Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

There is no doubt about it, winter is coming – are you ready? The combination of precipitation, heavy winds, and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on the interior and exterior of your home. A little preventative home maintenance this winter can reduce energy costs, prevent expensive disasters, and spot future repairs. To make sure you’re ready for the colder months ahead, review this checklist of common problems. 

Check your heating system:

Schedule routine maintenance for your home heating systems. Replace filters, according to Energy Star this should be replaced at least every 3 months.

Inspect your roof:

On the exterior of your home look for loose or missing shingles. Take care of any roof leaks or small repairs. Remove any debris from your roof. Inspect flashings, and make sure everything is sealed properly. You can also inspect your attic for any evidence of leaks and wood coming loose. Take advantage of our free roof inspections.

Clean your gutters:

Clogged gutters can lead to major issues like ice dams, loosened gutters, and interior water damage. Make sure to clean your gutters and downspouts and clear them of any leaves and/or debris. Trim back trees away from house. We offer leaf guard to help keep your gutters clean, and gutter and downspout replacement. Call us today for an estimate.

Air Leaks:

Check that all doors, windows vents, and fans are properly air sealed. Drafts can lead to uncomfortable indoor environments and higher heating costs. Applying caulk around the window trim to seal off any drafts or applying window film to cover windows. Another option is to install weatherstripping around edges of doors and windows to create a tight seal.

Landscaping:

Disconnect garden hoses, turn off outdoor faucets, and drain sprinkler systems to prevent pipes from bursting.

Let Us Help You

Considering this checklist can help provide information so you can be ready for the cold winter months ahead. Keep your home warm and efficient. However, sometimes seasons throw us curveballs we simply can’t plan for so connect with a trusted, professional contractor like A. Caspersen Company Inc. for help with anything you are unable to handle yourself.

Home Humidity & Window Condensation

A common question and concern is window condensation. You may notice moisture on your windows on a cold winter day (“sweaty windows”) and typically the first thing people do is blame their windows, you shouldn’t. Let us explain to you the causes behind your “sweaty windows” and understand how we can fix this.

What is Condensation?

Let’s first understand condensation.

Condensation occurs when water vapor (a gas) turns into water droplets as it comes into contact with a cold surface. The point at which this happens (called the “dew point”) depends on the temperature and humidity of the inside air. The warmer the indoor air, the more water vapor it can “hold,” and moisture can better remain in the vapor state. When air moves next to a cold window, the temperature drops and it can’t “hold” as much vapor. That’s when you start to see condensation forming.

Why is there condensation on the inside of my windows?

Excess humidity (indoor moisture). A surface that is cooler than room temperature is more likely to show condensation. Condensation is generally seen first on windows and sliding glass doors because they tend to have the lowest temperature of any of the visible surfaces in the house.

What should the humidity level be in my home?

Every homeowner should own a hygrometer that measures temperature and relative humidity (RH). The ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is about 30–50%. In the winter months, it may have to be lower than 40% RH to avoid condensation on the windows.

What happens if I have too much humidity?

• Visible condensation on windows / water stains

• A musty odor in your home, and/or basement and crawl space

• Allergic reactions to mold and/or dust mites

• Visible mold growth in your home, basement, and/or crawl space

• Cupped wood floors

• Feeling "sticky" or "muggy"

• Peeling wallpaper/blistering paint

Do drapes and window shades cause window condensation?

No, but drapes and other window coverings can restrict the flow of warm room air over glass surfaces. Therefore, condensation is more likely to occur when drapes are closed and shades are pulled down.

Does condensation occur only in winter?

Usually, but it can occur during cold weather anytime, and occasionally it will form on the outside of windows on hot, humid summer days, when your air conditioner has cooled the glass.

Why is there condensation on the outside of my windows?

Outside condensation results from unusual conditions when the air outside is slightly humid and warmer than the temperature of your window glass. This can occur when the weather is neither warm nor cold.

Outside condensation means your windows are not allowing any heat transfer. So if you have some fog on the outside of your windows, you can relax. Your windows are just doing a good job of insulating your home.

What about condensation in between the panes of glass? 

This may indicate a seal failure, and you should contact your window dealer, as this is covered by your warranty.

How should I reduce condensation?

• Reduce moisture sources

  • Run a dehumidifier, don’t run humidifiers.

  • Run the fan while you shower (or open a window).

  • Don’t air-dry clothes.

• Increase home ventilation

  • If you have a hot air furnace, install an outside fresh air intake so that high humidity interior air is not being pumped back into the house.

  • Use exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry.

  • Make sure you have adequate attic ventilation.

• Replace Old Windows

  • Old windows with single pane glass, inadequate insulation, and metal spacers conduct the cold

  • Energy efficient windows will have a higher condensation resistance rating (shown on NFRC label) because of the technology of double pane glass and insulation factors. However, if the humidity is too high in your house your windows will still show condensation.