Winter home care
Why is it important?
Home care during the winter months is very important for maintaining a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient living environment. As temperatures drop, neglecting regular maintenance can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. Freezing temperatures and ice can strain your home’s infrastructure if not properly maintained.
Proper winterization, such as sealing drafts around windows and doors, can significantly reduce heating costs by preventing warm air from escaping. Insulating pipes, especially in unheated areas, helps prevent them from freezing and bursting, which can cause extensive water damage. Ensuring that your heating system is in good working order is necessary for comfort and safety, as well as for preventing carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Roof care is also important to prevent ice buildup that can lead to leaks or structural damage. Additionally, clearing snow and ice from walkways, driveways, and steps reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
Overall, proactive home care in winter helps protect your home from damage, reduces energy expenses, and keeps your family safe and warm throughout the season.
What steps to take during winter?
Start by checking and maintaining your heating system, whether it’s a furnace, heat pump, or space heaters, to ensure it’s running efficiently.
Have a professional inspect your system annually and replace filters regularly to maintain airflow.
Insulate your home to prevent heat loss, focusing on areas like windows, doors, and attics where drafts are common.
Consider adding weatherstripping around doors and windows and using heavy curtains to keep the cold out.
Clean and inspect your chimney or fireplace before use to prevent dangerous build-ups of soot or creosote.
Protect plumbing by insulating pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing, and let faucets drip during extreme cold spells to reduce the risk of bursts.
Clear snow and ice from walkways, driveways, and roof edges to prevent accidents and ice dams.
Taking these steps will help ensure your home stays warm, safe, and efficient through the winter months.
More information on home care during winter:
Ready NC:
www.readync.gov/stay-informed/north-carolina-hazards/winter-weather#:~:text=Winterize%20your%20home%20to%20by,%2C%20neighbors%2C%20livestock%20or%20equipment.
