Winters can take a severe toll on your homes, but the good news is that many repair issues that arise are easily preventable. That’s why I was pleased to convene a group of home inspectors and other professionals, who shared their top tips for protecting your home and making it more efficient throughout the winter.
1. Tune up your furnace. “Have all heating systems checked by a qualified service person once a year or according to the manufacturer’s warranty and service recommendations,” said Gerald Coy of Rochester Home Inspections & Engineering. You’ll also want to make sure the air filter is changed at that time and have your duct system tested for air leaks. “The typical duct system loses 25-40 percent of the energy produced by your furnace,” said Peter Ottowitz of Hawkeye Home Inspection & Environmental Testing.
2. Insulate your attic. The main cause of ice dams is an overly warm attic, so the best solution to avoiding these nasty problems is to lower the temperature of your attic. “Install additional insulation in the attic, recommends Ottowitz. “Also, check to see if the installer pushed the insulation deep into the corner where the roof meets the attic floor. This can cause the lowest part of the roof to be colder than the rest of the roof, adding to the possibility of an ice dam forming. If this is the situation in your attic, pull the insulation away from the inside of the roof so air can reach it.”
Also, keep your roof clear of snow after large storms. You can find snow rakes at most hardware stores. However, I recommend hiring a professional to do this, instead of taking the risk of climbing on an ice roof. If a lot of snow is collecting in the eves or other areas of your roof, you may want to consider having heat cables installed.
3. Ensure proper ventilation. Check to make sure insulation is not blocking the soffit vents (the perforated material installed in your attic to enhance roof ventilation). “Some homeowners block soffit vents to keep cold air out of the attic,” said Ottowitz. “ Unfortunately this prevents air movement that’s needed to keep the roof temperature uniform and to prevent ice dams. It can also cause a stagnant air condition that encourages mold growth and amplification. Adding a ridge vent (a vent that runs along the peak of the roof) can also help to provide adequate ventilation.”
4. Keep water at bay. “Clean leaves from your gutters and roof, and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof,” said Coy. “Ensure that the downspouts carry all rain water at least five feet away from the foundation area. Downspout extensions are an inexpensive way to improve any basement seepage conditions.”
5. Check your fireplace. Chimneys that aren’t functioning properly are a common source of home fires. “Before using your chimney, make sure it’s clean and that no animals have built nests in it,” said Richard A. McGrath of McGrath Insurance. “You can test the chimney draft by rolling up and igniting a few sheets of newspaper while the damper is open to ensure that the smoke is going up the chimney instead of into your living room. The bricks in your fireplace should also be in good shape and should be properly mortared. If they are not properly sealed, fire can spread into the studs behind the bricks.”
Also, have your chimney cleaned periodically. The National Fire Protection Association recommends having chimneys, fireplaces, and vents inspected at least once a year. If you haven’t already done so, have a chimney cap installed. This will prevent critters from getting into your chimney.
6. Check your smoke and CO detectors. Check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. They usually have a button on them that you can push to check that the alarm is working. Change the batteries twice a year. Many people do this at the same time as we reset our clocks in the fall and spring so that it’s easy to remember.
7. Insulate exposed pipes. “Bursting water pipes are a common – and costly – winter nuisance,” said McGrath. “Any pipes that are exposed to the cold should be covered with insulating material. Foam insulation can be used in hard-to-reach areas. Also be sure to drain exterior faucets.”
8. Add weather stripping. Your doors and windows can be your home’s biggest culprits of air leakage,” said DIY specialist Sean Murphy of Build.com. “Fixing these problems is easy. If air is leaking at your doors or windows, use weather stripping or apply a bead of caulking to shore them up.”
9. Cover your AC unit. “Although your air conditioner unit is designed to withstand the elements, it is possible that wet leaves and debris can rust and damage its internal workings,” said Murphy. “Use a hose to spray the blades free of anything loose, and then cover the unit with a breathable, waterproof cover.”
10. Winterize your lawn. “Fall is the ideal time to prepare your lawn for spring,” said Murphy. “Add fertilizer to your lawn now to promote growth of its root system for the winter. Look for a winter lawn fertilizer with a high potassium ratio for optimal results.”
Reprinted from my MetroWest Daily News column in Metrowest Homes, a real estate resource for residents of Dover, Holliston, Hopkinton, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough, Weston & beyond.
Photo courtey of Moyan Brenn
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