails and walkways.
- Check fuel supply if you have a propane or fuel oil furnace
- Stock up on de-icing materials
- Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles
- Check the flashing at the chimney, walls, and skylights
- Clean the leaves from your yard
- Check and clean all exhaust vents and openings and make sure they’re covered to prevent birds or pests from getting in
- Drain and winterize your sprinkler system, fountains, and swimming pool
- Store or cover your outdoor furniture
- Wrap up any outdoor home improvement projects you won’t be able to work on in the winter
- Check your windows and doors to ensure they are sealed against the cold air so you will stay warm
Tools, Equipment, And Machinery
While these are also part of the exterior tasks, tools, equipment, and machinery need extra care before the cold weather sets in.
- Clean and store all gardening tools
- Clean and store the lawnmower
- Inspect the snowblower and prep it for use by changing the oil and spark plug
- Move the snow shovels to where they can be easily accessed.
Items For Your Home’s Interior
These winter home improvements will save you money as well as protect your family and your investment.
- Schedule an inspection of your HVAC system or heating system, and install a new air filter to ensure you have warm air all winter.
- Have a chimney sweep clean the chimney and test the flue system and damper. A good fireplace can save on heating bills.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to make sure they work.
- Clean the whole house humidifier and replace the evaporator pad.
- Remove window air conditioners or winterize them before the winter weather hits.
- Reverse the fan blade rotation on your ceiling fans during the colder months, so the blades rotate clockwise.
- Flush the water heater tank and hot water heater to remove sediment, and check the pressure relief valve to make sure it works.
- Look for air leaks in the exposed ductwork and seal them with duct tape or a fresh coat of mastic to save on energy bills.
- Check windows, storm windows, and entry doors for drafts and install new weather-stripping or caulk where needed on window frames to save on energy costs.
- Keep things energy efficient and avoid frozen pipes by insulating exposed plumbing pipes and installing an insulated blanket on your water heater.
- You can also enjoy lower energy bills if you insulate exterior wall outlets and switches using foam-sealing gaskets.
Items To Buy For The Home
Don’t get caught in a winter storm or frigid temps without these! Extra batteries may be needed during heavy snow. You may also need:
- Flashlights and candles.
- Blankets and warm clothing.
- Bottled water (1 gallon of water per person per day with enough for four days).
- First aid kit.
- Battery-powered portable AM/FM radio.
- Cell phone.
- List of emergency contact phone numbers.
- Non-perishable food items.
- Pet food and additional water for pets.
- Four-day supply of medications.
- Manual can opener.
- Paper plates, disposable cups, and plastic utensils.
Trust Thompson Creek Window Company With Your Home Winterizing Needs In Arnold, MD
Winter will be here before you know it, so don’t put off anything on this winter checklist for the home. The more you can get done before old man winter arrives, the better off you’ll be. If your windows are a major cause of heat loss in your home, then maybe it’s time you considered having them replaced. Preparing your home for winter is essential.
Thompson Creek’s window experts can custom-manufacture Energy Star-certified windows for your home that will help improve its energy efficiency and overall comfort level. For more information or to receive a free quote for your new window installation, contact Thompson Creek today at 301-880-4474!