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Top 10 Winter Home Maintenance Tips

snowflakes close up shot Nathan Fitts & Team have put together a list of our top 10 most recommend Winter maintenance tips to keep your home in tip top shape.

  1. Gutter Ball
  2. When gutters get clogged, water can pool and damage your siding, roof, foundations and walkways. Not to mention, it can become a breeding ground for pests. Once you have removed all the large debris, hose down the gutters to remove any remaining debris and make sure water is flowing through properly.

  3. Leafy Clean
  4. Leaves are like a blanket to your lawn and can be a slipping hazard when it gets icy out. To ensure proper lawn growth in the spring, remove as many leaves as possible. Maybe even consider creating a composting pile. Come spring your decomposed leaves will make a great fertilizer for your flowerbeds.

  5. Close the Gap
  6. While we welcome visits to see Mickey Mouse, when the real thing sneaks into your home, it’s not near the same magical experience. Prevent unwanted visitors by sealing any small holes. For larger openings, use a heavy-duty hardware cloth to keep out unwanted varmints.

  7. Strip It
  8. Cost effective weather stripping can be easily applied around the frames of your doors and windows to keep your heat in and your energy costs low. Bonus tip – add door sweeps to the bottom of your doors for additional protection.

  9. Be Lint Free
  10. This easy task is often overlooked for many homeowners. Clean out the lint buildup from behind your dryer and on the outside receptacle. This helps your dryer to work more efficiently and can prevent fires caused by static electricity ignitions.

  11. Flush It
  12. To preserve the longevity of your hot water heater, winter is a perfect time to flush it out and remove any sediment. While you are at it, drain and insulate your exposed pipes. Foil is a great insulator or use tubular pipe sleeves.

  13. Air Filters
  14. Winter is a great time to change your air filter and clean your air ducts. Use a vacuum and then dust all of your HVAC vents. This will not only help to regulate your home’s temperature, but it will also reduce your utility bill.

  15. Test It
  16. Make sure that all of your safety systems are working properly. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, check the date and test your fire extinguisher in case of an emergency.

  17. Chim-Chiminey
  18. Prevent fires by having the creosote and soot from your chimney swept before your first fire. Even if you don’t use your fireplace regularly, it still needs a regular checkup. Also, have your flue inspected for any damages or obstructions like bird nests. Go ahead and stock up on your firewood so you’ll be prepared once that first cold snap hits.

  19. Store It
  20. Now that grass cutting season is over, prepare your lawn mower and outdoor furniture to be stored until next spring. Clean your garden tools before hanging them in the garage. Wipe down your outside furniture and cushions before storing them as well. Drain all your gasoline containers and tools like weed eaters, blowers, and lawn mowers. Bonus tip: Give your chainsaw and lawnmower an oil change.