when prepping their home for winter — part 3
In the winter, keeping the cold out and the heat in is everything. For many homeowners, it can be easy to overlook a few simple preventative maintenance tasks before cold weather sets in. Doing so can reduce the risk of home damage and help maximize energy efficiency. So before frigid temperatures are here for good, you can use this list to make sure your house is shipshape.
Clean out the gutters
Leaf debris in your gutters today can lead to roof and gutter damage tomorrow. But when the snow thaws, these leaves can move downstream, and end up plugging up your downspouts. A big sign of this is hanging icicles from the roof. These form when you don’t leave a clear path for the snowmelt, and that creates a dangerous situation when they fall. Plugged up gutters can also leave ice dams on your roof, which can cause leaky ceilings.
Have a smart winter window strategy
In colder months, your windows can help or hurt the cause of conserving energy. If window replacement isn’t in the cards this year, the next best thing is to winterize. In drafty areas, use window caulk and plastic sheeting. Remember, the sun’s lower angle can be an advantage this time of year; use it. By day, open the blinds and drapes so the thermal effect provides a bit of “free” heat, but keep them closed at night to keep the chill from creeping in.