Start the Year Right – Home Maintenance Tips

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to ensure your home is ready for the colder months ahead. Winter brings unique challenges, and proactive maintenance can save you time, money, and stress. Here are essential tips to keep your home comfortable, efficient, and safe this January:

1. Inspect and Tune-Up Your Heating System

Your heating system works hard during the winter, and regular maintenance is crucial to keep it running efficiently. A professional inspection can:

• Identify potential issues before they become costly repairs.
• Improve your system’s efficiency, reducing energy bills.
• Ensure consistent and reliable heating throughout your home.

Pro Tip: Replace air filters monthly during heavy use to maintain good airflow and indoor air quality.

2. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to expensive water damage. Protect your plumbing by:

• Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
• Letting faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to prevent pressure buildup.
• Disconnecting and storing outdoor hoses.

Pro Tip: Know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case of an emergency.

3. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation

Drafty windows and doors can make your heating system work overtime. Combat heat loss by:

• Using weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps around windows and doors.
• Adding or upgrading insulation in your attic to prevent heat from escaping.
• Using draft stoppers or heavy curtains to block cold air.

Pro Tip: Check for drafts with a lit candle or incense stick near windows and doors. If the flame or smoke wavers, you’ve found a draft.

4. Maintain Your Water Quality

Winter weather can impact your water supply, especially if you rely on well water or live in an area prone to freezing conditions. Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air offers water treatment solutions to ensure:

• Clean and safe drinking water for your family.
• Protection against hard water, which can damage appliances and plumbing.
• Peace of mind knowing your water quality is top-notch.

Pro Tip: Schedule a water quality test to identify any potential issues early.

5. Clean Gutters and Check Roof Integrity

Ice dams and leaks can form if gutters are clogged or your roof is damaged. Prevent these issues by:

• Removing debris from gutters and downspouts to allow proper drainage.
• Inspecting your roof for missing shingles, cracks, or other damage.

Pro Tip: Use a roof rake to safely remove heavy snow buildup and reduce the risk of ice dams.

6. Test Your Safety Devices

Winter is peak season for using heating equipment, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and fires. Stay safe by:

• Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Replacing batteries and ensuring devices are functioning properly.
• Keeping fire extinguishers accessible and fully charged.

Pro Tip: Install detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.

By following these tips, you can start the year with a well-maintained and secure home. At Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’re here to help with all your winter maintenance needs. Contact us today to schedule a service or learn more about our heating, plumbing, and water treatment solutions.