After a long winter, your home might need some help getting ready for a new year. The process of de-winterizing can seem overwhelming, with a lot of small aspects of your home needing attention, but Spring is the perfect time to tackle this project. NSA Storage has a checklist to walk you through every step.

Why De-winterizing Your Home?

Getting your home ready for winter means turning some things off, putting others away, and buttoning everything up to stay warm and cozy. De-winterizing reverses all of that stuff so that, as warm weather starts again, you’ll be able to enjoy it fully.

Here are a few reasons why de-winterizing is a good idea:

• You’ll see, and be able to fix, any damage caused by winter weather
• You’ll save money by preventing possible problems caused by that damage
• You can prepare your home’s important systems (HVAC, AC, gutters, etc.) for the rain and heat to come
• Outdoor living spaces can also be prepped for gatherings and good times 

In effect, de-winterizing your home gets it ready for the more active days of spring and summer and ensures everything works properly when you need it. 

Plumbing and Water Systems

Your home’s plumbing is a vital system that can suffer damage in winter, even if you haven’t noticed a leak or had a pipe burst. Checking, and repairing, that damage is a must, including:

• Checking all exposed pipes for damage
• Testing your sump pump
• Checking under sinks for leaks
• Turning on outdoor spigots and checking for damage

Be sure to check for any damage to pipes in crawl spaces under your home and in your basement. These areas can go unnoticed until a major problem occurs.

HVAC and Ventilation

Staying cool and comfy in summer is a must, and you don’t want your HVAC to fail on a sweltering day. To prevent that, be sure to do the following:

• Replace your HVAC air filter(s)
• Check all vents and registers to be sure they’re not clogged with dust and debris
• Test your AC to make sure it’s working correctly, including the thermostat

If your HVAC was having any problems last year, scheduling a professional inspection is a smart idea. If your vents are looking a little dusty, it might be worth it to have a professional come and clean them so that the air you and your family are breathing is as clean as possible.

Safety Devices

Safety devices like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide and others don’t typically get damaged in winter. They can, however, lose their pressure, or the batteries can expire. Be sure they’re all working by:

• Testing all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Checking fire extinguisher pressure and expiration dates
• Inspecting any power cords or strips, especially ones used outside

Be sure to replace any batteries and, if your extinguisher has low pressure, recharge it or replace it; smaller extinguishers are usually cheaper to replace than recharge.

Roof, Gutters, and Drainpipes

Keeping water from intruding into your home prevents damage that can often be devastating. That’s why checking your roof, gutters and drainpipes is a must, including:

• Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly
• Make sure downspouts are directed away from your home’s foundation
• Inspect your roof for shingles that have cracked, curled, or been torn away

If you can, going up into your attic to check for water leaks is highly recommended.

Doors, Windows, and Insulation

Keeping cold air out of your home is the goal in winter. Keeping cooled air in is what you want to do when warmer days start. To do that, be sure to check:

• Window seals and caulking
• Weatherstripping on all exterior doors
• Window tracks to be sure they’re clean
• Screens for any damage or holes

If there’s condensation between window panes and your energy bill is being affected, experts recommend replacing the glass unit only, as it’s cheaper than a full window replacement.

Backyard and Outdoor Areas

De-winterizing your backyard and other outdoor areas can save you from major repairs. Plus, you’ll be able to prep everything for the spring fun to come, so be sure to:

• Turn on your irrigation system to make sure it’s working well
• Check your driveway and walkways for damage or cracks
• Inspect any decking to be sure nothing is rotten, loose, or dangerous
• Thoroughly clean all outdoor furniture
• If you have a fence, check that posts haven’t shifted or loosened

Repairing any issues you find now, before summer, will save you from having to do it in sweltering heat.

Garages and Sheds

It’s a smart idea to de-winterize your garage and, if you have one, your shed. More importantly, you can check for damage to the items you have stored and prep items you’ll use during spring and summer. Here’s that checklist:

• Inspect garage door seals
• Look for any leaks or water damage
• Safely store any winter equipment and tools 
• Organize your gardening and lawn maintenance tools

Pest Issues 

This last checklist focuses on pests like rodents and insects, which can cause a lot of damage during the winter. To ensure they don’t continue to cause damage, be sure to check:

• Your attic and basement for nests or animal droppings
• Insulation, which rodents like to use for their nests
• Vents and chimney caps, where critters love making nests

Be sure to seal any small openings where pests can enter your home. Also inspect for wood damage caused by insects, and chewed wires, which can increase the risk of fires.

You might be unaware that you have a pest problem, as many insects and rodents hibernate during the colder months, but as the days get warmer, they’ll become more active, and you might start to see signs of an infestation. If you find signs of pest activity, it’s best to get it evaluated by a professional and start pest control efforts immediately.

Need Spring Storage? If Yes, NSA Storage Can Help

If you need extra storage space for all your winter gear, tools, decorations, and more, count on NSA Storage. With safe, clean, secure storage units available in several sizes, there’s one that will fit your needs perfectly. You can reserve a storage unit online and it will be ready when you arrive. Use it for as long or short a time as you need to protect your belongings and free up space at home for spring fun.