Prepare Your Home for Winter with These Essential Tasks

Winter is Coming ... Our Friends at the DIYGuys are Here to Make Sure Your Home is Ready!

Whether you love or hate winter, one thing is certain: your home needs to be prepared. Not only can the cold weather itself affect many aspects of your property, but if a storm hits, it can cause severe damage that comes with a high price tag. However, preparing your home can help you avoid some of these serious problems. Transparent Cleaning Co. outlines some tasks to prioritize as you get your home ready for the cold winter months: 

Take care of the lawn. 

Before the first frost hits, make sure you’ve mowed your lawn one last time. Don’t mow it too short, however. Many homeowners make the mistake of doing this, and it can make it more difficult for the grass to recover after the cold months. Generally speaking, two to three inches is a good height for the last mow of the season. 

Clean debris from gutters.

Sticks, leaves and other debris can quickly collect in gutters. Clean Break Home Services points out that if you don’t clear them out, you could be looking at some serious water damage during winter, such as ice dams building on the roof and causing major leaks. Also, make sure the downspouts are clean and pointed away from the home to prevent flooding and other basement issues. 

Have your windows cleaned.

Cleaning your windows is a great idea any time of the year. As the weather starts to get chilly, getting them nice and clean will not only ensure you get as much sunlight as possible in the winter, but you'll also see any cracks or chips in windows that you may need to get fixed. Call on Transparent Cleaning Co. to get the job done right!

Evaluate the water heater.

Few things are less pleasant than your shower water suddenly turning ice cold. To decrease the chances of this happening to you, look over your water heater before winter comes. If it looks like it’s seen better days, it might be time to replace it. As you look for a professional who can handle this job, you may consider this app that sets you up with video chats with prospective contractors in real time. Soon you’ll have a pro visiting for repairs, allowing you to get things done smarter starting with a simple tap. 

Evaluate the electrical. 

Electrical power is also something that you don’t want to go out when the temperature drops. F.H. Furr notes that it’s a good idea to have an electrician come out for a tune-up. This might include things like checking the main panel and breaker wires, testing circuits for power flow, and looking over all receptacles and extension cords.

Seal gaps around doors and windows.

One of the quickest ways to rack up a large utility bill and put unnecessary stress on your HVAC is to leave gaps around your doors and windows. Check all your doors and windows (interior and exterior) for any places where heat could escape, and be sure to seal them properly. Use weatherstripping for the interior and caulk for the exterior.

Clear out the dryer vents. 

To help prevent fires and make your home more energy-efficient during winter, it’s important to keep your dryer vents clear. This includes cleaning the lint trap on the front of the dryer as well as the lint vent on the back. Once you clean the lint vent out, run the dryer for about 15 minutes to blow out any remaining debris.

Make a preparedness plan.

Lastly, make sure your household is prepared in the event of a winter storm. Along with ensuring your backup generator works well, you want to have items like these handy around the house:

• 
  Lanterns and flashlights/headlamps
• Battery-operated radio
• Extra batteries for all devices 
• Gloves, thermal blankets, and warm outerwear
• A quality snow shovel and window scraper
• Plenty of water and non-perishable foods

Getting your home ready for winter can save you a lot of trouble when the cold, harsh weather hits. Remember to consider all the tips on this list, and continue to research for other steps that you need to take. Having your property and household prepared will help you to rest easy—and maybe even enjoy—this next winter!

Transparent Cleaning Co. is committed to bringing experience and innovation to protect your home. Contact us today for more information! 719-428-0255