This Winter Checklist Could Save Your Home During Winter

Winter can be a challenging time for your home because of colder temperatures and storms. It can also raise the incidence of hazards that become more prevalent because of the season.

It’s a wise idea to take steps now before the weather gets much colder to make sure that your home, plumbing system, and your family are protected. Here is a guideline of what you should include to make sure that your home is in great shape this winter.

Your Home may be at Risk if it is Under-Insulated

No one likes a winter chill, but you may very well be at risk if your home isn’t adequately insulated. How do you know if it is? There are a few common signs: cold ceilings and floors to the touch, high energy bills, specific rooms that are cold, drafts, pest problems, just to name a few.

Insulation wears away and/or gets damaged over time. Even if your home was adequately insulated when it was built, it is possible that it isn’t today.

Start in the attic and look for signs of damage (did you know that 25 percent of your home’s heat could potentially be lost out of the roof and attic?).

Search for water damage or torn insulation and replace it. Look elsewhere in your home too. Pop off outlet covers and shine a flashlight through the back. What do you see? Is the insulation thick and intact?

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide

Smoke and carbon monoxide are not only major threats to your home, they are major threats to your family’s safety too.

Reduce the risk by making sure that detectors are well placed and are in working order.

Test them, clean them from debris and replace batteries.

This could very well save your life and your home.

Ventilation Matters in the Winter

Winters can be quite damp here in Maui, HI. This matters because a damp home is very hard to heat. You also run the risk of mold growth, which can damage your home and diminish indoor air quality. A whole home ventilation system can help, as can cracking some windows alternatively for a few minutes a day.

As an extra step, pull furniture out from the walls about a quarter inch to promote air flow. Cool temperatures and moisture can be a dangerous combination, especially on your driveway and walkway. Keep de-icing salt on hand, just in case for those occasions to reduce the risk of injury.

However, injury can and does happen many times, so if such a thing does happen to occur, call us at 808-599-5511 or 808-877-6370 and we will assist your need professionally.