As the leaves begin to turn and temperatures start their inevitable descent, it’s time to shift into winter preparation mode and focus on some home maintenance. Even the most well-crafted, high-end homes require seasonal care to maintain their value and functionality. The more proactive maintenance you perform, the longer your home’s systems and components will serve you well, and the longer the lifespan of your investment.
Essential Winter Preparation Tasks
Irrigation System Winterization
Water left in irrigation lines will freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst and requiring expensive spring repairs. Professional blow-out services use compressed air to remove every drop of water from your system, including:
- Main supply lines
- Zone control valves
- Sprinkler heads
- Backflow prevention devices
Gutter System Maintenance
Clean gutters are your home’s first line of defense against winter water damage. Clogged gutters can create ice dams that force water under shingles and into your home’s structure. Before the first freeze:
- Remove all leaves, debris and sediment
- Check for loose or damaged sections
- Ensure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet from your foundation
- Verify proper slope toward downspouts
Outdoor Faucet Protection
Outdoor faucets are vulnerable freeze points that can cause thousands in damage if they burst inside your walls. Take these steps:
- Disconnect and drain all garden hoses
- Turn off interior shut-off valves to outdoor faucets
- Open outdoor faucets to drain remaining water
- Install insulated faucet covers
HVAC System Preparation
Your heating system will work harder in the coming months, making pre-season maintenance essential. Furnace filters should be replaced with high-quality filters appropriate for your system. Check filters monthly during peak heating season—dirty filters reduce efficiency and can damage your equipment.
Additional HVAC tasks include:
- Professional furnace inspection and cleaning
- Thermostat calibration
- Chimney and fireplace cleaning and inspection
When you build with ADŌR, you have a lifelong partner in the care and maintenance of your home. If you need any resources to help keep your ADŌR property in prime condition, reach out! We’re always here to help.