Fluffy   snowflakes   and sparkling  icicles  may  make  for   a winter wonderland, but they can also cause drafts, form ice dams,   and  even  disrupt  communication  and  power  for days. 

The good news is you can avoid winter-related disasters by taking   the   necessary    pre-winter    home    maintenance measures.

There  are   often   simple   tasks   and   repairs   you   can  do  to  prepare your home for winter.  For  instance,  did  you know that insulating   your   attic  before  winter  can  help  to  guard against ice dams?  Or  that trimming trees can help to keep you safe in a snowstorm?

When  you’re  proactive  about  completing  these tasks  and repairs, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, make it  safer for  everyone to live in,   and even reduce your energy  bills.   Here are a few home maintenance tips that will help to keep you safe and warm in winter.

Alternatively,     you   could  use   weatherstripping   to    seal   the   gaps  or  consider  replacing  the  doors  and the windows if the problem is too severe.    Weatherproofing prevents moist outside from entering and conditioned indoor air from escaping through the gaps.

2. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Ever wondered why most of the house  fires happen in winter?   It’s because winter is the time  most of us are blasting the furnace 24/7 to keep the house warm.

We   are  also  likely to have our houses closed up in winter,  so the likelihood of carbon monoxide building up to dangerous levels  is   high.    That said,  if  your  home  is not equipped   with   a    carbon monoxide detector,   make   sure   to   have   one   installed.

You’ll    also   need   to   check   your   smoke   detectors   to    see   if   they’re    functioning  properly  and  have  good batteries. It’s advisable  to  hire  a   licensed  HVAC  inspector.  These professionals will ensure the furnace and other heating systems that could emit carbon monoxide are functioning properly.

3. Keep an Eye on Trees

Winter   is  often   associated   with  storms.  Whether  it  brings along   snow,  wind,  or  rain,  you  don’t  want to be contending with   any   falling   tree  limbs.   Trim   the   trees   around  your house early.

Fall isn’t always a good time to trim trees..

4. Tune Up Your Heating System

Depending on  the type o  heating syste  you  have,  there  are  a  few  maintenance things you can do to optimize its performance.

Whether   you   have   a  next-gen HVAC system or  an  old  school  furnace, give it some love. Change the filters and test the igniter switch.   If  it’s  been  a  while  since  the  last  tune-up was done,   have  an  HVAC  professional inspect your system to ensure it’s in proper working condition.

If  you have a furnace that  you  use  during  winter,  have  it  cleaned  before  the  temperature  starts  to  dip.  Combustible  waste materials can build up in your fireplace and pose a serious fire hazard.

5. Prevent Pipes from Freezing

Because   water   expands  when  it  freezes,   frozen   pips  can burst,   leading   to  serious    structural   damages   and   costly repairs.

And  since   frozen pipes crack easily,  the best you can do is to  take  preventive  measures   that   will   ensure  your  pipes  are not   exposed   to  cryogenic  temperatures.   This can be  done by   insulating   the   pipes   in   unheated   areas   and  keeping the   heat   set   to   no   lower   than   55-degrees Fahrenheit.