Winter can be rough on homes with cold temperatures and the possibility of rain, snow, and ice causing damage. However, with some basic winter home maintenance, you can help protect your house from the elements and ensure that it stays in good shape throughout the season.

Here are 6 home maintenance actions you can take to warm up your house, save energy, and shield it from winter elements so that you can enjoy those chilly days in comfort.

1. Inspect Your Roof And Gutters

One of the most important things to do is to check your roof and gutters. Wind and rain can cause moisture seepage between shingles. Snow and ice can weigh down your roof and cause damage. It’s important to make sure that your roof is in good condition before the weather hits and always be sure to clean out debris in your gutters throughout the season. Also, if you have a lot of trees around your home, be sure to remove any branches that could potentially fall and cause damage during a winter storm.

2. Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation can help to keep the heat inside your home, reducing the amount of energy you need to use to stay warm. Inadequately insulated homes lose a significant amount of heat through walls, floors, window frames, and roofs, which can make your heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can lead to higher energy costs and increased wear and tear on your heating system. In addition to these benefits, insulation can also help to improve the overall air quality in your home. An insulated home is less likely to have cold surfaces where mold can grow, which can cause allergies and other health problems. Be sure to check the insulation in your attic, walls, and floors, and add more if necessary.

3. Protect Your Pipes

Another important aspect of winter home maintenance is to protect your pipes from freezing. This can be especially important in Oregon, where temperatures can dip below freezing during the winter months. To prevent your pipes from freezing, you should insulate any exposed pipes and keep your thermostat no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re not home. When you are gone for an extended period of time, leave cabinet doors open to expose the pipe to inside heat, and leave a small stream of water so the water in the pipes is moving and will be harder to freeze. If you do experience a pipe freeze, it’s essential to act quickly to thaw the pipes before they burst.

4. Care For The Heating System

Did you know that it is recommended to have your HVAC system serviced every year? Scheduling before the temperature gets below 55 degrees is necessary if the furnace and air conditioner will be serviced at the same time. It’s equally important to change the furnace filter every 3-6 months, depending on the type of filter in your system. These steps can help to ensure that your heating system is running efficiently and effectively, which can save you money on your energy bills and keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long.

5. Keep Your Home At An Even Temperature

A programmable thermostat can help save energy by setting the temperature in your home to automatically adjust for the hours you are away or sleeping. It’s best to only make moderate adjustments so that the temperature stays fairly consistent for the best efficiency. Setting the temperature low overnight makes the system work excessively hard heating up the house in the morning. It’s also worthwhile to check the heat ducts in the crawlspace and attic. They should be supported off the ground with the connections properly sealed.

6. Clean-up Following Storms

The first thing you should do after a storm is to check for any damage to your home and yard. Look for cracked windows, fallen branches or wires, and any other debris build-up. Immediately call for help if wires are down. If you find any extreme damage, be sure to take photographs and document it for your insurance company. Next, you should start the cleanup process. Remove fallen branches or debris in your yard to prevent further damage. Clear out storm drains and foundation vent wells so water can flow and evaporate. You should also check for any leaks or damage to your roof. Moisture damage can lead to mold or wood rot, so be sure to make these repairs a priority.

Prevention is always the best method of controlling home maintenance costs. Be sure to take precautions to protect your home from future storms. This may include trimming trees and branches regularly, clearing out drains that may be covered with leaves and debris, ensuring gutters and downspouts are clear, and securing any loose objects that could be blown away by high winds. By taking these precautions, you can help to protect your home and reduce the risk of damage in future storms.

If you have any questions or want more home maintenance advice, please feel free to reach out to us. We're always happy to share tips and provide names of trusted contractors to help you care for your home!