The Essential Winter Maintenance Checklist for Northern Virginia Homeowners

When the cold weather hits, Northern Virginia homeowners like to bundle up with hot cocoa after a couple of hours of shoveling driveways. It's no secret that Northern Virginia experiences a tough cold season and a fair bit of snow. And as difficult as the winter months can be on our tires, bodies, and heating bills, it can be even more difficult on our homes—if they're not properly equipped.

Failing to prepare your home for the winter season can have an impact on your heating system, your plumbing pipes, your home's exterior, and your peace of mind. From sealing up drafty windows to stocking up on sidewalk salt, our Northern Virginia handyman professionals will take you through the ultimate winter maintenance checklist that will ensure your home is protected against structural damage, costly repairs, and expensive energy costs.

Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket provides expert services to help you with every aspect of winter preparation. With our winter maintenance tips, Northern Virginia homeowners can enjoy a cozy and safe home as winter approaches.

How to Get Your Home Properly Winterized Through a Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Every home, every climate, and every property is different. Not all Northern Virginia homes are built equally, and they don't necessarily all undergo the same maintenance tasks. However, it doesn't matter if you live in an old home built in the 1920s or a brand-new home built in the 2020s. Every home generally requires the same type of winterization tactics.

These tips will greatly enhance your home's energy efficiency and comfort during the colder months. By following this comprehensive winter home maintenance checklist, Northern Virginia homeowners can ensure their properties are more than equipped to handle the harsh winter weather. So, let's take a look at the first item on our checklist!

Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As the temperature drops, you are more inclined to crank up the heat to keep your house warm. However, the cold months are notorious for an increase in house fires. When the winter storms fester over Northern Virginia, there's no doubt that homeowners are shutting their windows and closing their doors.

This lack of ventilation can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide and, therefore, the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. As the first item on our winter maintenance checklist, it's crucial to have a carbon monoxide detector installed, if you don't already have one. Furthermore, change out your batteries in smoke alarms.

Inspect Your Heating and Cooling Systems

To ensure that your heating costs aren't exponential, it's important to change out your air filters before the winter. Typically, your central heating system should last up to 20 years, but with proper winter home maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your home while keeping your house warm and cozy.

Clean Your Gutters

When you have clogged gutters, excess water can't properly flow away from your home's foundation, which can lead to expensive and extensive water damage, structural issues, and roof damage. It's very important to have clean gutters for the winter, so as the next item on our winter maintenance checklist, be sure to clear that nasty debris from gutters.

Make Sure You Have Weather Stripping and Proper Sealing

It's important to focus on your door and window frames, window screens, and anywhere else where there is a chance of air leaks. Broken seals and seal cracks around your window and doors result in drafts, therefore causing your HVAC system to go into overdrive. This will cause your energy bills to increase significantly, making it essential to address any sealing issues.

Another reason why weather stripping and sealing is on our winter home maintenance checklist is that it can prevent moisture infiltration, which can even lead to mold and mildew growth. So, check on your weather stripping and sealing, and find out if you need a window repair or a door repair before it gets too cold out.

Drain Your Outdoor Faucets

Next up on Northern Virginia homeowners' winter maintenance checklist should be tending to your outdoor faucets. There is no need for them during the winter, and you'll more than likely end up with frozen pipes. This can result in extensive water damage in your basement.

To drain your outdoor faucets, turn off the water valve, and let the water drain. Leave the valve off until you're ready to use it in the spring. Since you're outside anyway, if you haven't put your outdoor furniture away yet, now is the time to put your precious patio furniture away until late spring.

Stock Up On Snow Removal Supplies

The next part of our winter home maintenance checklist is to ensure you have enough snow removal supplies. Snow is absolutely enchanting to witness before Christmas. However, it can swiftly become a burden if you're unprepared without shovels, snow blowers, ice picks, and ice melt. Evaluate your current stock, and if you have to head on over to your local hardware store to stock up, we recommend that you do so before the roads get too bad!

Winterize Your Plumbing

Frozen pipes are a major concern in Northern Virginia. Without proper insulation, it can lead to pipe bursts, which not only cause major inconvenience but also cause costly repairs. So, make sure that your interior and exterior pipes are properly insulated, and if you don't know how to do so, get in contact with a local plumber for services.

The next step in your winter maintenance checklist for plumbing is to verify that your hot water heater is operating both efficiently and effectively. The last thing you want is to step into a cold shower on a freezing cold day. Consistently monitor the temperature settings throughout the winter and take the opportunity to flush out the tank to eliminate any sediment buildup. This will enhance its efficiency and ensure optimal performance.

Let Mr. Handyman Complete Your Winter Maintenance Checklist with Ease!

Northern Virginia homeowners should make sure their homes are properly winterized by taking the necessary measures. This winter maintenance checklist is designed to reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs and energy waste in your home, guaranteeing a safe and cozy winter experience. If you need any assistance, Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket is available to take your call. If you'd like to learn more about our home winterization strategies, contact our exceptional customer service team!

Whether you're located in Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield, or the nearby areas, Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket can help with all your improvement projects!