This winter don’t be caught off guard by the harsh cold that Minnesota has to offer. Instead, follow this checklist to ensure that your home is prepared for another cold winter! At AmeriSpec, we are proud to offer home inspection services to help you identify areas that need help within your home. By having regular home inspections performed, you can help avoid costly repairs by catching issues early!
- Insulate your home: Check for drafts and insulate areas like windows, doors and attics to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Service your heating system: Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your heating system, including furnaces, boilers and heat pumps. We recommend choosing Yeo Mechanical for all of your HVAC needs!
- Seal gaps and cracks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps or cracks in windows, doors and walls to prevent drafts.
- Insulate your pipes: Insulate exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. This is especially important in cold climates like those we experience in Minnesota.
- Clean your chimney: If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have your chimney cleaned and inspected to ensure it’s safe to use.
- Stock up on firewood: If you rely on a wood-burning heat source, make sure you have an ample supply of dry firewood.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure that all detectors are in good working order and replace batteries if needed.
- Winterize your outdoor faucets: Drain and disconnect garden hoses and insulate outdoor faucets to prevent freezing and damage.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Remove debris to prevent ice dams that can cause roof damage and water leaks.
- Check your roof: Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles and make necessary repairs before winter storms hit.
- Trim trees and branches: Remove overhanging tree limbs that could fall on your home during heavy snow or ice.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Assemble a winter emergency kit with essentials like blankets, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries and a first-aid kit.
- Check your thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat to help regulate indoor temperature and save on heating costs.
With these tips and a home inspection from AmeriSpec to catch any issues, you are sure to be prepared for another cold, harsh Minnesota winter! Give us a call today at 952-854-5110 or contact us to learn more about what we can do for you!
