Shabby Chic Boho Home ownership is a bit of a balancing act; there is always something that needs to have some attention, and deciding whether you spend your time and budget isn’t always clear. You could fix the draft in the hallway, repaint the living room, or finally tackle the broken fence outside, but where should you start if you want to make sure you’re keeping things running long term?
Most people think of home maintenance as a list of chores, but it’s better to treat it as a little bit of a routine and a rhythm. Every season gives you a new set of priorities, and what you do now can save you a lot of stress later.
Let’s have a look at some of the areas that are worth focusing on before winter arrives, a few often forgotten.
Look Beyond the Basics
There is no shortage of advice on checking heating systems or ceiling windows when temperatures drop; those are still very important. However, there is more to keeping your home in shape than what is just inside the walls.
You also need to think about your roofline, exterior walls, and even the small details that protect your home from the elements. You don’t want to be aiming for perfection; what you are aiming for is prevention. The more you stay ahead of wear and tear on your home, the fewer emergencies you are going to face.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can check out the most common home repairs to prioritize in the winter. It covers all the practical repairs that will help you protect your home from water and weather damage, which are two of the biggest threats during the cold months.
The Overlooked Benefits of Solar Panel Cleaning
If your home makes use of solar energy, then you already know that the savings can be significant. However, the panels themselves need to be taken care of in order to keep producing power efficiently. Dust, pollen, leaves, and even air pollution can build up on their surface, blocking light from reaching the cells.
Regular solar panel cleaning helps to maintain that output and also helps to extend their lifespan. Dirty panels can lose as much as 20% of their energy efficiency, which means your system will not be generating as much as it should simply because of the grime that you can’t see from the ground.
Cleaning panels isn’t just about performance, though; it’s also about keeping them safe. Winter storms bring heavy winds and debris that can scratch or crack panels. Inspecting and cleaning them before and after winter helps you spot any issues early on, preventing costly replacements later.
If your panels are mounted on a steep roof or are difficult to reach, then a professional is definitely going to be needed. They’ll use soft brushes and purified water to ensure that the panels are cleaned without damaging the surface.
Small Fixes That Pay Off Later
Some home issues don’t seem urgent, but if you leave them, they cost more over time. There are some tasks that you can get done that are going to make a real difference all year round.
Having a small gap under your door lets out a surprising amount of heat, so you need to replace the weather stripping. New seals only cost a few dollars but can save you a lot on your utility bills.
You should also clear out the vents when lint and dust build up; it reduces the airflow and can be a massive strain on your HVAC system. Vacuum the registers and dry vents a few times each year so that you can make sure the air is moving freely.
Cold months mean you’re going to have closed windows and more time with doors shut. Test your detectors and replace batteries now before you actually need them.
Cold air can also cause metal parts to stiffen or freeze in your home, so use a small amount of lubricant to keep the windows and doors moving all year round.
Finally, look for minor cracks in the concrete. When water freezes inside small cracks, it expands and widens the damage. Fill them now so you’re not dealing with major repairs when it comes to spring.
Planning Ahead Saves Money
Many homeowners get caught up in the “I’ll fix it when it breaks” cycle. This might seem practical, but it is often the most expensive approach to home maintenance.
Planned maintenance means that you can control when and how repairs happen. You should create a running checklist for each season and then update it each year. That way, you can schedule professional inspections, budget for the materials that you need to use, and catch small issues before they spread.
Even half an hour of preventative work can make a huge difference to your home maintenance overall. If your schedule is really tight, pick one weekend each month to handle home upkeep.
It’s easier if you have a consistent routine like this, especially when you only have small repeatable tasks to deal with rather than a huge project.
Keeping Perspective
It is very easy to think of home maintenance as something that is always happening and never ends, but that type of mindset makes it harder for you to stay consistent with it.
Instead, see it as you are protecting something that supports you and looks after you every day: the roof that keeps you dry, the heat that keeps you warm, and the panels that power your lights. All of it lasts longer when you give it a little bit of attention every now and again.
A clean solar setup, sealed windows, and a tuned furnace and dry foundation all amount to one thing: if you want to avoid nasty surprises in the future, you’re going to save money in the long run.
But more importantly, you’re also going to prevent yourself from the worry that comes with emergency fixes.
So before the winter settles in, take one last walk around your home and have a look to see if there are any simple maintenance steps that you can do to keep your home safer and more comfortable. A few hours of care today can help to protect your home for many years.
