CHICAGO (NewsNation) — With the summer months just around the corner, what better way for Americans to spend their time than by preparing for winter?
Now that the sun is shining and the grilling is in full swing in the garden, home maintenance experts say now is the perfect time of year to prepare your home for the colder months.
In addition, Americans could save money in the long run by being proactive and performing maintenance regularly.
Danny Horboychuk, brand president of The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, said in a recent press release that the best time for winter prevention is summer. He explained that it's a proactive approach to keeping home maintenance on top of its game while avoiding risks associated with freezing weather, such as burst pipes and carbon monoxide buildup.
No, you don't need to get out your shovels or turn up your ceiling fans just yet. But here are some ways Americans can start preparing their homes for the colder months now.
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Reseal windows and doors
(Getty Images)
According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of a home's heat is lost through windows, especially during the cooler months, so homeowners should check the seals around windows and doors.
Resealing windows and doors not only helps keep heat in the home, but also helps Americans save on energy costs.
Bill Richardson, past president of the American Society of Home Inspectors in Albuquerque, told Kiplinger that homeowners should replace their window and door seals every five to 10 years. Viessmann reported that some weatherstripping lasts only a few years before wearing out.
If the gaps are larger than a nickel, the outside of the house will need to be resealed, according to Richardson. He suggested using silicone caulk on the outside because it doesn't shrink and can withstand the elements, Kiplinger reported.
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Have heating systems serviced
A craftsman repairs a boiler in a house. (Getty Images)
Imagine this: the autumn months are coming to an end and the first frosts are hitting. You want to turn on the heating, but nothing happens. What happens then? Well, it gets very cold and who knows when your maintenance technician will next have time to repair your heating.
By promptly inspecting and maintaining their heating systems, Americans can be protected from this hypothetical, unfortunate event.
In addition, investing in annual maintenance of the heating system can save money in the long run. Whether it's a furnace, boiler or heat pump, homeowners should hire a professional to inspect, clean and repair any potential damage, according to Kiplinger. The expert will also look for and measure carbon monoxide leaks, the report says.
By cleaning the heating filters you can also maintain the efficiency of your heating system and reduce the risk of fire in the house.
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Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Male home inspector checks the functionality of a smoke and carbon monoxide detector during a home inspection of a residential building. (Getty Images)
This should become a habit, but just in case, here's a reminder: Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, make sure they're actually working—most systems have an option to test the alarm.
Why is this so important for winter preparation? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating is one of the most common causes of building fires during the winter. Additionally, carbon monoxide is an even bigger problem in the winter when gases can build up inside without proper ventilation, Nomad reported.
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Don’t forget to inspect the roof
Close-up of a roofer removing old roof shingles. (Getty Images)
A roof inspection is one of the preventative measures that most Americans ignore or simply forget about, but it's easy to determine if the roof is damaged by using binoculars.
If roof shingles are loose, missing or simply damaged, they must be repaired or replaced.
Those who want a more thorough inspection can hire a contractor to replace or repair the damage, according to homeguide.com. The cost is estimated to be between $100 and $300 (depending on the type of damage being repaired).
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Have the chimney checked
A chimney sweep stands on the roof of a house and cleans a chimney. He lowers tools into the flue. (Getty Images)
While you're at it, homeowners with chimneys should also have them inspected and cleaned. According to Kipling, cleaning chimneys is an excellent preventative measure to avoid house fires and carbon monoxide buildup.
Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association recommends that homeowners have heaters and chimneys cleaned annually.
Check and clean dryer vents
A flexible aluminum dryer exhaust duct used to evacuate dirty laundry is filled with lint, dust and dirt. (Getty Images)
Just like chimneys, dryer vents are a major cause of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. It is imperative to have dryer vents inspected and cleaned before the winter months.
