As winter approaches, it’s time to ensure your home is ready for the Inland Northwest cold fronts – read on for our guide to home winterization. While we eagerly anticipate those cozy holiday evenings, making sure the essential tasks are finalized is crucial for maintaining warmth and comfort in your home. Over this blog, we outline our winter home preparation checklist with our top tips to help your home thrive during the snowy season. We want to help you avoid those scary stories we all see while scrolling social media – no flooding because of melting ice on our roof over here please!
Blow Out the Sprinklers – Protect Your Irrigation System
As the temperatures drop, your irrigation system becomes susceptable to some serious damage. We highly recommend scheduling a professional sprinkler blowout service to remove any residual water, protecting your entire system throughout winter. This step is crucial for preventing freezing and potential cracks. A well-maintained sprinkler system not only protects your landscaping but also saves you from costly repairs in the spring. Here is our favorite local to Spokane company for servicing your sprinklers.
Clean Out the Gutters – Prevent Ice Dams and Roof Damage
Regularly cleaning your gutters is more than just a maintenance task. It’s necessary for proper drainage and preventing ice dams on your roof. Missing this step in your winterizing process can lead to costly damage. Cleaning leaves and debris from your gutters before winter sets in will save you from future repairs. Additionally, consider installing gutter guards to make this task easier and more efficient in the following seasons. We have guards that we really like linked here!
Inspect and Prepare Your Roof – Strengthen Your Home’s Defense
Your roof is your home’s primary defense against the elements. Make sure you are performing a thorough inspection for loose or damaged shingles and signs of wear and tear. Addressing issues now prevents leaks and costly repairs in the middle of winter. Also, make sure to trim overhanging branches near your home to prevent heavy snow accumulation. A well-maintained roof ensures your home stays warm and dry throughout the season.
Service the Furnace – Ensure Winter Comfort
Your furnace is the main character of your winter comfort. Professional servicing enhances efficiency and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns. It makes sure you have a warm and cozy home all season long. Be sure to replace furnace filters regularly and consider installing a programmable thermostat for energy savings and enhanced control.
Seal Drafts and Insulate – Save on Energy Costs
Identify and seal drafts and gaps around doors and windows. Weatherstripping and caulk are your allies in keeping cold air out and warm air in, as well as appropriate attic and wall insulation leading to drastically reduced heating costs. If these are copmpleteing and something still seems off, consider a professional energy audit to pinpoint areas where your home may be losing heat, and focus your efforts on those areas for maximum efficiency.
Winterize Your Garden and Outdoor Furniture – Preserve Your Outdoor Space
Outdoor spaces need attention too! Protect your outdoor furniture by storing or covering it, ensuring it lasts longer. Trim back plants and protect delicate shrubs for a charming outdoor space come spring. Remove or trim down plants from your garden beds and turn over your soil before it freezes. Consider adding a layer of mulch to protect plant roots and prevent frost heave. We had a moose visiting us all winter long last year munching on the kale stalks we just never got around to ripping out before the ground froze – let’s keep those critters out!
By ensuring you complete these winter home preparation tasks, your home (and YOU) will be equipped to embrace the snowy season. Whether you’re safeguarding your irrigation system, roofing, or furnace, making energy-efficient updates, preserving your outdoor space, or preparing for emergencies, you’ll be sure to enjoy a warm, comfortable, and stress-free winter. So, invest in your home’s winter readiness, gather your supplies, and soak up the coziness of the snowy season while staying comfortable and safe! Have any questions about preparing for the rest of the seasons? Reach out to us here or take a look at our Instagram for even more resources.
