The Most Overlooked Winter Home Repairs – And Why They Matter

Winter in Georgia may not bring heavy snow, but that doesn’t mean your home is off the hook when it comes to seasonal maintenance. Cold snaps, increased heating use, and fluctuating temperatures can take a toll on your home’s efficiency and safety. Many homeowners focus on the obvious—like adjusting the thermostat or swapping out summer bedding—but some of the most important winter repairs often go overlooked.

Here are four commonly forgotten winter home maintenance tasks that can save you money, energy, and potential headaches during the colder months.

1. Checking Attic Insulation to Prevent Heat Loss

✔ Why It Matters: A poorly insulated attic is one of the biggest culprits of high heating bills. Warm air rises, and if your attic isn’t properly insulated, heat will escape—forcing your HVAC system to work overtime and costing you more in energy bills.

✔ How to Check It:

• Look for thin or uneven insulation coverage—you should have at least 10-14 inches of insulation in your attic.

• Check for drafts or cold spots in upper rooms, which may indicate insulation gaps.

• If your insulation looks old, flattened, or is missing in places, it may be time to add more.

📌 Pro Tip: If you can see the floor joists in your attic, you probably don’t have enough insulation. Consider adding blown-in or batt insulation to improve heat retention.

2. Cleaning the Fireplace & Chimney Before the First Use

✔ Why It Matters: A dirty chimney or fireplace can be a serious fire hazard. Over time, soot and creosote (a highly flammable substance) build up inside the chimney, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.

✔ How to Check It:

• Look up inside your chimney—if you see a ¼ inch of buildup or more, it’s time for a cleaning.

• If you notice smoke coming into the house instead of going up the chimney, you may have a blockage or ventilation issue.

• Animals (like birds or squirrels) sometimes nest inside chimneys, so be sure the flue is clear before lighting a fire.

📌 Pro Tip: If you use your fireplace regularly, schedule a professional chimney sweep once a year to prevent dangerous buildup.

3. Replacing Weatherstripping to Reduce Heating Costs

✔ Why It Matters: Even small gaps around doors and windows can let cold air in and warm air out, making your home less energy-efficient and harder to heat. Replacing worn-out weatherstripping reduces drafts, lowers energy bills, and keeps your home more comfortable.

✔ How to Check It:

• Run your hand along the edges of doors and windows—if you feel a cold draft, the seal is failing.

• If daylight is visible around the edges of your exterior doors, it’s time to replace the weatherstripping.

• Test with a candle: Light a candle and slowly move it near door and window edges—if the flame flickers, there’s air leakage.

📌 Pro Tip: Use foam weatherstripping for doors and self-adhesive rubber seals for windows for an easy DIY fix.

4. Inspecting the Water Heater for Peak Efficiency

✔ Why It Matters: A struggling water heater can lead to lukewarm showers, higher energy bills, and unexpected breakdowns—and winter is the worst time to be stuck with no hot water.

✔ How to Check It:

• Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup (which reduces efficiency and can cause premature failure).

• Check the temperature setting—it should be set to 120°F for efficiency and safety.

• Inspect the anode rod—this part prevents rust inside the tank and should be replaced every few years.

• Look for leaks or corrosion around the base of the tank.

📌 Pro Tip: If your water heater is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with an energy-efficient model before it fails.

Final Thoughts: Small Fixes = Big Savings!

Homeowners often overlook these winter maintenance tasks, but addressing them before temperatures drop further can lead to lower energy bills, improved home safety, and fewer emergency repairs.

✔ Need help tackling winter home repairs? A professional handyman can inspect, repair, and maintain your home so you can stay warm and stress-free all season long.

📌 Get ahead of winter maintenance—schedule your service today!