Keep Your Home Safe This Winter: 11 Easy Maintenance Tips For Every Homeowner

Winter can bring unpredictable weather and harsh conditions. As a homeowner, it’s essential to ensure a home inspection in Albuquerque for your home to ensure it is safe from the elements and well-maintained so you can enjoy a comfortable and worry-free season.

It’s important to ensure your home is ready for winter every year. There are a few easy maintenance tasks that every homeowner should do to keep their home safe and comfortable all season long. Ensure that you schedule an inspection from a qualified inspector from quality home inspection services in Albuquerque to ensure all systems are running efficiently. A well-maintained furnace keeps your home warm all winter long.

Following these simple tips, you can be confident that your home will be safe and comfortable all winter long!

Check Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. Inspect your roof at least once every year and more often if you live in an area with severe weather conditions. Look for cracked or missing shingles, and check the flashing around vents and chimneys. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and that they are securely attached to your home. If you spot any damage, make repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Clear the Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. During the winter, they can become clogged with leaves, snow, and ice, which can cause them to fail and allow water to enter your home. It’s important to clear your gutters and downspouts of debris regularly to prevent this.

There are various ways you can do this. You can hire a professional gutter cleaning service or do it yourself. If you choose to do it yourself, ensure you have the proper tools and safety equipment. Always use a ladder when cleaning your gutters and downspouts, and never try to reach areas out of your comfort zone.

Once you have the proper tools and safety equipment, remove debris from your gutters. Use a garden hose to flush out the remaining debris, then use a brush or sponge to clean the inside of the gutters. Next, clean your downspouts by removing any debris that may be stuck in them. Again, use a garden hose to flush out any remaining debris. Finally, check all of your gutters and downspouts for any leaks or damage. If you find any damage, have it repaired immediately to prevent further problems.

Make Sure You Have Adequate Insulation

As the weather gets colder, ensure your home is properly insulated. This will help keep your home warm and reduce your energy bills. Check these things to see if your home needs more insulation:

• Check around doors and windows for drafts. If you feel a draft, heat is escaping from your home.
• Take a look at your attic. If you can see the floor joists, that means there’s insufficient insulation.
• Check the insulation in your walls. If you can see the studs, that means there’s insufficient insulation.

If you find that your home needs more insulation, there are a few different types you can choose from fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam. Fiberglass is a common type of insulation and is relatively inexpensive. Cellulose is made from recycled paper products and is also relatively inexpensive. Spray foam is more expensive but provides better insulation. Several home inspection companies in Albuquerque will perform a thorough inspection to locate missing insulation in your home.

Service Your Furnace

If you have a furnace in your home, it’s important to keep it serviced and running properly. A well-maintained furnace keeps your home warm and comfortable all winter while reducing energy bills.

Here are some tips for servicing your furnace:

1. Schedule an annual inspection and tune-up with a qualified HVAC technician. This will ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely.
2. Check the air filter monthly and replace it as needed. A dirty air filter can reduce the efficiency of your furnace and lead to increased energy bills.
3. Inspect the furnace for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any problems, contact a qualified HVAC technician for repairs.
4. Keep the area around your furnace clean and clear of clutter. This will help ensure airflow and prevent potential fire hazards.

Check Your Fireplace & Chimney

During winter, it’s time to start thinking about firing up the old fireplace. First, look at your fireplace and see if there are any cracks or damage. If there is, get it repaired before you use it. Second, make sure your chimney is clear of any debris. A build-up of leaves and twigs can be a fire hazard. Finally, check your smoke detector and make sure it’s working correctly.

Inspect Your Windows for Air Leaks

It’s important to inspect your windows for air leaks before the winter season begins. Here are some things to look for:

• Gaps around the frame of the window
• Cracks in the glass
• Missing or damaged weather stripping

If you find any of these issues, it’s important to seal the leaks as soon as possible. This will help keep warm and cold air in, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

Clean & Repair Your Deck

Your deck is one of the first places where winter weather will start to show its effects. Ice and snow can cause your deck to become slippery, while wind and rain can damage the wood. To keep your deck in good condition this winter, you should:

1. Clean your deck regularly. Sweep away any debris that has accumulated on the surface. If you have a power washer, you can use it to remove tougher dirt and grime.
2.  Repair any damage that has occurred. Look for cracks, splits, or other signs of wear and tear. If you discover any damage, make sure to repair it at the soonest to prevent further deterioration.
3.  Apply a sealant or stain to protect your deck from the elements. This will help extend your deck’s life and keep it looking its best.

Trim Trees Around Your Home

Most winter weather damage to homes is caused by falling trees or tree limbs. Before the winter season, take a walk around your property and look for any dead or dying trees that could threaten your home. Also, look for branches hanging over your roof or near power lines. If you have any concerns, contact a professional tree service to have them assess the situation and determine if any work needs to be done.

In addition to trimming trees, it’s also important to clear away any debris accumulated around your home over the summer months. Leaves, sticks, and other debris can act as kindling for a fire, so removing them before it becomes a problem is best.

Protect Pipes from Freezing Temperatures

One of the top maintenance tasks to keep your home safe this winter is to protect your pipes from freezing temperatures. By taking some simple steps, you can prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting, which can lead to costly repairs.

Here are some tips to protect your pipes from freezing temperatures:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Any exposed pipes should be insulated with pipe insulation or electrical tape. This will help keep the heat in and prevent the pipes from freezing.
• Seal cracks and holes: Make sure to seal any cracks or holes near the pipes. This will help prevent cold air from coming in and causing the pipes to freeze.
• Let faucets drip: During freezing weather, let your faucets drip slightly overnight. This will help prevent pressure build-up that could cause the pipes to burst.
• Keep cabinet doors open: During the day, keep cabinet doors open that contain plumbing fixtures (such as the kitchen sink). This will allow warm air to circulate the pipes and prevent them from freezing.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

There are things that you can do in order to keep your home safe this winter, but one of the best things that you can do is invest in a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to keep your home at a comfortable temperature at all times without having to worry about it being too cold or too hot. It will also help you save money on your energy bill each month.

• When the weather outside is unpredictable, the last thing you want is for your home to be unprotected and unsafe.

Prevent Ice Dams From Forming

Another way to keep your home safe this winter is to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Ice dams cause severe damage to your roof and even lead to leaks inside your home. To prevent them, make sure that your gutters are clear of debris so that melting snow can drain properly. You also want to install gutter guards to remove leaves and other debris.

Take Preventive Measures To Avoid Accidents

Finally, take steps to prevent slip-and-fall accidents by keeping your sidewalks, walkways, and stairs clear of snow and ice. Salt or sand these areas if necessary, and ensure they are well-lit so people can see where they’re going. Following these simple tips can help keep your home safe this winter season.

Looking For A Reliable Inspection Company?

At Beyond Inspections Service, we are dedicated to providing quality home inspections in Albuquerque to homeowners in Albuquerque. Our team of experienced inspectors uses the latest technology and equipment to assess every aspect of a property, from the roof to the foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and more. Our inspectors take the time to thoroughly examine each system and provide a detailed report of their findings, complete with recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance.

If you’re searching for a quality home inspection in Albuquerque, look no further than Beyond Inspections Service. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and take the first step in ensuring your property’s value and resale potential. Read here to learn more about why inspections are essential for buyers and sellers.