The cold weather doesn’t just mean extra layers and dealing with snow on your car. The cold can also cause problems in your home. From freezing pipes to mold and even pests, this can be a tricky time of year for your home. While some things are unavoidable, just like extreme weather, there are some steps you can take to protect your home this year.

Here are some of the most common winter home issues, and some advice on how to handle them.

Frozen plumbing

Frozen pipes can cause all kinds of issues in your home, preventing water from coming through, while also risking the pipes bursting and flooding your home. 

There are different ways to prevent your pipes from freezing, including adding insulation and letting water drip from a faucet. Keep an eye on the temperature and take action if you’re worried your pipes might freeze over.

Mold

Mold can impact houses throughout the year, but the colder weather can increase condensation in your home and lead to mold – especially in the most poorly ventilated spaces. Mold can lead to damage, including paintwork, wood, flooring and textiles, and can be difficult to contain once it spreads.

Help prevent mold by keeping your home warm in winter and increasing air circulation. If you notice any patches of mold, start cleaning them immediately to stop it from spreading.

Draft

A draft in your home can leave it cold, making your heating systems work twice as hard to heat your home. You should check all of your windows and doors for signs of a draft and repair them as soon as possible to make your home has adequate insulation during the winter months.

Pests 

Common household pests may look for somewhere a little warmer to lie low when it’s cold outside. And if you store food in easily accessible areas of your home, you could make it even more inviting for unwanted guests. 

Take steps to store food carefully and cover any access points. Maintaining a clean home will also make it less tempting to rodents and other pests. If you spot signs of pests, bring in rodent control services to help stop them in their tracks. Pest problems can be easily managed if you take action early

Heating issues

Regular maintenance of your HVAC systems is important, especially in winter. This can help prevent heating problems when you need it most, keeping your home cozy during the colder months. Take steps before the winter to make sure your heating systems are working as they should, and remember to clean them regularly to help them run at optimal performance.

With the holidays approaching, you don’t want to be left with expensive home maintenance bills this winter. Understanding the most common winter home issues can help you avoid some of the trickiest problems – saving you a lot of trouble. Pay closer attention to your home during the colder months for a stress-free winter season.