Thiss post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Erie Insurance.
Would you believe 13+ inches of snow last week? The cold, icy, snowy season in the Midwest has arrived and will probably remain until April. But we try to be ready.
Part of living in the Midwest is preparing for this weather early. And that’s partially about home maintenance.
Some years, we have NOT been ready, and we learned our lesson. Some home maintenance tasks and responsibilities can easily slip through the cracks. But with just a little foresight, we can be more prepared for the winter weather – indoors and out. This keeps our home safe and comfortable all year long. This doesn’t avoid all problems – like burying our truck and plow last week. But the preparation does help put us on the right food. Here are a few things we focus on when getting ready for winter.
Windows and doors
Prevent chilly drafts (and high heating bills) by checking and replacing worn weather stripping and caulking any cracks around windows and doors. This is such an easy and inexpensive way to keep your home warm. I also try to clean windows before winter – because you won’t want to be opening windows when it’s 5 degrees outside.
Fireplace
We love having a fireplace in our home – it’s warm, cozy and beautiful. But it also needs to be in safe working order. Here are a few ways we do that before winter:
- Clean the fireplace and flue system to remove soot or ashes regularly.
- Check for cracks – which are a fire hazard.
- Examine the fireplace for drafts. If it’s cold despite the damper being closed, the damper itself may need to be repaired or replaced.
We also take safety precautions to keep our kids safe around the fireplace. While we are always reminding both our children about the danger of getting too close to the fire, we also invested in a large wooden gate this year to keep Lucy away from the hot glass. Oh, and it’s worth mentioning that we remove the stockings or anything flammable around the hearth each time we burn a fire. (I just snapped a quick photo first.)
(Related: How to safely heat your home.)
Furnace
Our heat is solidly on – but before turning up the heat for the season, we changed our furnace filter. We try to do this every 6 months to keep everything in good working order. It can also be a good idea to have an HVAC professional check your furnace annually.
PRO TIP: Order multiple furnace filters and store them NEAR THE FURNACE. This is a game-changer. It makes it so much easier to get those filters changed regularly when you don’t have to buy them at the last minute. Easy peasy.
Gutters
Moving outdoors, it’s important to clear debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent them from leaking or sagging. Clogged gutters and subsequent water issues can cause foundation problems, wall and ceiling damage, or even insect infestations. We’re always amazed by how many water and leak issues can be solved in homes with simple gutter and downspout maintenance.
(Related: 5 common problems caused by clogged gutters.)
Outdoor hoses
When the weather gets colder, you don’t want your hose to still be hooked up to the spigot. Instead, turn off the water to your outdoor spigots and remove your hoses to protect damage.
Roof
We have a newer roof, but snow can still be a heavy burden on any roof. Before winter hits, we check the roof for signs of potential problems, like missing, broken, blistered or curling shingles; cracked caulk or rust spots; or large patches of moss. Any damaged, loose, or missing shingles should be repaired right away. (And this can even happen on newer roofs – as a result of wind and storm damage.)
Snow removal supplies
I mentioned that we had some issues getting our snow cleared last week. But at least we were ready. Living in the middle of nowhere means we have a lot of snow removal responsibilities. Luckily, we have several options – the gator with a blade, a truck and plow, and a tractor and plow. (Sometimes, we need backup.) Before the first snow, we try to have all the supplies we need – including plows in working condition, salt/ice-removal and all our snow gear. From weekend projects to complete renovations, you’ve worked hard (and invested a lot) to make your house a home. That’s why you deserve homeowners insurance from a company you trust to protect it.
How do you get your home ready for winter?
Did you like this post?
We'd love to send you more inspiration and encouragement for your home. When you sign up below, we'll send you our free guide to save thousands on your next home project. Because your home shouldn't own you.
Bonnie says
Really great tips thank you!
And I love your wreaths and Christmas decor 🙂