Eight Tips to Prepare Your Home and Lawn for Winter

With winter season fast approaching, everyone has started preparing for the change. From taking out warm clothes to setting up fireplaces and arranging carpets, there is so much to do and little time.

That’s the thing about the winter season: no matter how much you do, there is always something left. Luckily, this informative guide will help you prepare for the winter season.

Whether you have a small condo or a mansion, these tips will help you cope with the harsh weather. From your room to the lounge and backyard, we provide the best tips to keep you and your property safe this winter.

Check for Leaks and Holes

It’s common for houses to have holes and leaks, but these tiny problems cost a lot in the winter season. Small leaks let cold air slip in, leaving your home freezing.

The only possible solution to the problem is to seal all the leaks. According to experts at Natal Air Conditioning, “Sealing small cracks between windows and doors can save you from the cold weather and have a significant impact on your bills.” Thus, you save yourself from the chilly weather and save more on utility bills.

Of course, an individual can easily manage small holes and leaks with tape and sealing strips, but for bigger problems, hiring a professional is a must.

Check Your Heating Systems in Time

Often, individuals make the mistake of switching on their heating systems in extreme weather only to find them not working. At that time, you can only wait for an electrician and endure the weather.

If you don’t want to end up in such circumstances, get your heating system tested in time.

You should call an HVAC team to have your home’s system serviced. These people check filters and test each part of the system to ensure that you face no issues during the season. They even look for signs of leaks and minor issues to prevent future problems.

Honestly, having your heating systems serviced during this time of the year is simpler and much more beneficial.

Check the Roof

The winter season isn’t only tough for you but your roof as well, and everyone should check their roofs for cracks and leaks. If there are holes or damaged shingles, have them fixed in time.

Delaying the matter isn’t viable because the moment it starts to snow or rain, all the water will pour in from the damaged roof. Your only option is to hire a contractor in time and have your roof thoroughly inspected and fixed before the weather conditions turn extreme.

Don’t Leave the Gutters and Chimney Dirty

When it comes to cleaning gutters, start from the top and make sure nothing blocks the pipe.

In case your pipes are blocked during the winter season, water will start accumulating within the structure and cause damage to your house. An optimum way to test for blockages is by pouring water into the drainage pipe and checking if water flows out from its designated place.

Homeowners can even add extensions to their downspouts to take the water far away from their homes.

Similarly, your chimney needs to be cleaned before winter arrives. A blocked chimney won’t allow the smoke to escape and could accumulate within your house.

That will make it difficult for you to stay in your home. So, contact an experienced chimney cleaner to avoid hazards.

Inspect the Smoke Detectors

You can never imagine when your heater results in a massive fire, and the only thing saving you from a mishap is a functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detector.

Whenever a fire breaks out, these alarms set off. Your family will instantly get notified, helping them escape in time. Therefore, having smoke detectors is essential.

Double-check each device’s battery before switching on your heating devices. With the right kind of precautions, you can keep yourself warm and cozy.

Seal the Sprinkler System

Undoubtedly, the most important step is to shut down and seal the sprinkler system in your lawn. Several homeowners think shutting down the system is enough, but that’s a misconception.

When you simply turn off the sprinkler system, there is still some moisture within the pipes. That means the water droplets might freeze and cause problems later on. The best possible solution is to drain all the moisture from your sprinkler systems and insulate them.

Start by turning off the water and timer system on your sprinkler. Once done, the next step is to treat the moisture using an air compressor.

These compressors quickly force out all the moisture but have to be handled with care. Finally, you can use insulation tape to cover the pipe openings.

Try hiring a professional for the task, as they thoroughly check everything and safely force the remaining moisture from your sprinklers.

Clean and Aerate Your Lawn

Along with carrying out other tasks, homeowners must also ensure that their lawns are clean and free of dead leaves.

Leaving dead trees or branches around your lawn in the winter is a hazard. If your lawn is covered in snow, you might not be able to locate these obstacles and might experience a nasty fall.

Thus, take time to clean your yard thoroughly. Start by clipping dead or weak leaves, and don’t forget to trim all the bushes.

Run an aeration device to allow the ground to absorb maximum nutrients if possible. That way, the grass won’t die out during the harsh winter season.

Most people start doing these things when the temperature drops, but starting early is better. Since the weather isn’t too cold, you won’t find it difficult to manage the tasks, and the results will be worth it.

Carefully Store Your Snow-Clearing and Lawn Care Equipment

Lastly, it’s the ideal time to take care of all your equipment. That means stowing away your lawn care equipment in cupboards and carefully placing all the snow-clearing tools near you.

From lawnmowers to weed eaters and fertilizers, put everything away in your garage cabinets. It is also a good time to empty all extra gas cans and maintain your equipment. With the winter season in full swing, you won’t need these tools.

However, a few things that will help you get by are your snow-clearing tools. So, locate your boots, shovels, and snow-blowing machines and keep them in a cupboard or shelf in the house.

By timely checking on your winter gear, you can get an idea about which things to buy and which ones to avoid. In addition, properly keeping your summer gear will help it remain in shape for the next season.

Conclusion

Winters are never easy for you and your property, but timely preparations can help you survive the season. These tips are the best way to ensure that your home and lawn suffer from no damage this season.

You don’t need to invest extra money or time. Just make a checklist and get started with your winter preparations. The sooner you start, the easier it is to cope with the winter season.