It’s that time of the year again when all festivities usually come to a screeching halt as you go back indoors, snuggle up on the couch next to the fireplace, and watch the snow from your window.

Though winter can make a person reluctant to leave their cozy bed, it’s also important to prepare your home for the season. We all know about spring cleaning. Home renovation experts also suggest preparing a different to-do list for the winter months.

Ready to prepare your Palmdale home for winter? Read on to learn all about home maintenance during the winter months.

Prepare to Clean

spraying hardwood floors with a cleaning fluid.

Winters can make a person sad and lethargic since all you want to do is stay cozied up in bed. This usually leads to getting the winter blues, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which affects around 5% of people in the US.

So how can you improve your mood without leaving the house? Slip on your cleaning gloves and make your living space as clean and comfortable as possible.

Having a clean house is very important to have mental clarity. According to mental health experts, cleaning your living space can help to reduce your cortisol levels and improve your focus which naturally leads to having a better mood.

The constantly changing weather and varying temperatures can often bring a lot of dirt and dust into the house. So how to start cleaning up?

Firstly, create a checklist. Jot down every little dusty hard-to-reach corner that needs to be scrubbed and cleaned out, so you do not forget that spot.

  • Clean the radiators: Since most of us keep the heating on during winter to stay warm, it’s important to ensure your radiators are clean and functional. Did you know that cleaning the dust off of your radiator can help you reduce the heating power by 30%? Use a damp cloth with a vinegar-based cleaner to clean your radiator.
  • Wipe down the windows: Next, move on to the windows. Smears and dirt streaks can be easily visible on the windows, which can obstruct the flow of sunlight inside your house. Using a wet cloth, meticulously wipe down your windows and remove dust and cobwebs from the window frame.
  • Clean the carpets: Carpets can gather a lot of dust, bacteria, dirt, and pet hair which can gradually lead to people having allergies. You should clean out your carpets or rugs by shaking them outside and vacuuming them.
  • Check the fireplace: Everyone’s looking to sit down by the fireplace during the winter months, which is why it’s essential to clean out the fireplace. Check for dust and dirt in the fireplace as well, and make sure all of your smoke alarms are working.
  • Dusting the curtains: It may not seem obvious at first, but curtains can hold a lot of pollen and even traffic fumes. Make sure you dust and wash your curtains at least twice a year.

Maintain the Outdoor Space

a white paint roller.

The outdoor space is typically not used as often during the winter months, but it’s important to ensure that your home’s exterior is ready for the season and a few outdoor festivities.

  • Start by painting and sealing the exterior wood trim of your home. The house needs to be protected from all sorts of outdoor elements, and wood is susceptible to rot, especially during winter. Stain and seal the wood to ensure that it’s protected.
  • Another thing to remember is to safeguard your concrete walkways, driveways, and patio from the elements by using a concrete sealer. Concrete flatwork can develop cracksif it freezes in winter.
  • Check the drainage and make sure there isn’t any saturated soil around your home foundation because it can freeze over and thaw throughout the entire winter.
  • Clean the gutters since they can back up and start overflowing and deteriorating your home’s exterior. Overflowing gutters can also damage your home’s foundation leading to water infiltration in the basement.

Check the Heating Systems

a heating vent.

Energy conservation is very important, especially during the winter months. Your home’s temperature controls won’t be as efficient if the filters are dirty and clogged.

Start by getting your home’s heating system serviced along with the furnace. Ensure that your home’s windows are sealed and have no gaps. Cover the inside and the outside of your air conditioning appliances to get insulation from outdoor elements and prevent drafts.

Next, get the ductwork and furnace checked and services. This will help you maximize energy efficiency, and a thorough inspection will also help you identify if there are any problems.

Homes and radiators also need to be checked and serviced. Call a professional plumbing contractor and drain the water from the boiler to remove any sediment buildup in the tank.

A plumbing contractor or heating specialist can also ensure that your radiators and valves are working properly and aren’t worn out.

If you have a hot water radiator, turn the small valve towards the top to release any trapped air and enable the hot water to enter the cold fins.

Get Comprehensive Real Estate Services in Palmdale with Team Zotti

Now that you know all about maintaining your home during the winter months, it’s time to invest in a property you can call home.

If you’re looking for a residential or commercial property in Palmdale or Lancaster, reach out to Team Zotti today.

Team Zotti is the leading real estate agency in Palmdale, where they have a collective experience of over thirty years providing reliable real estate services. Their team of realtors has in-depth industry knowledge and can help you with your complex real estate needs.

Drop them a message now to book a consultation.