When you have finally taken the life-changing step to become a homeowner for the first time, there are a myriad of factors that you will need to consider as you adjust to homeownership rather than renting or leasing your home. One of the biggest challenges you will face when you are a homeowner for the first time is figuring out all of the maintenance and repairs that you will need to take care of in your home. This is especially true if you purchase your first home just before or during the winter months. If this is the case for you, get to know some of the home maintenance tasks that you should prioritize so that your first winter in your new home is as safe and successful as possible.

Boiler and HVAC Maintenance and Repairs

Of the many important factors and components in your home in the winter, the boiler and HVAC systems in your home are chief among them. Your boiler is responsible for the hot water in your home and, depending on the type of home heating system you have, may also be responsible for circulating heat in general throughout your home.

Because of this, it is vital for you to ensure that your boiler and the rest of your HVAC system is in good shape. The first step is to have your boiler and HVAC systems inspected. The filters for your systems should also be changed as winter begins (or as you move into your new home). If any issues are found with your systems, it is important to get boiler repairs and HVAC repairs completed as quickly as possible to avoid any major issues when you need your hot water and heating system the most in the cold of winter.

Plumbing Insulation and Winterization

Along with the boiler and your HVAC systems, it is also important to ensure that your plumbing is ready for winter. Winterizing your plumbing means that you do everything you can to prevent your pipes from freezing or suffering damage due to the cold in the winter.

All outdoor plumbing fixtures should have the valve to the fixture closed prior to the first freeze. The fixture should be allowed to drain so that no water remains in the fixture and then covered to prevent any winter damage.

Inside of your home, you will want to winterize by insulating any exposed pipes in your home, especially those in your lower level or basement. You can purchase pipe insulation that slips easily onto your pipes and will help to prevent them from freezing and bursting when temperatures drop.

Now that you know a few of the maintenance tasks that you should perform when you have just purchased a home and winter is coming, you can be sure that you get through your first winter as a homeowner with as few problems and struggles as possible.