Colder weather often signals the start of the holiday season with fireplaces and hot chocolate, but it’s also a sign that it’s time to prepare your home for what’s ahead. As a home owner, it is important not to neglect essential pre-winter maintenance. To keep you and your home safe and ready for cold temperatures, consider taking the following steps.
Prepare outdoor pipes. Before cooler temperatures arrive, take steps to insulate your outdoor pipes to prevent damage. Water expands when it freezes, which can put pressure on pipes and lead to cracks or bursts. To avoid broken pipes, drain them so any excess water is removed. If you have any hoses in your yard, drain and store them until spring.
Clear out gutters. Cleaning gutters is a chore for most homeowners, but it can protect your home from water damage during winter. If your gutters are full of debris, rain or melting snow can back up and freeze, leading to potential roof or foundation damage.
Schedule a heating system check-up. Don’t wait until your heater breaks to call a professional. Book an appointment with an expert soon for a check-up to make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly. Don’t forget to change the furnace filter every three months while it is in use during winter. A dirty filter reduces the efficiency of your system and can increase your heating bill.
Seal doors and windows. During the winter months, heat always tries to find a way to escape from your 
home. Cracks and gaps around windows and doors are the most common way, but a simple addition like caulk or weatherstripping can keep that heat inside your home. Any crack that is bigger than the width of a nickel should be addressed.
A little preparation before winter arrives can help protect your home all season. To learn more home maintenance tips or to connect with local professionals, contact your local home builders association HERE.