As temperatures drop in winter, homes are presented with unique challenges, meaning that homeowners are required to maintain their homes in anticipation of and during winter. From the threat of harsh weather conditions to potential damp problems, there are various things that can go wrong in winter and preparing for these before they happen is the way forward. This is the most effective way of avoiding costly repairs for issues that can be caused by cold weather and all the downfalls that it brings. Detailed below are some of the top winter home maintenance tips.
Check Your Sump Pump
Firstly, if you don’t know how to treat damp, you might want to check your sump pump in anticipation of the winter months. This is because sump pumps are the final line of defence against the build-up of condensation. Too much condensation in your home can lead to damp and mould problems in your home, and if you have a basement, it could even lead to flooding. Therefore, you should find your home’s external pipe and ensure that it isn’t being blocked by dirt or debris. This way, you can ensure that all condensation and water is being removed from your home, rather than sticking around and creating an issue.
Test Your Electrical System
Not only does winter bring colder weather, but it brings darker days. As a result, you don’t want your electrical system to fail, leaving you without heating and lighting. Before the effects of winter come into full swing, you should inspect all of your home’s electronics to ensure that your wires and circuits are in a suitable condition. From your heating system to your wall sockets, it’s wise to give everything a once over before winter hits. This way, you can ensure that your electrical system is in a condition that’s equipped to handle the harsher conditions that winter brings.
Clean Your Tumble Dryer Vents
In the winter, we find that we use our tumble dryers more, as the cold air doesn’t allow for quick air drying. Despite this, many housefires are caused by built-up lint in the tumble dryer and, in less extreme cases, it also hikes your energy bills up. This is not what we need in a time that the cost of living is off the scale. The most effective way of cleaning your tumble dryer vents is by removing the lint from the trap using your hands, before reaching for the vacuum cleaner and sucking up any excess lint.
Test Your Window Wells
If you have a basement, you’ll likely have window wells that allow natural light into the space and facilitate ventilation. Moreover, they prevent soil from building at window fixtures; however, in the absence of proper maintenance, they can do more harm than good. For instance, excessive soil pressure could cause gaps to widen, allowing water to enter your basement and resulting in flooding. Therefore, before winter arrives, you should ensure that your window wells aren’t coated in soil; otherwise, your basement could be in trouble as soon as the colder months set in.
Check Your Drains and Gutters
Last but not least, you should check your drains and gutters. Winter is a time in which we’ll see excessive rainfall, and your drains and gutters are essential for directing water away from your home. Ensure that there are limited leaves and debris clogging your drains and gutters; otherwise, they may flood and cause problems to your home, including damp issues and faulty roofs. A problem with your roof is the last thing you want in the winter.
