Hello there, folks! Your friendly neighborhood handyman here, ready to guide you through the winter wonderland of home maintenance. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Winter home maintenance? Isn't that just turning up the heat and hoping for the best?" Well, there's a bit more to it than that. So, grab your tool belt (and maybe a hot cocoa), and let's dive in!
Before Winter: The Great Gutter Clean-Up
Before winter rolls around, think about cleaning out all those leaves that fell and got trapped in your eves. Ignoring your gutters now could lead to an ice dam later, and those are about as fun as a root canal. So, grab your ladder, and let's get to work.
This is an easy job to accomplish by yourself. All you need is a ladder, a bucket, and a gardening trowel. But if you’re not feeling confident, it’s a perfect job for a handyman to accomplish. Remember, safety first! And if you find any of Santa's missing reindeer up there, send them my way. I've got a sleigh that needs pulling.
Insulation Inspection
Next up, insulation. Now, I'm not saying you need to turn your home into a giant marshmallow, but a well-insulated house is key to staying warm and keeping those heating bills down. So, take a peek in your attic and walls. If your insulation is looking a bit thin, it might be time for an upgrade. And no, wrapping yourself in blankets and sitting by the fire doesn't count as 'upgrading your insulation'.
There are many ways to insulate your home and you should contact a HVAC or insulation professional. The age of the home, type of construction, and geographical location will all be factors in how you insulate your home. That being said, if you feel a draft from a specific spot like around an outlet or along the baseboard, you can always try to seal that with some latex caulk. Look for the appropriate variety at a hardware store.
Furnace Fun
Now, let's talk about your furnace. It's the heart of your home's heating system, and just like your heart, it needs a check-up now and then. If you have a forced air system (the kind that blows air from registers in the wall, floor, or ceiling) you need to change the filters quarterly. This is an often overlooked home maintenance task that can have a huge impact on the longevity of your furnace and your bills.
Window Woes
Last but not least, let's talk windows. If you've got drafts that would make a ghost jealous, it's time to seal those up. Weather-stripping is your friend here. It's easy to install and will keep the cold air where it belongs - outside. You can also use the plastic window film for windows that just won’t seal properly. They don’t always look the best, but if it will save you a few hundred dollars on your bill, it might just be worth it.
Well, that's all for now, folks. Remember, winter home maintenance isn't just about staying warm, it's about keeping your home happy and healthy. So, stay warm, stay safe, and if you need me, I’ll be out back skating on my unintentional ice rink.
Until next time,
The Trusty Teacher Handyman
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