Texas Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

In the Winter, "colder" months here in Texas we may not have to prepare as much for 12" of snow. We still should prepare our homes for the climate change and if anything, as an opportunity to check up on our home. Here are a few tips for your Texas Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts to protect exterior surfaces and keep water out of the basement

• Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk to reduce drafts and to keep the heat in

• Inspect roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents-putting this off can be detrimental and disastrous

• Repair damaged sidewalks, driveways, and steps-look for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, loose railings on steps, disintegration of asphalt, or washed-out materials on loose-fill paths-these may not seem dangerous now but if it gets cold and icy out they can be hazardous

• If you tend to get freezing temperatures, drain and winterize all outdoor faucets and irrigation systems-it’s easier than dealing with a busted pipe later!

• Clean or replace dirty/old furnace filters-filters that are clogged can make it harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature and can increase your utility bills during the winter months

• Have a professional inspect your HVAC system

• Check fireplaces for build-up; hire a professional chimney sweep (better)-accumulations in a flue or chimney can result in a devastating chimney and/or house fire

• Inspect any gas-fired room heaters-an improperly maintained gas heater can spew poisons into the air of your home, which can be very dangerous

• Inspect wood stoves before firing up-cracks in wood-stove-stovepipes can release toxic fumes into your home,  so check for corrosion, holes, or loose joints often