Winter in St. Louis brings beautiful snow, holiday cheer—and the risk of expensive home damage from cold weather. As the temperature drops, a little proactive maintenance can save you thousands in repairs and keep your energy bills manageable.
At Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate, we care about the long-term health of your home. Here are five simple, critical steps every homeowner should take before the first deep freeze hits:
1. Protect Your Plumbing: Drain and Disconnect
Frozen, bursting pipes are one of the most common and costly winter repairs.
- Disconnect Hoses: Remove all garden hoses from your exterior spigots (faucets). This prevents water from backing up and freezing in the pipes just inside the wall.
- Shut Off Outdoor Water: Locate the shut-off valve for your exterior water lines (usually in the basement or utility room) and turn it off. Open the outside spigots to drain any remaining water.
2. Service Your Furnace & Air Filters
Your furnace is about to work harder than any other appliance. Make sure it’s ready!
- Change the Air Filter: A clean filter improves efficiency, lowers heating costs, and keeps your indoor air quality high. This is the simplest maintenance step you can take.
- Schedule a Check-Up: Consider having a professional HVAC technician inspect your furnace. They can spot small problems (like a faulty igniter) before they lead to a major breakdown on the coldest night of the year.
3. Seal the Cracks: Eliminate Drafts
Don’t let money (and heat!) escape through tiny gaps.
- Inspect Windows and Doors: Go around your home and feel for drafts. Apply weatherstripping or replace old caulk around drafty windows and door frames.
- Check the Attic Hatch: Gaps around your attic access are major culprits for heat loss. Ensure the hatch is properly insulated and sealed.
4. Clear the Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are the leading cause of ice dams and water damage to roofs and fascias.
- Remove Debris: Clear all leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters and downspouts. Water needs a clear path to drain away from your home.
- Check Direction: Ensure your downspouts extend several feet away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling near your home, which can lead to foundation issues.
5. Fireplace and Chimney Safety
If you plan to use your fireplace, a few simple checks are essential.
- Inspect the Chimney: Ensure the flue is clear and the damper opens and closes properly. If you use your fireplace frequently, consider a professional chimney sweep to clear out creosote buildup.
- Test Alarms: This is crucial: Install fresh batteries and test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. With windows closed and heating systems running, carbon monoxide risk increases.
By tackling this checklist now, you’ll be set for a warm, safe, and stress-free winter in your St. Louis home!
Need more advice on home maintenance or preparing your home for a spring sale? Contact Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate today!
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