Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make in the Winter
How to Protect Your Home
If you’re a first time homeowner this winter, or just someone who wants to buff up their seasonal home care routine, there are several things you should keep in mind in order to avoid costly damages and repairs. Check out our top five list of homeowner mistakes to avoid this winter and see how to protect your home. And first thing’s first—step away from that DIY pressure washer.
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Replace The Furnace Filter
Did you know that a clean furnace filter can improve air quality and help remove allergens from your house? If you’re wondering how to protect your home and your family from an inefficient heating system and some mild allergies, you should definitely consider replacing the filter every few months, especially before the furnace kicks on in the winter. Pro tip: if you have pets that shed or live on a main road that leaves your home extra dusty, you should probably replace your filter even more frequently.
Mistake #2: Caulking the Windows Over Old Sealant
If you properly seal the gaps around your windows before the freezing air hits, you can help lower your heating bill and kick that pesky draft to the curb. However, before you start patching gaps and holes, you must remove all of the existing caulk because the new sealant needs a fresh surface to adhere to or else it won’t work properly. To remove the old caulk, carefully use a razor blade to chip away at it, then wash the area with a rag and let it dry before applying a new sealant—this is easily one of the best tips on how to protect your home this winter.
Mistake #3: Not Checking the Chimney
Never underestimate how much dirt and debris can pile up over a calendar year. Chances are that your chimney has seen its fair share of foliage, dust, and even the potential animal nest or two since the last time the fireplace was fired up. Plus, ignoring the creosote buildup in the flue can lead to a dangerous fire. To ensure proper function and safety, have a professional come out to check and clean your chimney.
Mistake #4: Using a DIY Pressure Washer
Still wondering how to protect your home this winter, or maybe just in general? Take 10 steps back from that DIY pressure washer that you have laying in the garage. Many homeowners who have their own DIY pressure washer blast the water at an excessive force, leading to exterior home damage. If you’d like to remove seasonal buildup on your siding this winter, we encourage you to rely on the pressure washing experts at Labor Panes who can safely and effectively provide a surface that will leave your home sparkling.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Gutter Cleaning Upkeep
Last but certainly not least on the list of ways on how to protect your home this winter—do not ignore your gutters. Over the fall, depending on where you live, your gutters have been exposed to the elements and left to collect large amounts of foliage and debris. It is imperative that you schedule a professional gutter cleaning service like Labor Panes to remove these blockages for you. If left untouched, the buildup can block downspouts and trap water that may freeze over the winter and lead to expensive repairs to not only your gutters, but your siding, too.
Overall, it’s important to keep these common mistakes in mind whether you’re a first time homeowner this winter or not. Learning how to protect your home is a lifelong commitment and it’s always good to brush up on your knowledge. But like we said before—as long as you’re not using that DIY pressure washer, you’re already on the right track.
