Winter in Massachusetts and rest of New England can be a picturesque wonderland with its snow-covered landscapes and cozy, fireside evenings. However, it also comes with the challenges of freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and the potential for higher energy bills. To ensure your home remains warm, comfortable, performing optimally, and energy-efficient during the cold season, it’s essential to take steps to winterize your property. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key tasks to consider in order to prepare your home for a New England winter.
!Remember, if you don’t feel comfortable doing any of the below then contact a professional and have the job done safely, and right!
Our Quick Home Review & Maintenance List
Seal Any Gaps and Cracks
Before the cold weather sets in, it’s important to inspect your home for any gaps and cracks in windows, doors, and walls. These openings can allow cold drafts to enter and warm air to escape, making your heating system work harder. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or insulation to seal these gaps, ensuring your home is well-insulated. Sometimes replacing an old set of windows or outside doors may save you a ton of heating costs in the long run!
Check Your Heating System
The last thing you want during a New England winter is for your heating system to fail. Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your furnace or heat pump to ensure it’s in top working condition. Don’t forget to change your air filters regularly to keep the air quality in your home healthy and maintain the efficiency of your heating system.
Insulate Your Attic and Basement
A significant amount of heat can be lost through your home’s attic and basement. Proper insulation in these areas can go a long way in conserving energy and keeping your home warm. Make sure your attic is well-insulated with the appropriate R-value insulation, and consider adding insulation in your basement or crawl spaces if needed.
Check Your Gutters
Blocked gutters can lead to ice dams, which can damage your roof and cause water to seep into your home. Before the snow and ice arrive, clean out your gutters and ensure they are in good condition. Proper drainage is key to preventing ice dam formation. We STRONGLY recommend that you contact a gutter cleaning company who is experienced with working high off the ground! And if you need any roof repair or moisture caused repair, give our handyman team a call!
Prepare Your Pipes
New England winters can be harsh on your plumbing. To prevent frozen pipes and potential bursts, consider insulating any exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces. Ask a plumber if you should allow a trickle of water to flow through faucets during extremely cold nights to keep water moving and reduce the risk of freezing.
Trim Trees and Clear Debris
Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, leading to potential damage to your home. Trim any overhanging branches to reduce the risk of them falling onto your roof or power lines. Also, clear any debris from your yard that could be a hazard during winter storms.
Stock Up on Winter Supplies
It’s always a good idea to be prepared with essential winter supplies. Stock up on rock salt or sand for de-icing walkways and driveways, and have a supply of shovels and snow blowers on hand to keep paths clear.
Consider a Backup Generator
In New England, power outages can be common during winter storms. A backup generator can ensure you have heat, light, and the ability to charge essential devices during these outages.
Review Your Home Insurance
Before winter arrives, review your home insurance policy to make sure you have adequate coverage for potential winter-related damage, such as ice dams or burst pipes.
Create a Winter Emergency Kit
Finally, assemble a winter emergency kit that includes essentials like flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit in case you experience a power outage or get snowed in.
By taking these steps to winterize your home in New England, you can enjoy a cozy, worry-free season and ensure your property remains safe and comfortable throughout the colder months. So, bundle up, grab a warm drink, and embrace all the joys that a New England winter has to offer.
Remember, if any of these items are too difficult to take care of then give our Wakefield handyman service business a call at 781-888-7225 and let one of our handymen give you a hand before the cold weather comes!
