5 Mistakes Homeowners Make Every Winter
Winter may seem like the off-season when it comes to home maintenance. After all, there’s usually no leaves to rake or grass to cut. But, homeowners who put winter maintenance duties on the back burner are making a serious seasonal mistake that could come back to bite them later.
Check out this list of the five winter maintenance mistakes homeowners make to ensure that you’re not overlooking something important.
1. Storing Firewood Too Close to the House
Firewood is the perfect hideout for outdoor bugs that are looking to penetrate the exterior walls of your home to join you inside where it’s warm. To prevent an indoor pest problem, stack firewood at least six feet away from your exterior walls. Also, shake off and inspect all firewood before bringing it indoors.
2. Letting Icicles Hang From Your Gutters
Don’t let their pretty look fool you. Icicles pose a hazard to your porch, walkway, and family members should they break and fall. They may also be a sign that snow and ice have built up inside your gutters causing an ice dam, which can lead to interior leaks and roof damage.
3. Not Using a Programmable Thermostat
Did you know you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating your home by setting the thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower for eight hours a day? The best way to do that is to use a programmable thermostat to lower the heat setting while you’re away at work or while you sleep.
4. Using Outdoor Equipment Inside the Home
When the electricity goes out during a winter storm, you may think to warm things up by using an outdoor kerosene heater, propane grill, or generator. Don’t! These items emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases that can cause major health issues. Leave them outside.
5. Forgetting to Cover Outdoor Faucets
If you were on top of your fall maintenance duties, you likely already disconnected your outdoor water hoses, but did you remember to cover the faucets? If not, you can buy a faucet cover at any hardware store for a few dollars. It’s a smart and inexpensive way to prevent cold air from seeping into your house.
Don’t worry if you forgot these important winter maintenance duties. There’s no time like the present to tackle them.