It is January 2025. Blustery winter weather is here making it an important time to make sure your home is ready for looming winter storms and frigid temperatures. Winter home maintenance is crucial to protect your home from the elements and ensure everything runs smoothly for you and your family during the cold winter months. As a top Wichita homebuilder, Paul Gray Homes wants to share a few quick tips for homeowners to make sure your home is set for winter in Wichita, Kansas.
Indoor Maintenance
It is important to check and service your home’s heating systems prior to when the subzero temperatures of winter hit the heartland. Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or HVAC system by a certified HVAC professional. On your own, you can frequently replace furnace filters and test thermostats to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Inspect and Insulate Pipes
Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing. Let faucets drip during extremely cold weather to avoid bursts. It is also imperative to know where your water shutoff valve is located, in the event of a water leak or pipe break.
Seal Drafts
Check your windows and doors for air leaks, and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them. Draft stoppers are also an effective to use at the base of doors to prevent cold air from entering your home.
Humidify Your Home
Use a humidifier to counteract dry winter air. Humidifiers are instrumental to help prevent cracking in wood floors and wood furniture, plus they will help your home feel less dry during the cold winter months.
Test Safety Equipment
Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly. Also, ensure fire extinguishers are accessible, and all family members know where they are located and how to use them in your home.
Outdoor Maintenance
Inspect Your Roof for loose or missing shingles. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are free from debris and are draining properly to prevent ice dams during freezing rain and snow storms.
Trim Overhanging Trees
Remove branches that could break under the weight of snow or ice and damage your home.
Protect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Disconnect garden hoses and store them away for the winter weather. Shut off and drain exterior faucets or cover them with insulated caps.
Prepare Snow Removal Equipment
In preparation of an upcoming winter storm, make sure to service snow blowers, stock up on ice melt, and ensure shovels are accessible.
Emergency Kit
An emergency kit that is prepped with blankets, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food is essential to have in case of power outages or storms throughout the year.
Does a new home top your wishlist for 2025? Are you ready to build a custom home in Wichita, Kansas? Contact one of Kansas top home builders, Paul GrayHomes, today at 316-990-0000 or click here.