December has here, and colder winter weather is on its way. It's the perfect opportunity to finish some of the house maintenance activities on your to-do list. So gather your tools and go to work on these December home maintenance tasks. We've put up an effective December home maintenance checklist to get you ready for the winter months ahead.

From the attic to the basement, this to-do list is packed with easy DIY projects that can make a big difference in your energy bills, as well as some outdoor maintenance to keep hoses and faucets from freezing. December is the time of the year when homeowners need to prepare their homes for winter. With cold weather, snow, and ice on the way, it's essential to ensure that your home is in good condition and ready to face the challenges of winter. Here are 5 important home maintenance tasks you should do this December to keep your home in top shape.

5 Important Home Maintenance Tasks This December

 5. Check Your Heating System

One of the most important things to do before winter sets in is to ensure that your heating system is in good working condition. Schedule an appointment with a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your furnace or boiler and perform any necessary maintenance. A well-maintained heating system will not only keep you warm during the winter but also save you money on energy bills.

It's also important to replace your furnace filter regularly during the winter months. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, causing your heating system to work harder and use more energy. Check your filter every month and replace it if it's dirty or clogged.

4. Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home's foundation and roof, so it's crucial to clean them before winter. When gutters are clogged, water can overflow and freeze, causing ice dams that can damage your roof and walls.

You can clean your gutters yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. If you're doing it yourself, make sure you use a sturdy ladder and wear gloves and safety goggles. Use a trowel or gutter scoop to remove leaves and debris, and then flush the gutters with a garden hose to ensure that water flows freely.

3. Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is one of the most important components of your home, so it's crucial to inspect it regularly to ensure that it's in good condition. Check your roof for any signs of damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, leaks, or rusted flashing. If you notice any issues, contact a professional roofer to repair them before winter.

It's also important to clear any debris, such as leaves or branches, from your roof before winter. Debris can trap moisture and cause damage to your roof, so it's important to remove it before it becomes a problem.

2. Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks can cause drafts and increase your energy bills, so it's essential to seal them before winter. Check your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking. You can also install draft stoppers at the bottom of your doors to prevent cold air from entering your home.

Another area to check for air leaks is your attic. Inspect your attic for any gaps or cracks around pipes, vents, and wiring, and seal them with expanding foam or caulk. This will prevent cold air from entering your home through the attic.

1. Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces

Finally, it's essential to prepare your outdoor spaces for winter. Store your outdoor furniture and cushions in a dry, protected area to prevent them from getting damaged by snow and ice. If you have a grill, cover it and store it in a dry area to prevent rusting.

It's also important to protect your outdoor faucets from freezing. Disconnect and drain your garden hoses, and turn off the outdoor water supply. If you have an underground sprinkler system, hire a professional to blow out the system and remove any remaining water.

Don't Neglect These Important Home Maintenance Tips

• Winterization 

When the temperature drops and water freezes to ice and expands, it can crack or break pipes . This broken equipment may not be discovered until the temperature rises, the ice melts, and a leak forms. More subtle risks may also arise, such as the production of a hydrate, which occurs when water chemically interacts with a compound and expands and blocks process pipes. 

• Plan for snow removal

There is no worse moment to discover your snow removal equipment is broken than right after a heavy snowstorm. Make sure you're ready ahead of time by:

Adding salt to containers

Performing a snowplow test

Using marking posts to demarcate driveways and walkways

Examining shovels and repairing any that are damaged

• Seal Cracks

Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks, holes, or damaged areas that could allow animals to enter. It's far easier to keep animals out than it is to get rid of them once they've taken up residence in your home. Small cracks and holes can be filled with caulk. Larger areas of damage will need to be patched with a patching compound.

• Check Insulation

Inadequate attic insulation means you're overpaying for heating. If your attic isn't insulated, isn't insulated in enough places, or isn't insulated in the proper places, the warm, cozy air in your home will escape. To keep your energy bills under control, repair any gaps in your attic insulation.

• Guest Preparation and Security 

Give your entire house a thorough dusting. Because you'll be spending more time indoors, having Christmas events, and operating your furnace more regularly, it's time to clean up the dust.

Now is the time to get your range ready for all of your Christmas and winter cooking. Furthermore, inspect all kitchen equipment and have them serviced as needed. Clean your chimney and fireplace.

We also advise you to keep flammable goods and decorations away from the fireplace. 

You can purchase an extra brand-new bedding (comforter, sheets, and pillowcases).

 

In addition you may follow these tips. And you'll be well on your way to a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient home this winter.

1. Mark the edges of your driveway with stakes.
2. Make absolutely sure your lawn is appropriately graded away from your house.
3. As soon as it starts to become cold outside, close your house's outside vents.
4. Shower curtains should be cleaned.
5. Restock first-aid supplies.
6. Examine the outdoor lighting

In conclusion, home maintenance in December entails more than just putting up lights and decorating the tree.  These are important home maintenance tasks you should do this December to keep your home in good condition and ready for winter. By taking care of these tasks, you'll not only protect your home but also save money on energy bills and