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Home Maintenance Tips for the Winter Months

January 23, 2019

By Rich Palaia, Thoughts from Customer Service

Yes, it’s cold outside, but this doesn’t mean there is nothing to do besides hibernating inside and trying to stay warm…

A lot of what I speak with our homeowners about is from experience. These are things that I do myself around my own house – and if I don’t, I know the consequences. After the last snow storm we had, I realized that there were a number of outdoor items that I let slip by since I had been busy. Life gets in the way of me as I’m sure it does for you, at times. However, home maintenance is key to preserving your house in its original form for as long as possible. It’ll help prevent an even greater amount of restoration (and expense) in future years.

To help you this year or next, here are a few suggestions you may want to complete.

1. Come Springtime, You’ll Be Searching For Cooler Air Unlike Today

•  So, make sure it’s ready! Consider covering your outside AC unit and turn it off at the breaker next to the unit. This will protect it from winter debris build-up that could possibly cause problems when you fire up the AC for the first time. Turning off the breaker will prevent accidental unit startup when it is covered. There are two schools of thought about covering your unit or not. Please do some research before you decide one way or the other, or speak with a professional about your specific unit.

2. We Don’t Like Freezing, and Neither Do Our Downspouts

• Check if your downspouts are in good shape and exiting away from your home. Ensure the downspout extensions are sloped with enough pitch to allow the water to run out completely. What you don’t want happening is the water staying in the extension and later freezing. This could eventually block the extension and destroy it. Also, check your sump pump extensions for the same scenario. In actuality, this should be checked on a weekly basis during periods of sub-freezing weather.

3. Prepare for Tending to Your Garden

• Turn off and drain your outdoor spigots. Don’t forget to disconnect your hoses and drain them, as well. It is always a good suggestion to store your hoses inside for the winter.

4. Not Everything Belongs in the Garage (… says your spouse, too)

• Remove items from your garage and/or shed that could possibly freeze in the cold weather. Once paints and caulks freeze, they will never be the same.

There are many websites with a lot of good and complete winter check lists to use. I suggest taking time to check out as many as you can. My suggestions here are some often overlooked items that if missed can cause unneeded headaches, and extra work come springtime…..Or sooner.

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