Winter is coming. This changing of the seasons brings a lot of changes to our homes, most caused by the more extreme weather and the drop in temperature. We’ve put together these four simple home maintenance tips that should help anyone prepare their home and their family for winter. 

Clean Out Guttering and Check Your Drainage

Winter brings a lot of weather with it. No matter what the climate is like where you live, you will probably be expecting extra rainfall, leaf fall, and maybe even some snowfall. Hopefully, your local authorities will have things like grit bins dotted around your area, and they’ll be full of salt and/or grit ready to treat icy roads and sidewalks (you can click here to read more from the supplier about what types of bins there are out there, should you wish to purchase one for yourself).

If your guttering is blocked or water flow is impeded by moss, leaves, or even children’s toys, then your home may suffer water damage from overflowing gutters. This is a difficult and unpleasant problem to have to fix in the colder months, and the excess water can cause long term damage to your property’s structure. Clear out your guttering ahead of time, and check your home’s drainage to make sure water can drain away safely and quickly.

Check and Service Your Home Heating

However you heat your home, you should take steps to maintain your system ahead of the winter months.

If you heat your home by burning wood or coal, then make sure you are stocked up with supplies. If you use a hot water boiler or furnace, then this may require some extra attention before the cold comes. These types of systems are often dormant through the warm months, and only begin to be used consistently in fall and winter. This is why most systems fail during this period; they are being used more. Check your heating system, and have a professional from a company like gibsonoilandgas.com come out and complete any regular maintenance before winter comes.

Replace Water and Air Filters in Your Home

Now more than ever it is important to filter the air and water that comes into our homes from particles and contaminants. If you have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system installed in your home, you should check the air filters before winter sets in and replace them if needed.

Your home and appliances may use water filters to clean and purify the drinking water available. Many refrigerators that dispense chilled drinking water and ice use water filters, and these should also be replaced regularly. You can find a replacement filter for most models online. They are inexpensive and it is easy to replace them yourself.

Prepare for Emergencies

The weather and temperatures that come with winter can often cause accidents and emergencies, not just for your home, but also for your community. Having a handyman in Hurricane and some flashlights and batteries, as well as candles, ready for a power outage is a good idea. You should always have some first-aid ready, no matter what time of year it is. If you experience snow and icy temperatures, buy some rock salt or grit to prevent your paths and driveway from becoming a hazard.

Winter can be the most wonderful time of the year, until its extreme weather and drop in temperature cause damage or inconvenience to you and your family. Use these tips to prepare your home for the colder months.