It is important to have a December home maintenance checklist in order to help protect your home and keep it functioning properly throughout the winter months. This month can bring with it cold temperatures, snow and ice, sleet and freezing rain, as well as other harsh weather conditions that can take a serious toll on a home’s structural integrity and comfort.
Window seals are important in keeping cold air out, and warmth in. This is especially important during winter months when energy bills can skyrocket if you're not careful. If you notice any gaps or cracks around your windows, it's best to inspect them for damage and replace the seals as soon as possible.
A well-maintained HVAC system is essential to keeping your home warm and comfortable during winter months. Make sure to service the unit at least once a year, and check it regularly for any signs of damage or wear-and-tear.
Before using your fireplace in winter, make sure you clean out the flue and check for any cracks or other damages that could cause smoke to enter your home rather than escape through the chimney. If there are noticeable issues with the flue, have it professionally inspected and repaired before using the fireplace.
Dirty air filters can cause your HVAC system to work much harder than necessary, which can lead to a drastic spike in energy use and costs. To keep this from happening, change the air filters every one to two months – depending on how often you use the furnace –to ensure a steady flow of clean, filtered air throughout your home.
As temperatures dip below freezing, it’s important to make sure that any water left in outdoor faucets is completely drained before turning off the supply valves. This will help prevent any damage or costly repairs that may be caused by freezing temperatures.
Gaps between the frame and door can allow cold air to enter your home, so check them regularly for cracks or other damages. If you find any, seal them up with weatherstripping or caulk to keep the warm air in and the cold out.
Pipes that are exposed to colder temperatures are more likely to freeze and burst during winter months – leading to expensive repair costs. To avoid this, insulate any exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation to keep them warm and protected throughout the season.
Any debris or build-up in your gutters can cause water to back up and leak into your home's walls, leading to costly damages. It’s important that you clean out your gutters regularly and ensure they're securely connected to the roof line for optimal protection against moisture damage.
Downspouts should always be directed away from your home’s foundation walls – if not, it can lead to basement flooding or other water damage. Make sure to check your downspouts often and adjust them if necessary so they are pointing away from the foundation.
Leaves, brush piles and other debris can provide a cozy nesting spot for insects and rodents during winter months. To avoid this, be sure to remove any leaves or debris around your home’s foundation walls, as well as seal up any gaps or cracks that may allow pests access into the home.
Door sweeps are an effective way of preventing cold drafts from entering through the bottom of your doors. They fit snugly against the threshold of the door and create a tight seal that helps maintain warm air inside while keeping out cold air from outside. Make sure to check them periodically for wear-and-tear throughout the season and replace if necessary.
Leaky windows can cause a significant amount of heat loss in winter months, making it harder for your heating system to keep up and resulting in higher energy bills. To prevent this, replace any older or drafty windows with more energy-efficient models that will help keep the warm air inside and hold out cold air from outside.
With winter comes a greater risk of extreme weather conditions and other unexpected events that could cause damage to your home. It’s important to review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure it will provide adequate coverage should you experience any such occurrences.
There are several steps that you can take to ensure your home is ready for the cold winter weather. First, check your heating system to make sure it is in proper working order and that all filters have been cleaned or changed recently. You should also check your windows and doors for any cracks or damage, insulate exposed pipes, ensure gutters are clean and securely attached to the roofline, direct downspouts away from foundation walls, remove debris around the foundation of your home, install door sweeps on exterior doors, and replace leaky windows with energy-efficient models.
It is recommended that you inspect your heating system at least once a year before the cold weather arrives. This includes making sure all components are in working order and filters have been cleaned or changed recently. If possible, it’s also a good idea to have a professional technician come out to inspect and service your system as well.
You should check your windows and doors for any visible damage or cracks that may allow cold air in. If you find any, seal them up with caulk or weatherstripping. You should also consider installing door sweeps on the exterior of your doors to help prevent drafts from entering through the bottom. Additionally, if you have older windows that let in a lot of cold air, consider replacing them with more energy-efficient models for better insulation against winter weather.
Insulating your exposed pipes can help prevent them from freezing and bursting during cold winter months, which could lead to costly repairs. Additionally, it will also help maintain warm temperatures in your home by preventing heat loss through the pipes. It’s important to check all exposed water lines each winter before temperatures drop too low and make sure they have adequate insulation.
To help prevent pests from entering your home, be sure to remove any leaves or debris around the foundation walls of your house and seal up any gaps or cracks that may provide access to insects or rodents. Additionally, installing door sweeps on exterior doors, installing screens in windows and vents, and keeping your home clean and clutter-free can help deter pests from entering your home.
A December home maintenance checklist is a great way to keep your home in top shape and prepare for the cold winter months. This can help you avoid costly repairs due to extreme weather conditions or other unexpected events. Some of the most important tasks on this checklist include checking for any damage or cracks to windows and doors, insulating exposed pipes, ensuring gutters are clean and securely attached to the roofline, removing debris around the foundation of your home, installing door sweeps on exterior doors, and replacing leaky windows with energy-efficient models. Additionally, you should inspect your heating system at least once a year before cold weather arrives, check for access points for pests and seal them up or install screens where necessary, and keep your home clean and clutter-free. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your home is ready for the winter weather ahead.
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