4 Essential Winter Home Maintenance Tasks for Puget Sound Homeowners

Winter in the Puget Sound area brings not only rain and wind but also freezing temperatures that can lead to costly home damage if precautions aren’t taken. As a homeowner in the Pacific Northwest, where the weather can be unpredictable, prioritizing a few key maintenance tasks can make a huge difference in keeping your home safe, dry, and warm. Here are the top four winter maintenance tasks every Puget Sound homeowner should focus on.

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts

With fall leaves and frequent rain, clogged gutters and downspouts can become a big problem. Water pooling due to blockages can overflow and seep into your roof or siding, causing mold, rot, or even foundation damage. Worst of all, typical homeowner’s insurance does not cover these claims unles you have coverage for flooding. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Clean gutters thoroughly after most leaves have fallen (typically in late November).

• Check for cracks, rust, or loose connections that could allow water to escape in the wrong places.

• Ensure that downspouts direct water at least five feet away from your home’s foundation to prevent water from seeping into your basement or crawl space.

Consider installing gutter guards to prevent future blockages, which is especially helpful when there are nearby trees which lose their leaves in the autumn.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can let cold air in and allow warm air to escape, making your heating system work overtime. Not only will sealing drafts keep you warm, but it can also lower your energy bills. Take these steps to ensure your home stays cozy and energy-efficient:

• Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows and replace any damaged or missing pieces.

• Use caulking to seal any gaps or cracks around window frames.

• Consider adding door sweeps or draft stoppers on the bottom of exterior doors for extra protection against chilly drafts.

Sealing these small gaps can add up to big savings over the winter months and keep your home comfortable.

3. Service Your Heating System and Chimney

Your heating system works harder in the winter, so annual servicing is crucial for efficiency and safety. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, proper maintenance is essential to prevent fire hazards and ensure safe operation.

• Schedule a heating system inspection to clean and tune up your furnace or heat pump. This will help it operate at peak efficiency.

• Replace your HVAC filters to ensure good air quality and efficient airflow.

• If you use a wood-burning fireplace or stove, have your chimney professionally cleaned to remove creosote buildup that could cause a chimney fire.

A well-maintained heating system and chimney not only keep you warm but also reduce the risk of fire and dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.

4. Protect Pipes from Freezing

Freezing temperatures in the Puget Sound region can cause pipes to burst, especially in unheated areas like crawl spaces, basements, and garages. Burst pipes are a major hassle and can cause costly water damage, so prevention is key.

• Insulate exposed pipes in vulnerable areas with pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape.

• Disconnect and drain exterior hoses, and shut off outdoor faucets to prevent any residual water from freezing and expanding.

• Leave a small trickle of water running through pipes during particularly cold nights to prevent freezing.

By taking these simple steps, you can avoid costly repairs and water damage when temperatures drop. 

Let us know if you need referrals to professionals who can help you with any of these important tasks.