Now that the first touch of winter is here, there are some winter home maintenance chores that need to be done outside before the really cold weather strikes. After all, a lot of us may soon face brutal cold, mountainous snow, punishing winds, crippling power outages… you know, the really “fun” stuff.
Luckily the following home maintenance tips for winter will help you get the outside of your home ready now—before that inevitable cold snap hits. After all, the better prepared you are, the less you’ll have to fear this winter!
Snow and ice removal
Make sure you have a snow shovel in good working order; if not, now is the time to replace it. Lay in an ample supply of sand and ice melting products to reduce the slipping hazards on your steps and walkways. Do you have a snow blower and is it working well? Make sure you have fresh fuel for it! Also, check any handrails on exterior stairs and make sure they’re safe and secure.
Lighting
Consider the lighting around your home. Is there enough to see by during those long winter nights? Good illumination will help prevent spills due to unseen icy patches. Motion sensors and automatic daylight shut-offs can minimize their impact on your utility bills.
Gutters and downspouts
Check that gutters are securely fastened to the house; the extra weight of snow and ice can pull them loose. Make sure all of the gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and other debris. Wet leaves are heavy and can prevent melting snow from draining; water that pools and then freezes will expand and could damage your gutters. It can also lead to dangerously large icicles.
Air Conditioner
No, you won’t need to use it for a few months! But be sure to protect it from the ice and snow with a custom fitting AC Cover! Just remember to remove the cover before you flip your AC to cool next summer.
Trees
Have an arborist check your trees for dead or dying limbs that might come crashing down with the first major storm. Trim any branches that might rasp across your roof once they’re weighted down with snow or ice.
Remember, as important as it is to prepare for winter outside, don’t forget your family’s comfort and safety inside. Be sure to call Pronto for a comprehensive furnace tune-up so you can get piece of mind and safely wait out those winter storms that will soon be howling outside!
