As winter looms around the corner, there’s no better time to roll up your sleeves and prepare your condos for the frosty months ahead. Getting those essential tasks done isn’t just about comfort, it’s also about protecting your home from the cold and those snowstorms. A proactive maintenance checklist can make all the difference in keeping your condo cozy and energy-efficient throughout the season, so we made an extensive list for you!

Let’s dive into the essential tasks that will help you get through these chilly months with ease and peace of mind:

Heating System

First and foremost, make sure that your heaters or radiators are working properly. If you live in a building with an in-unit heating system, your property management may need to perform seasonal inspection or maintenance.In such instances, it’s important to keep the area around your heating system easily accessible. This is also an opportune moment to address any questions or concerns you might have regarding your system. Beyond just keeping your space warm and cozy, there are vital safety and efficiency reasons to prioritize this task. A properly functioning heating system not only maximizes your comfort but also helps keep your energy bills in check. If applicable, remember to check and replace filters to ensure that the heating system works efficiently, reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and increases longevity. 

Pro Tip: Keep a log of your HVAC system so you can note filter replacements, seasonal inspections, and maintenance activities.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Don’t forget to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to see if they’re working properly, and replace batteries if required. These small devices play a crucial role in safeguarding your home during the colder months. With an increased use of candles, heaters, and fireplaces, the risk of fire or carbon monoxide leaks can increase. Regular detector checks ensure they’re in proper working order, and ready to sound the alarm if any hazardous situations arise. You can even set up a yearly reminder with Google Calendar or Carrot – both of these apps are easy to use and set up. It’s a simple yet vital task that can make all the difference in keeping your home safe.

Windows & Doors

Another important task to add to your seasonal checklist is inspecting your doors and windows for any drafts or gaps. If you do encounter any, be sure to inform your property management so they can take care of it. These open spaces can be an open invitation for icy winds and snowflakes to infiltrate your cozy space. Whether it’s sealing these openings, or replacing or installing new screens, you can prevent the warmth from escaping and the cold from creeping in, reducing the strain on your heater or radiator, and ultimately saving up a significant amount on your energy bills!

Balcony

This outdoor space, often an oasis in the warmer months, needs a few adjustments to weather out the cold. Start by removing any patio furniture you might have and storing it safely to prevent damage from snow or ice. Next, give your balcony a thorough cleaning to remove dirt and debris that might have accumulated over the spring and summer. Consider adding weatherproofing seals around gaps to prevent drafts, and ensure that any potted plants are moved to a safer, warmer, place. If you store your bike outdoors, this is the right time to bring it indoors or cover it for the winter to protect it from seasonal damage! 

Air Quality & Humidity Check

Checking the air quality and humidity of your home ahead of winter is a crucial step for a comfortable and healthy living environment. Often considered a personal investment to protect your skin from the dry winter air, it’s also an investment that ensures the well-being of your home and its contents. Maintaining optimal humidity levels can prevent issues like dry, cracked wooden furniture, and also protect your home’s structural integrity. Furthermore, it’s a shield for your own health, as dry indoor air can lead to respiratory problems and aggravate allergies. If you already have a humidifier, be sure to clean its pads and plates from any mineral deposits so it’s in good working condition for the season.

Appliance Maintenance

Last but not least, cleaning your appliances like your oven, dishwasher, and laundry machine before the season is also just as important. Especially as the festive season approaches, your oven and dishwasher might be in use more than usual which could cause residue to settle, and eventually become too hard to clean. As for laundry machines, winter clothes like sweaters, jackets, lined pants and such tend to produce more lint which could be a potential fire hazard if not cleaned in time. It is also good to clean your appliances quarterly or bi-annually to make sure they stay in good condition for a longer time.

Be sure to get all your fall maintenance tasks done to ensure a snug, secure and efficient home for the winter! Stay tuned for more condo living tips.