Homeowners

The Top Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Should Do as the Weather Cools

Cooler winter weather often means a months-long break from yard and garden chores. But as many homeowners know, that doesn’t mean you get a break from other important home maintenance tasks that help keep your home in good condition as cold weather approaches. 

These tasks, which address both the inside and outside of the home, can protect the property from damage that can arise from a sudden rainstorm, freeze, or snowfall.

Think of it this way: a little bit of extra work now can save you a lot of heartburn later.

“Taking the time to do these few tasks ahead of the colder months will set yourself up for a stress-free winter,” said James Marino, general manager of Pinnacle Home Improvements. Here are some of the things you should consider doing before the cold weather sets in.

Clean Out the Gutter

Fall foliage can leave quite the mess on your roof—and in your gutters. Gutters can become clogged with leaves, nuts, and other tree debris as the cooler weather sets in, leading to water damage when winter rain or snow has nowhere else to go.

So, grab the ladder, a pair of gloves, a trowel, and a trash bag, and take an afternoon to clean out those gutters. While it’s certainly not a fun maintenance task, it’s a necessary one. 

“While you’re at it, make sure your downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation. A quick once-over here can prevent costly repairs down the line,” said Marino.

Do a Heating System Checkup

Few things are worse than needing some interior warmth for that first cold snap and finding out that your heating system has gone kaput. But this can be prevented with a little bit of foresight. 

“Whether it’s a furnace or a heat pump, have it serviced by a pro before the temps really drop,” said Marino. HVAC professionals can spot problems before they become too big, and they can give you a heads-up on when your system may need to be replaced, too.

Don’t neglect your system’s filters either. Replace them before winter sets in for better interior air quality and system efficiency.

Switch Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just for warm weather. Most fans include a small switch on the motor that allows you to change the direction of the blades, pushing down the hot air that gathers near the ceiling. 

Reversing the fan’s direction is an easy way to boost the efficiency of your home’s heating system, especially in rooms with vaulted or extra-high ceilings.

Shut Off Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

Marino warns against forgetting to turn off any outdoor sprinklers or faucets. “Shut them off, drain any remaining water, and cover them with insulated caps to avoid freezing and burst pipes,” Marino said. “It’s a quick job but one that can save you a huge mess.” 

However, if you live in a climate that gets the occasional freeze (rather than a months-long one), you might not need to shut off all your outdoor faucets. Instead, keep an eye on the weather and leave the faucets dripping during any cold snaps.

Look For Drafts

Don’t pay more for heating than you need to. Spend a few hours looking for drafts in your home and filling them in or covering them. To find drafts, light a tapered candle and bring it to each of the doors and windows of your home. Look for flickering that indicates air movement coming from outside—aka, a draft. 

Once you’ve pinpointed any drafts, “weatherstripping or a fresh bead of caulk can make a world of difference for keeping the heat in and the cold out,” said Marino. 

Protect Plants

Depending upon your climate, managing outdoor flora can go two ways. In colder areas with the potential for ice and heavy snowfall, your home will need to be protected from trees or large shrubs that extend over your home. Branches should be trimmed away from the roof to keep your home safe in the event of any fallen trees from winter storms.

However, plant life in warmer areas should be protected from chillier winter weather, especially if it’s non-native. Bring any tropical plants inside and be ready to cover more weather-sensitive shrubs and plants during freeze warnings.