End-Of-Summer Home Maintenance: How To Prepare Your House For Cooler Weather
Contributed by Paul Denkin, dadknowsdiy.com; edited by Peggy Golden, ASID
Preparing your home for cold weather can be overwhelming and many homeowners don’t know where to begin especially if you have a large home and a long to-do list. Prepping for cooler temperatures doesn’t have to be costly or physically demanding.
The key is to know where to start and then spread it out, so that it’s not too much to complete before the weather makes it impossible.
Best to start outdoors and prepare the exterior of your home first; this will ensure you can get it done on a nice weekend before it gets too cold. Things like cleaning the gutters may take a professional touch, but it’s worth it to know the job is being done right. According to HomeAdvisor, the average national cost to have gutters and downspouts cleaned ranges from $106 – $196.
Check out your roof for cracked or missing shingles that should be replaced or repaired, and make sure there’s no damage to the structure beneath. Rounds of rough summer storms can be hard on your roof, and if there’s a lot of damage, your insurance company may pay for a replacement. Down on the ground, look for broken bricks or paving stones, or cracks in your drive or walkway.
While outside, give you car a little attention chances are, it’s seen a fair amount of foot traffic over the summer, and the interior may need a little TLC. A simple handheld vacuum will get the job done, but if things are looking particularly grungy, a shop vacuum, can take care of just about anything scattered across the floorboard (within reason, of course). They’re also handy for garages and sheds, and many can address any liquid messes you might encounter. Of course, if you want to skip the hard work, you can always hire someone to detail your car and call it a day.
Inside, check your attic or crawlspace making sure the insulation is in good shape and that there are no cracks that might let warm air out or cold air in. Look for damage by critters and set traps if necessary. Check to make sure all vents and filters are clean and aren’t blocked by anything; if your heating system hasn’t been looked at by a professional in a while, consider calling someone to check it out. Many local HVAC contractors provide yearly maintenance service contracts with spring and fall check-ups for early detection of any problem issues. Not only will catching problems early help with your utility bills and minimizing expensive repairs it will also keep you and your family safe. Heating and air systems can leak dangerous fumes or chemicals when they are compromised.
Your hot water heater may need some attention, if possible, drain it and make sure there’s no dust or debris inside, and that all pipes are in good shape. You can also get an insulation cover to wrap around the heater, which will improve its function and help keep your costs down when cold weather hits.
Review all windows sealing any cracks around the perimeter with caulk and take out removable screens in favor of storm windows. For large gaps at the bottom of windows or doors, you can use a long sock filled with rice or dry beans as a cover to keep the drafts away until you can find a more permanent fix. For more ways to keep your home buttoned up for cold weather, Energy.gov has a list of helpful tips.
Fireplaces if used regularly in fall and winter should be clean and free of any debris . Clogged chimneys are extremely dangerous and potential causes of smoke that will backup into your home and possibly fires. If a professional has not inspected or cleaned the chimney flue for several years think about having a Chimney specialist take a look and make sure the flue is in good shape and the damper closure is in good working order.
Preparing your home for cold weather is necessary to keep the building envelope and internal systems in good working order, and with a checklist review and a bit of time these preventative measures will assist with your utilities costs.