With temperatures in the Seattle area dropping into the freezing conditions, now is a great time to think about doing some updates to your home. Winter maintenance and updates will keep your home and great condition, making it easier to place on the market and sell. Here are a few helpful tips on what can be done for your home this winter.

Remove Garden Hose and Cover Pipes

A frozen garden hose can cause more damage than a busted hose; it can actually burst an interior pipe. When the water in the hose freezes, it expands, increasing pressure throughout the whole plumbing system. Garden hoses should be removed, drained, and stored before the first hard freeze. Place a standard faucet cover over the pipe once the hose is removed.

Clean Out Gutters

Leaves and sticks can build up in your gutters and stop the flow of water. When the water freezes it can damage the gutters or, more importantly, the roof of your house. A gutter scoop is a great way to quickly get all the leaves from gutters or hire a gutter cleaning service to clear out the debris.
 

Check Filters, Ducts, and Smoke Detectors

Clean out the ducts and filters throughout your home, like your kitchen and dryer vents and the filter in your furnace. A professional HVAC company can help you clear out any blockages in harder-to-reach places and check the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system.  A professional cleaning can pay for itself in energy savings since your heating system won’t have to work as hard to move warm air around your home.  Also, check your smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning properly.

Replace Weather Stripping & Caulk any Gaps

Homes, whether new or old, often have cracks and openings around doors and windows. These gaps are a major source of heat loss and can account for up to one-third of your home’s overall heating cost. Apply or replace weather stripping around your doors and windows to prevent this heat loss. Use an exterior-grade caulk to block any drafts at the edges of the window frame.

Chimney Inspection

Your chimney should be inspected every year for safety. Creosote can build up along the walls of a chimney and cause problems or even a fire. A proper chimney inspection will tell if your chimney is in good working order or if you need to have it cleaned.

If you’re in the market to sell your home, contact Scott Haveson for more tips on home improvements to help you get top dollar in this competitive market!