Home Maintenance Tips to Get Ready for Winter | Western NC

Top Home Maintenance Tips to Get Ready for Winter in the Mountains

As the last autumn leaves flutter down in Weaverville and the surrounding Western North Carolina mountains, winter is just around the corner. 🍂 For us mountain homeowners, that means cozy evenings by the fire – and also a little bit of preparation to keep our homes safe and snug all season long. In a friendly neighborhood spirit, I’m sharing some home maintenance tips to get ready for winter. These are the same things I remind my own family and neighbors to do every year. Let’s bundle up and prepare our homes for a comfortable season ahead!

Service Your Heating System Early

One of the most important home maintenance tips to get ready for winter is to check your heating system. Nothing is more comforting on a cold mountain night than reliable heat. Before winter really sets in, give your furnace or heat pump some attention. Schedule a check-up if you can, replace filters, and vacuum dust from vents. And here’s a pro tip: flip the switch on ceiling fans to clockwise so warm air circulates back down into the room. A little prep now will keep your home cozy when the temperatures drop.

Seal Windows and Doors Against Drafts

Simple home maintenance tips to get ready for winter like sealing doors and windows can make a big difference in comfort and energy use. Check for drafts around windows, doors, and frames. Replace worn weather-stripping, add caulk where needed, and use a door sweep if you notice air sneaking in. Think of it as wrapping your house in a warm blanket – small fixes that keep the cold air out and the cozy air in.

Clean and Check Your Fireplace and Chimney

When talking about home maintenance tips to get ready for winter, don’t forget your fireplace and chimney. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, have your chimney cleaned to clear away soot and creosote that build up over time. Even gas fireplaces benefit from a quick inspection. Also, make sure your chimney cap is secure to keep out rain and critters. Once you’ve checked this off your list, you can enjoy those fireside evenings with peace of mind.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

Protecting your plumbing is another one of those essential home maintenance tips to get ready for winter in Western North Carolina. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off and drain outside faucets, and pop on an insulated faucet cover. If you have a sprinkler or irrigation system, make sure it’s drained before freezing weather hits. Taking these steps now will save you from costly pipe repairs later.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

In the mountains, temps can drop quickly. Insulating pipes in crawl spaces, basements, attics, or along exterior walls is one of the smartest home maintenance tips to get ready for winter. Foam insulation sleeves are an easy DIY solution. On frigid nights, open cabinet doors to let in warm air and even let faucets drip a little to prevent freezing. These simple habits help keep your plumbing safe.

Clear Gutters and Inspect the Roof

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, so clearing them is an important home maintenance tip to get ready for winter. Once leaves are down, clean gutters and downspouts so melting snow drains properly. While you’re at it, check your roof for missing shingles or damage that could worsen in storms. A quick look now can prevent major repairs later.

Test Safety Devices and Emergency Prep

Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors belongs on every list of home maintenance tips to get ready for winter. Replace batteries, check fire extinguishers, and make sure your home emergency kit is ready. Mountain storms can sometimes cause power outages, so flashlights, blankets, and a little extra food and water are good to keep on hand.

Enjoy the Cozy Season

By following these home maintenance tips to get ready for winter, you’ll be prepared to relax and enjoy the season. From the first snowfall over the Blue Ridge to evenings by the fire, winter in Weaverville and Western NC is magical – and a well-prepared home makes it even better. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy every moment in your cozy mountain home.

— Rachel

Helpful Resources

• U.S. Department of Energy – Fall and Winter Energy Saving Tips: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips

• National Fire Protection Association – Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fireplace-and-woodstove-safety

• American Red Cross – Winter Storm Safety: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html

• Energy Star – Heating and Cooling Maintenance Checklist: https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling/maintenance

Top Home Maintenance Tips to Get Ready for Winter in the Mountains