3 Simple Tasks to Protect Your Home in Winter

Your house needs to be prepared for cooler weather, but even though winter has arrived, it isn’t too late to winter-proof your home. Here are a few annual home maintenance tasks to help you avoid costly repairs.

Protect Your Floors

Moisture, salt, and dirt brought in from the street can cause damage to your front or mudroom entrance flooring over time. Moisture left on marble floors can leave stains, and salt or dirt on wooden floors can leave scratches. Ensure you have a thick carpet or mat at your front door entrance to help you avoid these problems.

Check Furnace Fan Belt

Your furnace fan is the main component of your entire system, here are a few ways to tell if it requires a repair or maintenance.

• Loud operating noise — an odd screeching sound coming from the machine could mean the belt is loose. Whereas a banging or heavy rattling sound could indicate something inside is broken.
• High energy bill — if you’re noticing an increase in your electricity bill, your system may be working overtime and require inspection.
• Burning smell — your HVAC system can overheat if there is an electric issue.

Check Water Heater for Leaks

If you have a leak, you’ll likely notice it near the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. Minimal dripping may not be an issue, but excess water on the ground is a clear sign of damage. There are alarm systems that can help detect if there is a leak, some of which include a shut off function to prevent further damage.

Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Every month, it is important to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This includes regularly changing the batteries and removing any dust or dirt that builds up around it.

During the winter, you will want to complete these checks more often, as the freezing temperatures may cause a malfunction to occur. While cleaning, avoid using a wet or damp cloth, and lightly brush away the dust. You can even use a soft air compressor to blow away the debris. Finally, hit the “test” button located on the system to ensure it’s working well.

If you would like to stay on top of your home maintenance on a month-by-month basis, we have a homeowners maintenance program available on our website.