Winters in the St. Louis area are moderate, yet temperature drops near freezing are average, and some snowfall can often occur. This is why winter home maintenance during the colder winter months is essential.
Most of these tasks are simple and can be done with just a bit of spare time. Once you take care of your household airflow, outdoor water features, and a few other concerns, you can look forward to a trouble-free winter season.
As temperatures dip, cold air can enter the home through door frames. You can easily prevent this around doors with new weatherstripping to create a tight seal. This is especially effective on entryways that are used frequently such as the front door, patio door, and entry from the garage. By removing old weather strips every fall and replacing them with fresh ones, you can cut down on heating bills by keeping warm air inside the home.
Just as warm interior air can escape through door frames, cold air can seep in through window frames. This happens because caulking — silicone sealant — can become warped by sunlight. Once you remove the old caulking and replace it with a fresh application, the windows will only allow air to flow in and out if they are open.
During the fall months, leaves, twigs, and dust can gather in the rain gutters along the edges of the roof. This material can also plug the downspouts. By clearing the gutters of debris, you can make sure water from rain and melting snow flows off the roof and away from your home’s foundation. New homes in the St. Louis area, especially those built by Rolwes Company, are equipped with highly efficient water flow systems which simply need a routine clearing of debris after the autumn season.
Winter temperatures in St. Louis can occasionally create ice, which means any water that may be left inside your garden hoses can freeze. By removing the hoses from the outside water spigots, you can make sure they are in good shape for the following summer. Additionally, when you remove the hoses, make sure the faucet is turned completely off. This will prevent ice from occurring in the pipes which lead into the house.
When your furnace draws in air, a filter blocks dust from blowing through the vents and into the house. Over time, the filter can become saturated with debris. By replacing this filter every fall, you can be assured that temperature-treated air is flowing dust-free through the house.
Ceiling fans are designed to draw heat away from the floor in the summer months. During the colder months, however, you can keep the warm air flowing from the furnace vents down by reversing the direction of the fan blades. This is done by simply locating the direction switch and clicking it so that the fan turns in reverse.
The kitchen drain can slow down in cold weather if the water inside reaches the freezing point. This is easily prevented by pouring a pot of boiling water down any drain which you might use regularly. Doing so will prevent debris from building up in the future and causing clogs when warmer months arrive.
Routine maintenance of your home is essential during winter to keep it safe and energy-efficient for you and your family to enjoy all year round. With a few easy steps, you can make sure your house is ready for the winter months in St. Louis. Rolwes Company is the leading builder of new homes in the St. Louis area, and if you are looking for an upgrade to your current home, or have any questions about us or how we can help, feel free to reach out to us.
