Winter is here! The chillier months of the year are the perfect time to get cozy. But if you aren’t prepared for it, it can be tough on your home. Heavy snow, low temperatures, and strong winds can bring havoc to your home. We’ve put together a list of winter home maintenance tips that will help you prepare.
Check and make sure your heating system is ready
Your heating system is only as good as the service it receives. Without the proper maintenance, the cold weather could cause serious problems such as burst pipes and frozen water lines.
Different heating systems need to be serviced in different ways, so first identify what type of system you have to determine how it should be serviced. A high-efficiency heating system needs to have its PVC pipes cleared of obstructions and debris. If you have a boiler system in your home, be sure to have it cleaned once a year. Gas systems need to be cleaned every 3 years and all the necessary filters should be checked. Filters should be replaced if they are dirty or worn.
If you have a chimney, make sure you have good airflow
If you use your fireplace as a main heat source, make sure it is in perfect condition before the weather starts to really get cold. Hire a cleaning service to inspect the chimney for safety and performance before using it. And make sure to clean out anything left over in the fireplace. Finally, check for any cracks or debris in the chimney, both of which can be dangerous if not taken care of.
Think about getting your pipes ready for the cold
Winterizing your plumbing system is a great way to prevent it from bursting or malfunctioning. Here are a few things to remember to prevent your pipes from freezing:
- Insulating pipes
- Circulate warm water through the pipes
- Turn off outdoor faucets
- Make sure your HVAC unit is working properly
- Turn off the cold water supply while leaving the hot water on
- Use a space heater to keep rooms around your pipes warm
Assemble a winter home emergency kit
Winter storms are dangerous, which is why it’s important to be prepared. Power outages can happen without warning and make it difficult to stay warm and well-fed. Keep a home survival kit handy and in a safe, dry location and stock up on food and water. Ideally, these should include:
- batteries
- blankets and items to keep you warm
- first aid supplies
- flashlights
- bottled water
- non perishable food like canned goods, crackers, etc.
Properly store your lawn and gardening supplies and equipment
When water and snow get in your tools, this can make them stop working properly. It can also lead to the development of rust on metal surfaces that weren’t already rusty. Always remember to store your tools in dry places when they’re not being used.
Preparing your awning for winter
If you have an awning, make sure to remove stuck debris like fallen leaves or twigs to prevent damage or stains when they eventually decay. Give it a gentle clean to get rid of dirt buildup. Use warm soapy water to carefully wipe the fabric, then dry thoroughly before storing it away.
Winter time is also the best time to repair any rips in the fabric since you are less likely to use your awning.
Vertical awnings
If you are looking for a winter solution to keeping the sun’s UV ray out and increasing privacy in your home, consider installing vertical awnings.
One of our bestsellers, the Universal vertical awnings are designed to fit in balconies, pergolas, and facades – attached to either ceilings or walls, depending on the structure.
We would be delighted to answer any questions you have about installing awnings in your home. Please reach out online or at 587-317-6933 to schedule a time to discuss your awning needs.