Are you ready for winter? You might have already prepared your jackets, but your home needs attention, too. At Mr. Handyman, our team sees too many of our Denver neighbors run into preventable problems every winter. We’ve got seven tips for your winter home to help you stay ahead of the season. Contact us to schedule a visit for help with these and any other tasks you’ve got on your plate!
Not located in Denver? That’s all right! Our clean-cut, professional crew can help you whether you’re in Statesville, Cornelius, Huntersville, Troutman, Davidson, or anywhere else in the whole Lake Norman area! Leave it to us.
Top 7 Tips for Winter Home Maintenance in Denver, NC
Even if you keep up with regular maintenance for your home, winter poses unique challenges. Take it from a handyman: a winter checklist should always include a few tasks you probably overlook. Always remember:
Keep your home safe and cozy this winter! Contact Mr. Handyman for easy, reliable maintenance services today!
1: Your Furnace Can Fail, Even If Cooling Was Working
You’ve probably been using your HVAC system all summer to keep your home comfortable. However, just because your AC or blower works doesn’t mean your furnace will. They rely on separate systems, and leaving one unused for multiple months can leave it struggling when it’s time to start up again.
Our Tip: When the temperature starts to dip right on the edge of when you’d usually use your furnace, schedule an inspection! This can identify problems before you hit a cold night that leaves you wishing you had heat.
2: Insulation Is About More Than the Attic
When you think of home insulation, you probably think of the fluff in the attic, and you’re right to do so; that’s where most of a house’s insulation is located. However, insulation doesn’t just come from that material. It can also be found in walls, and even the windows and doors you choose can make a difference.
Our Tip: Double-check your insulation levels in the fall, or as soon as you can in winter. If you notice that your windows and doors aren’t doing their work, consider replacing them with more efficient varieties (we can help!).
3: Ice Can Cause Leaks
As the weather turns cold, the water in your pipes can freeze if it’s not properly protected. When water freezes, it expands, which can burst your pipes. However, if the water stays frozen for a long time, you might not even realize there’s a leak until months later.
Our Tip: If you have exterior water hookups or pipes, drain them so there’s no water to freeze. Any pipes not located directly inside your home should be insulated.
4: Your Gutters Can Hurt You
If you have trees on your property, you probably know how clogged up your gutters can get. Don’t leave them just because it’s raining! Blocked gutters collect water, which can freeze when winter sets in. This contributes to the formation of ice dams, which may generate hundreds of pounds of icicles. Some people are even killed each year when an ice dam falls on them.
Our Tip: Once most of the leaves are down, have your gutters cleaned one final time so they flow freely whenever residual ice melts.
5: Your Carpets Matter, Too
You’ll be spending a lot of time inside your home this winter compared to the summertime. That means less fresh air.
Our Tip: Schedule a carpet cleaning after the fall allergy season. This can help to remove dust, dander, and allergens that might be trapped in the fibers. If you need new flooring, now is also a good time! Either way, you won’t be circulating the same polluted air over and over through your furnace.
6: Check Your Utility Bills Frequently
Your utility bills are a window into your home’s climate. If your bills are rising, that could indicate that you’re losing heat somewhere. Drafts and other weatherproofing issues might be costing you a lot of money every month.
Our Tip: Examine windows, doors, and siding to check for damage or gaps. Weatherstripping is an accessible solution to block out some of the outside air.
7: Safety Checks Can Save Lives
With so much more time being spent inside during the winter, accidents are also more likely to happen. You are more likely to be at home should a fire break out or an appliance malfunction.
Our Tip: Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on the same day you turn on your furnace for the first time. If you need replacements, we can help you install them!
Keep your home cozy this winter! For easy and reliable maintenance tips, contact Mr. Handyman today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do winter home maintenance myself?
Sometimes! Some home maintenance tasks, like testing smoke alarms, are easily achieved on your own (just be careful if you’re using a ladder). However, other tasks, such as fixing siding that’s drafty or replacing your flooring, are better left to the pros to avoid potential home damage or personal injury. It’s more convenient, too!
What should I look for when hiring a professional for winter home maintenance?
A handyman is a good resource for winter home maintenance because they are skilled in numerous disciplines at once. Just be sure that you find a team that’s bonded and insured. This protects you against the financial repercussions if something goes wrong on accident.
Is there anything else I should do?
The above list is a good starting place for the majority of homes in Denver, NC, but every residence will be different. If you have sprinklers, winterizing them (draining the water) should be a priority well before the first frost. Wood stoves should be cleaned and tested if they are your preferred heating source. If you utilize a chimney, be sure to have it inspected to avoid potentially flammable creosote buildup or to address damage to the masonry or mantel.
Keep your home cozy this winter! Trust Mr. Handyman for reliable maintenance—contact us today!
