Home Maintenance Tips for Winter

If you have recently bought a new home, you know just how expensive homeownership can be. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 1-3% of your home's purchase price each year to cover home maintenance. For many people, the cost of homeownership (and even renting) increases dramatically during the winter months. Below are some home maintenance tips that should help you maintain your home while keeping costs down this winter.

Close any Foundation Vents

Many homes that have crawl spaces also have vents that help provide excellent ventilation during the warmer months of the year. During the winter it is a good idea to close these cents to help lower heating costs.

Replace any Worn Insulation on Exposed Pipes

Almost everyone has experienced a burst pipe at some point in their life. Each new winter, it is always a good idea to do a walk around of your home and check the insulation on exposed pipes. Foam insulation that is exposed to the elements will wear down over time and should be replaced.

Check for Door and Window Drafts

Cold air slipping into your home is one of the main causes of high heating bills. Check your doors and windows for any drafts and seal them with caulk or foam gaskets. Here is a tip to help you easily identify air seepage. Light a stick of incense and slowly move it in front of your doors and windows. If the smoke is blown around instead of rising in the straight line, you’ve found a draft.

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