Winter Home Cleaning Tips

If your pipes and gutters are full, then water can’t run down them to get off your roof. And you don’t want water or even worse, snow, sitting on top of your roof unless you really want some leaks! Cleaning them in the fall will help you not get leaks during the winter.

Trimming Weak Branches from Trees – 

When snow starts to fall, it’s best to not have a lot of weak branches on your trees because they have more of a chance of breaking under the weight. Trimming them off  is the best way to make sure they don’t break off from the weight of snow.

Changing your Air Filter  – 

It’s always best to change out your home air filters at least every three months. And by the time winter comes around, you’ll want to change out your air filter from fall! Changing it out during the beginning of winter will help reduce the allergens airborne from the air inside the house. Plus it can help lower the amount of energy needed to heat your house.

Use Window Film on Your Windows -

If you've never heard of window film, you're missing out. Not only does it help with privacy, but it can help lower your energy bills too. Basically how window films work is they let in the light but block UV rays which can be harmful. They also block the heat from the sun, helping to keep the house at an even temperature. Normally this is done by professionals so if you're in the Atlanta area like me, I recommend UHS Window Tinting and Blinds. They service all the way up to Woodstock too so they have a large service area.

Check Your Heating System

If you're not a fan of your furnace breaking down on the coldest day of the year, then hiring a contractor to check over your furnace when winter starts is a good idea. They can make sure it's working right and doesn't need any repairs for the upcoming cold.

If your fans are equipped with a reverse switch, have them go in a clockwise direction to help draw the heated air downwards.

Make sure your attic is weatherized and is insulated enough to prevent air leaks. The best way to do this is to hire a contractor to make sure nothing is missed and to look for attic cleaning services.

Make sure to check the roof for any missing shingles that could possibly make a leak. After all, repairing a few shingles is more manageable than replacing a roof in the winter; you can learn more here.

Basements are notorious for letting in lots of cold. Caulking around the windows and doors in the basement will help keep the cold out.

If you extend the downspouts to keep them away from the foundation of your house, it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Make sure to disconnect your outside water hoses and draining the water still in the faucets. By doing this, you are lowering the chance of your pipes bursting when the water expands to ice in the winter. That also means to drain your sprinkler system. Sprinklers can actually freeze too so call a professional to drain the system for you.

It's never a good idea to keep your lawn mower outside during cold weather. The fuel inside will start to harm the carburetor which can make it not start up in the spring. It's best to store your mower in a barn or a shed through the winter to keep it from the elements. 

Before starting a fire, make sure to clean out the chimney to ensure carbon monoxide doesn't get into the house and to keep chimney fires from starting.

I hope with the winter already upon us that these winter home tips will help you keep your home ready and warm!