Winter is on the horizon! With the change in scenery and the arrival of the holidays, you probably have plenty on your mind. However, don’t forget that home maintenance should be at the top of the list! The team at Mr. Handyman can make your winter preparations quick and easy so that you can focus less on projects and more on what really matters this season. Contact us to get help with home winterization services in Denver, NC!
Not located in Denver? That’s all right! Mr. Handyman is also proud to serve Statesville, Cornelius, Huntersville, Troutman, Davidson, and the whole Lake Norman area. No matter where you are or what you need, it’s simple with Mr. Handyman; just leave it to us!
The Most Important Winterization Services for Denver, NC Residents
“Winterization” is the process of making something ready for the winter season, usually by helping it to resist the cold. In terms of a house, there are a few essential tasks you shouldn’t skip.
Winterize your home without worry! Trust Mr. Handyman for easy and efficient winterization services today!
HVAC Tuneup
One of the biggest headaches people run into as fall changes into winter is their HVAC system. Depending on how you prefer your indoor climate, you might not be using your HVAC very much in the fall. Then, suddenly, winter arrives, and you turn on your furnace only to discover that it doesn’t heat!
Before you let winter throw a wrench in your day, be sure to include an HVAC tuneup as part of your winterization strategy. Mr. Handyman can pay you a visit to examine your system, point out any potential issues, and help you make a plan to address them so that when you need your furnace, you can rest assured it will work. (That also means it’s a great time to test your thermostat, too.)
Filter Changes
You likely run at least one device that requires a filter, regardless of the season. Your HVAC system is the most substantial contender, so be sure to replace the filter before the machine starts running more frequently to meet demand.
However, consider whether other devices in your home might also be impacted. If you have a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier, those all contain filters that will need to be changed. As winter arrives, the air in your home will circulate much more frequently, and dirty filters could be pushing allergens and contaminants through your home repeatedly.
Plumbing Preparation
If your area becomes cold enough to freeze (which Denver does!), you will need to prepare your plumbing. If the water inside your plumbing system turns to ice, it will expand. Over time, this expansion can break pipes or crack the masonry of your home, leading to leaks when the temperature rises again.
How you prepare your plumbing depends on what it looks like. Sprinkler systems and exterior nozzles should be drained. It is also wise to insulate pipes against the cold air anywhere they could be exposed. Just remember: while heating cables might seem like a tempting choice, they can be a fire hazard! Let the team at Mr. Handyman help you find a safer solution.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing is the process of securing the inside of your home against weather changes outside. Those looking at weatherproofing their home in Denver have some special considerations: namely, the moisture in the air. Water droplets work exceptionally well as a means of heat transfer. In other words, if you don’t secure your home with weatherproofing, you’ll be losing a lot of heat to the outside!
Weatherproofing makes up one of the biggest focus areas for Mr. Handyman in the fall, and for good reason. Consider the basics, like adding weather stripping or sealing gaps around windows, for the best results. If you’re not sure what might help, give us a call and we’ll do a thorough review of your home to find the weak spots.
Insulation
Insulation provides a buffer layer that makes it harder for the heat in your home to escape. In Denver, many older homes no longer have sufficient insulation to do the job. It’s best to call a professional for an evaluation so they can measure your insulation thickness and add more if necessary. If you’re looking for an insulation handyman, our clean-cut, background-checked team is happy to handle the dirty work!
Gutter Cleaning
Before the weather turns cold and frosty, it is essential that you clean your gutters. Leaves in the gutters can quickly clog up with moisture, which then freezes into impenetrable barriers. This is a drainage problem on its own, but it also poses a greater risk: ice dams.
As winter progresses, the icicles forming off of the clumps of leaves will continue to grow until they become massive and dangerous. Clear your gutters before you create a hazard outside your door!
Stay cozy this winter! Trust Mr. Handyman for simple and reliable home winterization services today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home need to be winterized every year?
Yes, winterization is an essential step of home maintenance each fall. Many of the changes, such as draining pipes and inspecting the HVAC, must be repeated in order to reap their benefits.
What happens if I don’t winterize my house?
Your county or state won’t make you winterize your house, but failing to do so can have big consequences. Your pipes may freeze and burst, and you could spend a lot more on utility bills from drafts and heating that escapes through poorly sealed gaps. You might even find yourself without heat on a night that dips below freezing!
How much does winterization cost?
It depends on what you need to do! Basic tasks, such as replacing a filter, might only require a small labor fee on top of the cost of the filter itself. In general, winterization tasks are simple. However, more substantial changes, such as replacing your windows with more insulated options, could increase the price tag.
Ready to prepare your home for winter? Trust Mr. Handyman for easy and efficient winterization services!
