Welcome to the season of warmth, comfort, and chilly nights! As the winter wonderland approaches, it's time to ensure your home is prepped and ready to weather the cold months ahead. If you’ve newly moved into your Berks home, you won’t have to address these tasks immediately, but to help you glide through winter with ease, here's a comprehensive checklist to keep your sanctuary cozy and problem-free.

Perform a routine interior maintenance check

It's important to conduct regular maintenance checks throughout your home, especially as the seasons change. You can start with a simple check on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, particularly when you're using your heating system more often.

To ensure that your heating system is working properly, run it for a few hours before the cold sets in. If you notice any unusual sounds or smells, it may be best to have a professional inspect it. You can also improve the air quality in your home by cleaning the air ducts. This will not only reduce the accumulation of dust, debris, and allergens but also help the entire system run more efficiently.

To distribute warm air evenly around your living areas, make sure to switch the direction of your ceiling fan blades to rotate clockwise at low speed during the winter season. Doing this will keep your space cozy without increasing your heating bill.

Prepare your yard and roof for winter

With the arrival of colder weather, it is crucial to take necessary precautions to ensure that your yard and roof are fully prepared for the winter season. Start by thoroughly inspecting and cleaning your gutters. Gutters play a key role in directing rain and melting snow away from your home’s foundation, and when leaves, twigs and debris accumulates, it can cause clogs that lead to water damage.

Your roof is another area you won’t want to skip over, and if you don’t maintain it regularly, issues such as damaged shingles or leaks can begin to arise. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced professional to inspect and repair any damages to your roof.

Don't forget to examine your yard for any rotted branches or trees that may be leaning to one side, and trim them back to avoid any potential hazards. If you find any, you might have to trim back large trees near your home or power lines, or consult an expert to see if you need to remove a tree or large branches that may be dead by the time winter is over.

It is equally important to inspect all exterior pipes and faucets for leaks, and disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off the water supply to prevent freezing and bursting. Taking these measures will ensure that your home and property are well-protected and will remain in good condition throughout the winter season.

Navigating homeownership with Berks Homes

It's always a good idea to prepare your home for winter to prevent any issues that may arise during the season. Inspecting, cleaning, and addressing any potential problems can help ensure that your home remains protected throughout the colder months. To get started, grab a checklist and begin winterizing your home from the outside in.

If you're in the market for a new home this winter, Berks Homes is here to assist you. We offer exceptional new homes in South Central, PA, Southeast, PA, and Central, PA that are available for quick move-in. When you're ready to start your homebuying journey, simply call us at (484) 772-2693 or fill out our online form.