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Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
over 1 year ago
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
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We know the cold weather can make you feel unmotivated, so the below list is designed to help you keep your property's maintenance up to date for the cold winter weather ahead.

1) Check on your water pipes in and around your house
Frozen pipes can lead to major house damage if left as is for too long. However, you won't have to worry about this if the winter conditions aren't harsh where you live. With that said, if you plan to go on a long holiday, it is advisable to have a friend come in and check on your water pipes.

2) Inspect your ceilings and walls for dampness
Clogged gutters or hidden cracks in your home’s foundation can lead to melted snow or rain seeping through and dampening your interior walls and ceiling. This is a major problem which requires immediate attention. If you find even the slightest or smallest of wet patches anywhere in your home, call in a professional ASAP.

3) Clean your gutters and downspout
To avoid any damage to your home’s roof and foundation, make sure that your gutters are cleaned and the downspout is unclogged. In case of snow, you will need a gutter scoop to clean it out. Ice dams, on the other hand, will require Calcium Chloride ice melt to remove.

4) Ventilate your house more
During winter, the air in your home will start to get stale and musty; ventilation is the best way to bring in fresh air and let the ‘bad’ air out. This is also important in rooms such as basements and attics because they are generally closed up for days on end.

5) Do a pest inspection
When it’s cold outside, pests seek refuge in the nearest homes they can find. These little critters can hide just about anywhere; however, some common places to look for pests include vents, garages, basements, attics, kitchen pantries and bathrooms. From cockroaches to mice; pests come in all shapes and sizes so it's best to call in pest control to take measures that will keep them at bay (especially during the winter).

6) Adjust your refrigerator temperature as needed
If you find that your fridge is overcooling or frosting, you may need to re-adjust the settings. If this does not help, get your refrigerator serviced by an HVAC technician.

7) Check that your smoke detectors are working fine
The use of heating systems and/or a fireplace requires a fully functional smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Be sure to replace the batteries if needed.

8) Keep your property in check
Whether it’s raking leaves or shovelling snow, outdoor maintenance during the winter is something many homeowners choose to ignore; however, carrying out these tasks regularly beats having to deal with a huge mess in your yard later!

Source: maidforyou.com.au