Free Rental Guide!
Learn what it takes to rent your vacation home and maximize your rental income.
Free Rental Guide!
Learn what it takes to rent your vacation home and maximize your rental income.
As the cozy winter season approaches, it’s important to remember that winter can also bring harsh weather conditions that pose a threat to our homes. From burst pipes to iced rooftops, winter weather can wreak havoc. Preparing your home for winter can help you mitigate damage and avoid costly repair bills.
Single-digit temperatures and freezing water can wreak havoc on your house and yard. The first thing to know is that water damage—particularly damage linked to frozen and burst pipes—accounts for the lion’s share of homeowners insurance claims.
Preparing your home for winter is a smart way to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently during the colder months. Here’s a list of important annual maintenance checks and tasks homeowners should consider each fall:
HVAC System
- Furnace Inspection and Cleaning: Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or HVAC system to ensure it’s working efficiently. A technician will check for issues, clean the system, and ensure everything is in good working order.
- Replace or Clean Filters: Dirty filters can reduce efficiency and air quality. Replace your furnace filter (or clean it if it’s reusable) to maintain airflow and improve system efficiency.
- Check Thermostat: Test your thermostat to ensure it is accurate and functions properly. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for more control over heating and energy savings.
Insulation & Sealing
- Inspect Insulation: Check attic insulation to ensure it is adequate and not compact. Insulating your attic helps retain heat and lowers energy costs.
- Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect windows, doors, and around vents for any air leaks. Seal gaps with weatherstripping, caulk, or foam insulation. Check for drafts, as these can significantly increase heating costs.
Chimney & Fireplace Maintenance
- Chimney Cleaning and Inspection: If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, have the chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent dangerous buildup of creosote, which can cause fires.
- Check Fireplaces: Ensure the damper works correctly and the flue opens and closes properly.
Roof and Gutters
- Inspect the Roof: Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Fall is a good time to make sure your roof can handle snow and ice buildup during the winter.
- Clean Gutters: Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up and freezing. Clogged gutters can lead to roof and foundation damage.
Plumbing & Outdoor Maintenance
- Drain Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect hoses and drain any exterior faucets to prevent them from freezing and cracking.
- Check for Frozen Pipe Risks: Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages to prevent freezing.
- Inspect the Sump Pump: If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working properly. Test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and ensuring it activates and drains properly.
Windows & Doors
- Check Seals: Check the weather stripping around windows and doors to ensure a tight seal. Replace any damaged weatherstripping to improve energy efficiency.
- Install Storm Windows: If you have storm windows, install them for extra insulation to help reduce heat loss and improve comfort.
Safety Equipment
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Fall is a great time to make sure everything is working, and your home is safe.
- Fire Extinguishers: Check that fire extinguishers are easily accessible, fully charged, and in working condition.
Clean and Inspect the Garage
- Check Garage Door: Inspect the weatherstripping on your garage door, and make sure it seals tightly when closed.
- Clear Snow Removal Tools: Ensure shovels, snow blowers, and other tools are in good condition and easy to access when needed.
Lawn and Landscaping
- Rake Leaves and Clear Debris: Clear leaves and debris from lawns and garden beds to prevent mold or mildew buildup and prepare your yard for winter.
- Cut Back Perennials: Trim back dead or dying plants and prune any trees or shrubs to avoid damage from snow or ice.
Check Attic Ventilation
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Ensure your attic is properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and ice dams. Proper ventilation helps regulate temperature and reduces the chance of condensation, which can lead to mold.
Bonus Tip: Keep an eye on any outdoor lighting as days get shorter. Replace bulbs in motion sensors or exterior lights to ensure safe access to your home during dark hours.
By staying on top of these tasks each fall, you can prevent costly repairs and help your home run efficiently through the winter.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Birchwood Property Management, a division of Holiday Vacation Rentals, offers a Winter HomeWatch Service Program. For more information, click on our HomeWatch Flyer or call 1.231.242.1818 to set up service.
Sally Brumleve joined the HVR team in January 2020 in the capacity of Acquisitions and Resort Services. She is an outdoorsy northern Michigan native and enjoys kayaking, cycling, hiking, snowshoeing, and camping. She has spent the past 14 years in the hospitality industry with responsibilities in front office, revenue management, food and beverages, sales, housekeeping, and resort retail operations. Her career experiences have been in Michigan, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Prior to that, Sally spent 15 years as an entrepreneur living in the Upper Peninsula’s idyllic Les Cheneaux Islands, as the owner of a charming harbor market and managing broker for an area real estate company. She has experience in residential development and the lakefront cottage market. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Strategic Leadership from Spring Arbor University. She holds ABR and GRI real estate designations. In her role as Acquisitions and Resort Services, Sally enjoys helping homeowners realize their financial goals through the rental management program. She feels fortunate to live in the Little Traverse Bay region where great communities, freshwater and four seasons come together.
