Five home maintenance tasks you should be doing this winter
Although it’s halfway through the season, the groundhog has promised there will be plenty of winter weather still to come, which means it’s the perfect time to tackle some indoor home maintenance projects to keep everything running smoothly. Amanda Fancy, owner of Gow’s Home Hardware and Furniture in Bridgewater, says this is a popular time of year for basic repairs, renovations and regular maintenance in a home and she suggested four areas to consider.
WINDOWS
When the winds start to blow, it can become apparent that a home may not be as energy efficient as it seemed. Check windows for air leaks and cracks in the caulking. Older windows are particularly prone to drafts, which make a home less efficient. By stopping these leaks, some heat loss can be halted, saving money and energy. “You may need to replace weather stripping inside or outside,” she says. “If you feel a large draft around your window, you can cut the weather stripping to your window’s size and use a heat gun or hair dryer with the installation kit. It’s a great way to save on heating costs.”
SUMP PUMP TEST
This test should be performed several times each year. As Nova Scotia winters see fluctuating temperatures turning snow into water, winter can be a very wet season and potentially disastrous for the basements of those whose sump pumps stop working during a melting period. “Test the sump pump by pouring a few gallons of water into the pit to make sure it’s functioning,” she says. “It’s a really easy fix to replace the sump pump if needed.” If the sump pump isn’t working, Fancy suggests removing it and replacing it with a new one as soon as possible to avoid flooding.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPDATES
Fancy suggests some simple measures to maximize the energy efficiency of a home. “If you have your water heater in a cold room or unheated basement, you should get an insulation blanket,” she says. “It’s a great preventative measure to save you money on your energy costs in the winter.” These blankets are low cost and homeowners can install them easily on their own. It keeps the tank from losing heat and helps maintain a consistent water temperature. Reversing ceiling fans can also help keep a home warm. In the winter, fans should be spinning clockwise in order to push heat from the ceiling down to the living space of the home.
SNOWBLOWER MAINTENANCE
“The last thing you want is for your snowblower to stop working halfway through the season,” Fancy cautions, adding that having service done when the weather is calm is a better bet for a quick turnaround than mid-winter. “Do the maintenance ahead of time and get those products ready so you’re prepared before a blizzard hits.” Every year, snowblowers should be serviced and inspected. This includes changing the oil and spark plug and ensuring there is fresh gas in the tank. And be sure to have a few extra shear pins on hand, especially if you have a gravel driveway. At the end of the season, run a fuel stabilizer through the engine to help ensure it will be in good shape for the next year.
BE PREPARED
Finally, it’s a good idea to build up a supply of items that can be used year after year, such as extra salt or sand, shovels and a storm emergency kit that includes items such as non-perishable food, a butane stove, bottled water, a battery-operated radio and, of course, your phone charger.