Winter Home Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Wilkinson Home in Top Shape

Winter is officially upon us, but the season is just getting started, so it’s essential to ensure that your Wilkinson home remains comfortable, energy-efficient and well-protected against the upcoming elements that Delaware might have in store. Performing winter home maintenance not only preserves the integrity of your home, but also helps you avoid any costly repairs in the long run, and even if you just purchased your new Wilkinson home, this list of valuable tips to keep your home in top shape during the winter months will always remain helpful in the future. 

Inspect and clean gutters

One crucial aspect of winter home maintenance that you won’t want to skip is inspecting and cleaning your gutters as they play an important role in directing rainwater and melted snow away from your home’s foundation. During the fall, leaves, twigs and debris can accumulate in your home’s gutters creating some blockages that could affect proper water flow, and if these blockages aren’t addressed before any winter storms, they can lead to ice dams, which can cause water to seep into your home and damage ceilings, walls and insulation. Winter home maintenance is all about proactive care, and a well-maintained gutter system is a crucial component of a winter-ready home. 

Trim tree branches

Before you get to the interior of your home, you’ll also want to take a look at any trees around your yard. Trimming tree branches before winter really sets in is a vital aspect of home maintenance—as it helps both the health of your trees and the safety of your property. During winter, trees are susceptible to various stress factors, including snow and ice accumulation, so by trimming branches beforehand, you’ll reduce the likelihood of branches breaking under the weight of the snow and ice and potentially causing damage to your property. For maintenance items like this, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment for a professional to come take a look. 

Check your heating system

Moving to the interior of your home, you’ll want to dedicate some time to check your heating system. A well-mainted heating system not only keeps your Wilkinson home warm and cozy but also operates efficiently, potentially saving you money on energy bills. You’ll want to inspect your furnace by turning off the power supply and checking for any visible signs of damage. After, clean the area around the furnace, removing any dust or debris that may have accumulated, and if you notice anything of significance, consider scheduling time for a professional to see if everything is in good working condition. 

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Finally, one of the simplest, yet most crucial, steps in your winter home maintenance routine is checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Regularly testing and replacing the batteries in your detectors should be a routine part of your home maintenance, and a small investment of time and effort into regularly checking these with each new season can make a significant impact on the safety of your home. 

New home in the new year

By taking the time to perform these winter home maintenance tasks, you’ll not only protect your Wilkinson home but also create a comfortable and safe living environment for you and your loved ones. If 2024 is the year your homebuying journey begins, our team at Wilkinson Homes is ready to help you find the perfect new home in Delaware. Give us a call at (610) 274-8283 or fill out our online form today to learn more about our communities and available quick move-in homes.