As a homeowner, it is essential for you to keep your home comfortable and safe throughout the year, no matter the season. Home maintenance is an indispensable responsibility that every homeowner should uphold to keep all their occupants safe and cozy. It is also vital in improving the real estate value of their homes. Some homeowners often skip out on this responsibility and wait for situations to escalate before making a move. Home maintenance and improvement should be like valuable minor investments that will pay off by preventing problems and complications in the future.
Read on as some tips on how to prepare your house for every season will be shared here.
Update Your Windows and Doors
Some homeowners are not aware of the crucial role that windows and doors play in keeping the heat in and out of their homes. Windows account for 20 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, which is why window installation Minneapolis contractors and other construction service providers recommend updating or replacing your windows for better energy efficiency for the entire year. If you feel that your house has been uncomfortable during summer and winter, then a windows repair or upgrade is worth considering. You have to check your windows for air leaks or check if caulks and weatherstrips need replacement. Window treatments and covering are also excellent ideas for improving the energy efficiency of existing windows at your home. Adding storm windows or panels or solar control film to your windows helps regulate heat loss inside your home and keeps interior temperatures comfortable.
If you need to replace your windows, you’ll have several factors to keep in mind. You need to make sure that your new window has ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels. Check for the dominant climate in your area. Gas-filled windows are recommended for cold areas, as they help reduce heat loss. Windows with coatings are recommended for warm climates as they help prevent heat gain. For temperate climates with both hot and cold seasons, select windows with low U-factors and low solar heat gain coefÂficient (SHGC) to maximize energy savings.
Clean or Replace Your Gutters
Another part of your home that deserves regular attention and maintenance is the gutter. The gutter is essential in redirecting rainwater away from the ceilings and walls of your home. Thus, you must regularly check your gutters for damage and accumulated leaves and debris that can obstruct the flow of water. Faded or peeling paint, rust, and cracks also need to be checked before they get worse and inflict costly damage to your home. Sagging or parts that are out of alignment are also things to watch out for in your gutters. If some or any of these damages appear on your gutter, you can consult a contractor to help you decide if a repair or replacement is needed for your gutters.
Upgrade Your Home Insulation
Your home’s heating and cooling system accounts for 40 to 48% of your home’s energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. An excellent insulation system can help reduce heating and cooling energy use by up to 50%, which gives significant savings in energy costs. Make it a point to check the insulation in your walls, ceilings, attics, and floors. If you notice sudden drafts of wind in areas where the air is unlikely to enter, or you feel a disparity in temperatures in these areas compared to the rest of your home, you may need to repair or replace your home insulation. Insulation is a wise investment you can make as a homeowner, as insulation can help your home be more energy efficient during warm and cold seasons. An excellent insulation system can keep your home warm while keeping the cold air out during fall and winter. During spring and summer, the reverse condition happens and cold, ambient air is kept within the house while the outdoor heat is kept from entering your home. You’ll need to maintain this level of protection all year long and for many years to come to keep your family safe and comfortable.
Freshen Your Home’s Paint Job
Keeping your home’s paint job regularly retouched can keep your home looking fresh and new all year long. Your walls are sufficiently protected from moisture when a new layer of paint coating is added to them. Some paints also offer some level of insulation, which adds to the energy efficiency inside your home.
Preparing your home for every season is not just about improving its appearance. You also need to think of the practicality of the maintenance and repairs you are making. As mentioned earlier, make it an investment to season-proof your home and make it comfortable in any season. You and your family’s well-being and safety are worth spending on, so make it a point to set aside money for home improvement and reap savings and other benefits in the future.