For the easiest home maintenance for the wintertime, the number-one way to break everything down (that will make your life a whole lot easier) is simple: start by dividing your winter “honey-do” list into indoor and outdoor tasks. You can break the list down even more by delegating to-dos, either to members of your family or to a trusted home service professional in your local O’Fallon, Shiloh or Belleville areas.
To get started, you can use this checklist, slice out a little time on the weekend and get to work! You’ll feel ready to enjoy the best of the season at home this winter.
Indoor winter handyman tasks:
- Furnace filters: Be sure to consult your manufacturer’s instructions to learn how often you should replace these. It might even be more than once this winter, so you’ll want to be prepared.
- Appliances: Every season should bring with it a deep clean of your major appliances. And don’t forget the refrigerator coils!
- Foundation: Check for moisture in the foundation of your home along with any cracks that change in size (these could be inside or outside of the house).
- Roofing: Especially after the first big snow, check your ceilings inside for any signs of leaks, especially around vents, skylights and chimneys.
- Paint: Touch-up any interior paint that’s cracking or peeling. This could also be a chance to repaint a room and start the season with a fresh coat—or a new color.
- Chimneys: If you have them, we’d like to think you’ll be able to use them safely this season! Clean out your chimneys of any buildup before use this year.
- Garbage disposal: Especially after those holiday feasts, be sure to flush your garbage disposal with hot water and baking soda.
Outdoor winter handyman tasks:
- Exterior: Start by walking around your home exterior to check that all crawl space vents around the foundation are closed.
- AC: Protect your central air conditioner with a cover for the winter. If you have any window units, remove and store them for the season.
- Winter storm prep: Be sure to have your shovels and salts stored in easy-to-reach places to access when the snow comes.
- Hoses: Drain and store all your garden hoses, and shut off exterior water spigots.
Summary
With a little motivation (and, for some of us, a little outside help), you can check these items off your list and feel prepared for whatever the winter brings. This should be a season you enjoy at home, not just cozy but safe and satisfied for the winter. Have questions? See other things around the house that need to be addressed? Do it now, and you’ll enjoy the peace, warmth and wonders of winter.
