The cold, snowy winter months in Highland, Michigan can cause some unique challenges when it comes to taking care of your new home. Especially when you least expect the most recent Snowmageddon! Proper measures can help prevent damage to your home. Here are just a few home maintenance tips for winter that we have put together to help you with your winter home to-do list.
1. Clear your Driveway
You can help increase the life of your driveway by promptly removing ice and snow after an accumulating snow storm. This also makes it easier and safer for you and your guests to come and go from your home. There are a few things to be cautious about when clearing your driveway. Be sure to not chip the concrete or puncture the asphalt when attempting to chip away if ice builds up. Lightly salt those spots that seem to be slippery to avoid any slip and falls.
2. Prevent Condensation on Windows
Condensation can occur in your home due to the cold temperatures outside and warmer temperatures inside. Preventing this is important for the air quality of your home. If not taken care of, there is a possibility of mold to accumulate. To help fight condensation we recommend running a dehumidifier to help cut down on the moisture in the air. You can also help increase the air circulation and decrease mold accumulation in your home by opening all the blinds and curtains in your home daily.
3. Be Energy Efficient
Cold weather can cause an increase in your energy bill due to keeping your home warm with the cold temperatures outside. There are a few things your can do to help keep your energy bill at a reasonable level. First, we recommend getting a programmable or internet connected thermostat, this way you can adjust the temperature to ensure the temperature is low when you are not home. Remember to set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees to keep your pipes from freezing. Also, if you have rooms in your home that are frequently used, you can close off the vents to these rooms so you don’t have to spend money to heat rooms you are not using.
4. Clear Snow around your Home
Snow can add an unexpected amount of weight to your home. You can avoid unwanted damage to your home by frequently removing excess snow from decks, porches, and even roofs if there is enough accumulation. We recommend hiring a professional snow removal service in Milford, Michigan if you do feel it is necessary to remove snow from your roof.
5. Check Caulking adn Weather Stripping
You can help keep up the integrity of your home as well as help your home be more energy efficient by checking the caulking and weather stripping around your doors and windows. You should look for old or cracked areas and check for drafts. By taking care of these early, you can avoid high energy bills and keep your home functioning properly.
Most importantly, check with Schoen Insurance Agency, Inc. to update your homeowner's insurance and make sure you have the proper coverage.
