12 Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Follow the Winter home maintenance tips to lower utility bills and protect the home.

1. Schedule a HVAC tune up to ensure the system is working to the maximum efficiency, and clean or replace furnace filter.
2. Set the heat no lower than 55 degrees and open doors to unoccupied rooms.
3. Repair damaged roof shingles for as low as $95 according to CostHelper.com.
4. Inspect and if needed seal chimney and vent stack flashing.
5. Caulk around windows and doors.
6. To prevent damage to roofing, siding, and wood trim clean the gutters.
7. Divert water by adding extensions to downspouts.
8. Disconnect exterior hoses, turn off the water, and drain the pipes to avoid pipes freezing and bursting.
9. Drain the sprinkler system.
10. Wait to prune trees and shrubs until late Winter just before Spring growth.
11. Make sure the sump pump is working properly by pouring several gallons of water into the sump pit and testing that it turns on. The lifespan of a sump pump is around 10 years.
12. Stock salt or ice melt.

Stay Warm!