Winter is Coming. Here’s How to Get Your Home Ready For Winter 

As the days become shorter and the temperatures drop, you may begin to think about the forthcoming holidays and curling up underneath a warm blanket indoors. But before you begin sipping hot chocolate, you should complete a few maintenance tasks first. Here are five home improvement projects to consider before settling in for the long winter.

Insulate Your Windows and Doors

If your windows and doors contain any air leaks, winter drafts will drive up your utility cost and interfere with the comfortable atmosphere you desire inside your house while it’s chilly outside. However, according to the US Energy Department, decreasing drafts may reduce your home’s energy expenditures by up to 20% annually while also keeping your living area more pleasant. Hire a Virginia renovation professional to re-caulk your windows and doors and install weather stripping to avoid heat loss and water damage.

Check Your Heating System

To keep your heating unit functioning well throughout the winter, perform some simple maintenance. Check the furnace filter and replace it if it appears unclean. It’s best you replace the filter every three months at the absolute least. It’s also smart to get your furnace inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year.

Check Your Fireplace and Chimney

There’s something wonderful about a warming fire on a chilly winter night, but you should first clean your chimneys, vents, and fireplace. Schedule a professional chimney sweep to clean and check your fireplace and chimney. If you use a gas fireplace, examine your flue and chimney for any obstructions. A specialist will also check for leaks in the gas pipes and vents and make any required repairs.

Clean Out Your Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged downspouts or gutters can cause ice dams or foundation damage, which can lead to costly repairs. Clean your gutters to clear gunk, twigs, and leaves. Check whether the gutters are drooping and catching water, tighten downspout brackets and gutter hangers, and replace any old or broken parts.

Repair Patios and Pavers

A loose paving stone or patio stone will only worsen during the winter as the soil’s natural freeze-thaw cycle hoists it farther out of position, a process known as frost heave. Contact a repair professional to restore any loose patio stones.

Taking the effort to prepare your house for winter and do simple home maintenance might help you limit the extent of damage caused by winter storms or possibly avoid damage altogether. You may feel more prepared to face the winter months after winterizing your house.