Preparing A Home For The Winter

When autumn days begin to grow shorter, the leaves change and drop for trees, everyone knows that winter is soon to come. While most people remember to check the heating system or furnace to ensure it is functioning well, there are other tasks that are often overlooked. Taking care of these tasks now can prevent winter disasters later.

Take a quick walk around the house. Ensure all hoses have been removed for outdoor faucets. The water that removes in the hose can freeze back into the faucet causing leaks or even broken pipes. Store the hoses in the garage or basement in order to ensure they are not damaged by freezing weather.

Make sure the outdoor sprinkler systems are turned off. The ground in the area freezes over a foot into the ground in open areas during winter months. Have a professional company blow out the water that remains in the system. Without this service, the homeowner is likely to need to replace expensive sprinkler heads in the spring.

If the furnace has not been serviced, now is the time for preventative maintenance. Having no heat on the first day of freezing temperatures is not good. A breakdown midwinter can leave the home freezing and endanger plumbing. Regular service prevents the normal loss of 5-10% efficiency every year.

Check and change any filters on a regular basis. The air inside the home passes through the filter. A clean filter improves the system efficiency and saves the resident money. Keeping the filters clean may eliminate the need for air cleaners or other appliances.

If there is no carbon monoxide monitor in a home, install one now. Carbon monoxide buildup can be deadly. The closed up home of winter does not allow ventilation to ensure the home is free of these gases.

Having the plumbing and heating systems in a home in top shape ensures they are less likely to be damaged by extreme weather. Preventative maintenance is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. This can ensure greater comfort and safety for the occupants of the home.

By scheduling a check of their roofing Colorado residents ensure the home is ready for the snow load that it must support. The winter is also the toughest season on the roof. The freeze and thaw process is tough on the shingles and the weight of the buildup can add stress to the framing of the home.