Best Home Maintenance Checklist for Winter 2024
The winter arc is here….
When it comes to anything, setting goals is the first thing you should do to get things done properly; if it is home maintenance, it’s a wearying task. It‘ll be easier to prevent potential issues during winter than get it to the point of fixing appliances and other things. With all the work we have already, understanding and finding a way to keep your house well-maintained can be a challenge. Here is a blog that will lessen your burden of thinking about what to do next.
Comfort and Energy Efficiency: Ultimate Goals
Managing household chores in winter is a big task in itself, as dust, dampness, and mold can make your home dirty. To make things easier, follow this checklist and make sure your place remains warm throughout the season.
Proper insulation
Has your house been properly insulated?
Check these things…
Seal windows and doors properly- coldness and moisture can't enter your home easily. You can also use dehumidifiers which can reduce cold air and dampness inside the home.
If there are pipes exposed to cold weather then wrap them with insulation material to prevent them from freezing, especially in regions with lower temperatures. This will help avoid costly repairs from burst pipes during the winter.
Insulate your home well so that the retained heat will make your home warmer and reduce the load on heating systems.
Heating systems
Hot showers are a must during winter, especially for the elderly, who are more affected by the cold. So check if the geyser works well, if not get it fixed by a professional before the cold sets in. Consider insulating your water heater tank to improve efficiency.
Consider cleaning or replacing air filters regularly as blocked filters can reduce airflow, making the system work harder and consume more energy. Routine maintenance helps avoid breakdowns during very cold days.
Pest Problems
Winter makes our home cozy for rodents and other pests looking for warm places to shelter. If you find any gaps and cracks, that too around doors, windows, and utility pipes. Seal these entry points and doing routine pest control before the winter season will control pest issues.
Electricity Overload or power outages
From fans to water heaters, electricity usage during winter becomes high, and it’s easy to overload circuits, leading to power outages. In order to avoid overloading electrical circuits, don't plug too many appliances into one outlet at a time, especially heavy-duty ones like heaters or air conditioners.
Protect Outdoor Equipment
If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit or any such outdoor equipment, cover it with a protective sheet to shield it from the weather. This will help maintain its functionality when warmer months return.
Air quality concerns
Indoor air can become dry and stuffy during winter due to heating systems. So using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and prevent dry skin and respiratory issues. Air purifiers help reduce allergens, dust, and other pollutants too. Good ventilation is necessary to avoid the chances of mold growth as shutting all the places can be tempting during this time. Open windows for a few minutes daily, and use exhaust fans in bathrooms.
Washing and Drying Laundry: Washing and drying heavy clothes takes a longer time during cold weather. Positioning a ceiling cloth hanger near a heat source will help your clothes get dry faster.
Managing Energy Bills
With increased use of heaters, water heaters, and other appliances, electricity bills can spike during winter. Using energy-efficient appliances, turning off devices when not in use, and layering clothes instead of relying solely on heaters can help reduce costs.
Garden maintenance
Winter is not an active time for many plants, but it’s beneficial to clean fallen leaves and prune any plants that need it. Trim any overhanging branches near your home or power lines to prevent damage during storms. Clean and store garden tools and furniture to protect them from rust and weather damage. If indoor storage is not possible, use waterproof covers.
Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Prepare an emergency kit that includes essentials like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, and blankets. This is especially important during the winter months when power outages may occur due to storms.
Keeping track of home maintenance and daily routines can take a lot of work. But by checking these things and doing them right away you can enjoy the beauty of winter without worry.