Spring will be here before we know it! In fact, there are even some upcoming days that will be warm enough to wear single layers of clothes again. It’s only a matter of months! So, what should you be keeping an eye on for maintenance and repairs during this season of frost?
Replace that air/furnace filter
Speaking of measuring by months, now is the time to check on your air and heat system. Replace the filter if needed, and listen for any “odd” sounds and do a visual inspection for any evident damage. If you do notice something that looks or sounds off, give your service technician a call. They may share with you that it’s nothing to be concerned about. Or, you may just save yourself a very expensive replacement by having your unit repaired before it fails.
Fix your weatherstripping
In the same vein as air and furnace units, do a perimeter check of your property, looking especially at your weather stripping. Over the last few months of snow, and slush, damage may have occurred in doorways and other exterior openings. Laying down new weather stripping or other insulative measures can help retain your warm air indoors, as well as help prolong flooring life.
A huge, and often overlooked, benefit of replacing/repairing your weatherstripping is that it gives you the chance to really observe all around your property. As you observe, you might also notice other property upkeep items that should make their way onto your to-do list. Remember, one of the biggest issues with winter is drafts in the house, so be diligent with this property inspection. The whole process will keep your house warmer while giving you a chance to notice anything else.
Keep your furnace and heater running well to keep your home comfy in the cold
Chop and trim
Now, continue that property inspection by looking out to your yard and any of your property with trees. Check for dead branches, dying trees, and any brush that needs to be tidied up. Be especially vigilant when examining tree branches that overhang or jut up to your house. They can make for expensive home insurance claims during a storm if limbs fall and damage your roof or walls. General yard maintenance equipment should be enough to clear most of the brush. However, when it comes to trimming dead limbs or whole trees, call someone to help.
Small limbs and branches can easily be taken down with a pruning tool
When it gets thick out there, call in the professionals
The heart of the matter - the home
Let’s head back inside, out of the frost, to do something on the interior of your property! One strategy is to follow your heart - get started on the one thing that’s been on your mind, keeping you up at night. Get it out of the way, and you’ll set yourself up for an easy area to handle when it comes time for spring cleaning.
Alternatively, you can check on lightbulbs, electrical outlets, fireplace cleanliness, or other checking-up-on and rarely-cleaned items. Doing this will help with keeping on top of any minor issues before they develop into big problems.
These are just a few ideas of what you could do to keep up maintenance while we’re in the midst of winter weather. They should help get you through the chill and into the warmth of spring, while nipping expensive insurance claims in the bud!
We at WK Real Estate want to wish you the happiest of times during this season. If there is anything we can help you with, please don't hesitate to contact us.