Learn all about caring for your new home with OPUS Homes’ Construction Manager, Alex Reid.
With more than 15 years of experience building homes, Alex knows how to keep your home looking great and operating at peak efficiency.
The one good thing about caring for your home in the winter, is that – thankfully, there isn’t too much you need to do!
Outside your home, you’ll want to ensure your family’s safety by purchasing deicer for your walkways. Don’t use rock salt as it can corrode the concrete, and take the time to remove any excess.
Be thoughtful about snow removal. Don’t allow drifts and banks to come in contact with the foundation of your home, since when it melts, it can cause problems in your basement. Same goes for ice, which can sometimes build up around exhaust vents and drain pipes. It’s a good idea to periodically walk around your home and look for places where this is happening.
You should also periodically check your roof for signs of excess snow build up which can be problematic during the typical freeze/melt cycles in the spring.
On the inside of your home, replace furnace filters every 3 months, and clean your heat recovery ventilator filters to keep your indoor air clean and dust-free.
To maintain and clear sediment from your hot water heater and tank, drain off a few gallons’ worth of water from the clean-out valve, or according to your owner’s manual.
Clean your humidifier two or three times per season. Using a hygrometer, monitor your home for excessive moisture levels which can result in condensation, mold and mildew. If your home is showing excessive moisture, call in a contractor to resolve the problem without delay.
Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water. Your laundry sink faucet has a small water line connected to the faucet that discharges water into the floor drains whenever you turn on the faucet.
Vacuum fire and smoke detectors as dust or spider webs can prevent them from functioning. While you’re doing this, check the replace by dates and to confirm new ones aren’t needed. If you have a fire extinguisher, this is a good time to check the pressure gauge on fire extinguishers and have them serviced if required.
Winter is also a good time to pull your refrigerators or freezers away from the walls, and vacuum the radiator grilles and clean out drip trays.
Check all faucets for signs of dripping and repair or replace as needed. If you have a plumbing fixture that is not used frequently, such as a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower stall, run some water briefly to keep water in the trap.
Finally, take a moment to peek in your attic to look for frost or ice accumulation. If you see any potential problems, promptly call a contractor for assistance.
As with any season, maintaining your home is about keeping your heating and plumbing systems running efficiently and taking steps to prevent water penetration. By doing this, you can relax and look forward to Spring.
Watch our Caring for Your Home: Winter Home Maintenance video demonstration here>
