Author: Brian June 14, 2022

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

As a responsible homeowner, you know that maintaining your home is a year-round job.

However, winter weather can present its own unique challenges.

Here are a few winter home maintenance tips to help you keep your home in tip-top shape:

Maintain Your Home Cooling Systems During Winter

As the weather cools down, you may be thinking about shutting off your home cooling system for the winter.

However, it’s important to maintain your refrigerated cooling system during the winter months to prevent damage and ensure it’s ready to go when warmer weather arrives.

First, check the refrigerant levels and make sure there are no leaks.

Next, clean the evaporator coils and condenser coils.

Finally, lubricate the moving parts of the system.

By taking these simple steps, you can keep your refrigerated cooling system in good condition and avoid costly repairs down the road.

So don’t forget to give your cooling system some TLC this winter.

Clean Out Gutters Before the Storm Season

Storms are an undeniable part of Australian life.

The threat they pose increases significantly during summer when hail and cyclonic winds become more likely to cause damage to your home or business – but you can prepare for these natural disasters before it becomes necessary.

However, approximately 30 per cent of survey respondents aged 18-44 said that if there were ever a storm at their place then they would not have an action plan in place.

It all begins with good preparation.

As any experienced homeowner knows, gutters are an essential part of the home’s drainage system.

They help to channel rainwater away from the foundation and prevent basement flooding.

However, gutters can become clogged with leaves and debris, causing them to back up and overflow.

This can lead to serious water damage, not to mention a nasty mess.

That’s why it’s important to clean out your gutters before the storm season begins.

By taking a few minutes to remove leaves and other debris, you can help keep your gutters running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Reseal Doors and Windows for Insulation

Up to 40 per cent of a home’s heating energy can be lost through windows and up to 87 per cent can be gained through them, according to the Australian Window Association (AWA).

As the temperature outside begins to drop, it’s important to take steps to ensure that your home is properly insulated.

One way to do this is to reseal doors and windows.

Over time, the sealant around doors and windows can deteriorate, allowing heat to escape from your home.

By resealing these openings, you can help to prevent heat loss and keep your home warmer during the winter months.

Additionaly, resealing doors and windows can also help to reduce energy costs.

By trapping heat in your home, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.

As a result, resealing doors and windows is an easy and cost-effective way to improve your home’s insulation.

Reorganise Linen Closet and Other Home Storage

As the weather gets colder, most of us spend more time indoors.

This is the perfect opportunity to take stock of our homes and make some much-needed changes.

One area that often gets neglected is home storage.

Over time, closets and cupboards can become crammed with odds and ends, making it difficult to find what we need when we need it.

Winter is the perfect time to tackle this problem head-on.

Start by sorting through your belongings and getting rid of anything you no longer need or use.

Next, reorganise your remaining items so they are easy to find and access.

Finally, consider investing in some new storage solutions to help keep your home tidy and organised all year round.

A little time and effort now will pay off in the long run, making your home a more pleasant place to be during the cold winter months.

Keep an Eye on Your Plumbing

According to the Insurance Information Institute, about one out of every fifty homeowners files a water damage or freezing claim each year, accounting for 29 per cent of all plumbing-related homeowners insurance claims.

As the temperatures start to drop, it’s important to take steps to protect your plumbing from the risk of freezing.

Pipes that are exposed to the cold air are particularly vulnerable, so be sure to insulate them with foam or wrap them in heating tape.

You should also allow a slow drip from faucets during extreme cold snaps, as this can help to prevent pipes from freezing.

If you do experience a pipe burst, the most important thing is to shut off the water at the main valve immediately.

This will help to prevent further damage and make it easier for repairs to be made.

By taking some simple precautions, you can help to keep your plumbing safe and sound all winter long.