Whether you rent or own, I've prepared a handy guide to help you inspect and winterize your home. I consulted TJ Laury, president of Ben's ProServ, for some of the home winter safety tips in this guide.
Winter weather preparedness doesn't require a professional or maintenance team -- and can help prevent issues and save on utility bills.
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When to get a professional inspection
An HVAC technician appointment is a reliable way to prep your home for the winter season.
Laury recommends that most homeowners schedule a seasonal maintenance check at least once a year. He notes that "professionals can often detect small issues before they become a bigger problem and save the homeowner from having to spend a lot of money on a more serious issue."
Even if you don't opt for a comprehensive maintenance package, professionals are generally the best option for chimney cleaning. Although some HVAC services offer chimney cleaning and inspection, you might need to find a chimney cleaner instead. You can also get a home energy audit from most utility companies to find ways to maximize winter heating efficiency.
Make sure your heat pumps, ducts and other HVAC airways are clear of debris before the hot stuff starts pumping through. Iuliia Burmistrova/Getty Images
If you're a renter, the responsibility to inspect and maintain your home usually rests on the landlord, though they sometimes delegate simpler tasks to tenants. Never schedule outside inspections or maintenance without your landlord's permission. (There might already be a maintenance team on the job.) For example, my property manager supplies new furnace filters, sends out winter safety tips and has a maintenance request form.
Regardless, everyone can save a little cash with three DIY steps: inspection, seasonal maintenance and emergency preparation. Begin by setting aside time to check your home for HVAC, plumbing, electrical and structural warning signs.
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