Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

As the new year takes hold, now is the perfect time to check your home for potential maintenance issues and simple repairs that could be done before the weather heats up for the summer. At Perry Homes, we put great effort into building the highest quality homes and want you to be happy in yours. Keep your home in the best shape possible this winter with these home maintenance tips and tricks.

Check on Emergency Supplies

While the winters in Texas are not generally as harsh than in other parts of the country, it is still important to have emergency supplies in the case of severe weather. Winter storms have the potential to bring power outages and other sudden emergencies that affect your home. Designate an area of your house for storing supplies such as canned food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits and other supplies you may need if you experience a loss of power. Periodically check to make sure that everything is stocked and ready to go. It is better to prepare your supplies now than to need them later and not have them.

Check Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Each home should be equipped with multiple smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You want one of both of these devices in every bedroom, every floor of your home and in the kitchen. While you should be checking the batteries of your detectors monthly, these checks are especially essential during the winter months. Because of the colder weather, we engage in activities that are more likely to lead to a house fire, such as keeping the windows closed at all times and regularly using the heater. Make a reminder for yourself at the beginning of each month to check on these devices, and make sure that you always have batteries around if they need to be replaced.

Prevent Cold Air From Entering Your Home

One of the easiest ways to save energy this winter is to make sure that there is no cold air leaking into your home from outside. Walk around your home and take the following steps as needed:

• Take a look at the caulking around your doors and windows. Is there anywhere that could potentially be leaking to the outdoors? Pay special attention to any air vents or outside faucets that lead into your home, as these could easily be the culprit for drafts and heat loss.
• While you are giving attention to your doors and windows, be sure to also check the weatherstripping and replace it as needed. Depending on what type of weatherstripping you use, it may need to be replaced every few months to every few years. If there has been particularly severe weather, take a look at how it is holding up immediately afterward.
• Slowly go through every room and examine the walls, particularly in rooms that are noticeably colder than the others in your home. Carefully inspect for cracks. Some are not easily visible, but even the thinnest cracks can lead to a prominent drop of temperature. Seal any of these cracks as needed.

These simple steps will ensure your family a warm and safe winter. If you are thinking of purchasing a new home during this time of year, be sure to check out our beautiful homes for sale with our industry-leading two year workmanship warranty.