Winter Home Maintenance Tasks You Won't Want to Skip

Cold weather can be tough on your home, and with rising costs of electricity, it can be tough on your wallet, too. Before the temperatures drop, there are steps homeowners and renters should take to ensure their homes are well-equipped for rain, snow, wind, and frigid cold. Some of these winter home maintenance items may save you on your monthly electric bill! Don't resort to running your heater on high until April—save these tips to help you prepare your home for this winter, inside and out.

• Clear out your gutters when the leaves are done falling. Leaves, dirt, and debris can clog gutters, making it hard for water to properly drain. When your gutters are clear, rain and snow are prevented from damaging your home's siding and foundation.

• Uninstall hoses from outdoor faucets and let the remaining water drain. If water is kept in the line, pipes could freeze and potentially burst, which may cause a flood in your basement or yard. Cover your spigots with insulated covers.

• Change your furnace filters and inspect your HVAC system and water heater. If possible, hire a professional to inspect your furnace for you. Small fixes now can save you from spending big on emergency fixes in the future.

• Inspect trees around your property for dead branches. When dead or ailing tree branches are weighed down by heavy snow and ice, they are susceptible to snap. This is especially important for branches near roofs, siding, and power lines.

• Invest in pipe insulation to protect yourself from costly water damage from burst pipes. Purchase pipe insulation to install around exposed PVC or copper pipes under sinks, along exterior walls, and in your attic or crawlspace.

• Check exterior caulking for leaks, especially around windows. Leaks let in frigid air, which makes it hard to keep up with heating your home. Save money in the long run by investing in weather sealing strips and caulk, or by hiring a professional for bigger leaks.

• Stock your shed or garage with winter essentials like salt and snow removal equipment.

• Read about our Community Connections program to learn how you can save on the cost of powering your home with cost-efficient energy upgrades. Income-eligible homeowners and renters in Lucas County can access no-cost LED lightbulbs, smart powers strips, upgraded refrigerators and/or deep freezers, and carbon monoxide detectors. Learn more today!