Worcester, Massachusetts is known for its historic homes, bustling city life, and beautiful natural views.  All of these qualities have made Worcester an attractive area for home buyers.  But even with endless natural beauty and bountiful historic attractions, home buyers can’t help but notice the excessively cold winter weather that plagues the area.  If you are considering selling your Worcester home, it is imperative that you diligently maintain and protect your home especially during the winter.  So whether you are planning to sell this coming spring or not for another ten years, now is the time to get your home ready for cold weather with this winter maintenance checklist.

• Insulate your pipes

Water damage, especially damage associated with frozen and burst pipes, accounts for the majority of homeowners insurance claims.  You can safeguard your home from water damage and avoid costly burst pipe repairs by insulating your pipes.  You can easily install pipe insulation around exposed copper or PVC water pipe. Pay extra attention to the basement where a large chunk of burst pipes occur due to cold temperatures.

• Insulate the attic and crawl spaces

Insulating your attic is one of the best ways to reduce drafts and high utility bills because a nice thick layer of insulation prevents hot air from escaping through your roof. Since energy efficiency in homes is considered a must among home buyers, insulating your attic will only benefit you during your home sale.  Contact a professional who can recommend the type of insulation that is best for your home.

• Winterize windows and doors

Remove and store screens from your windows.  Install glass storm windows for an extra layer of protection between you and the cold outdoor air. Finally, check for drafts around your windows.  If you notice any, seal them with caulk or weather stripping to reduce drafts.

• Inspect your HVAC system

There is nothing worse than your heating system failing during the dead of winter.  But a system that is left unattended will eventually malfunction.  You should have your HVAC system inspected yearly, especially right before winter.  A professional will determine if any fixes need to be made.  You can switch out your heater filters before the temperatures begin to drop and then continue switching them out every two months or so.

• Clean and Inspect Gutters

Your home’s gutters aren’t just for directing rain from all those spring showers. They also move water and snow away from your house.  Prevent ice dams by keeping your gutters clear and properly connected.

• Inspect trees

In Massachusetts, there is plenty of snow on the ground for the majority of winter.  While it may make a beautiful white blanket across your yard, it also builds up on your tree branches.  Over time, snow can become extremely heavy and lead to broken tree limbs.  If these limbs are directly over your home they will land on your roof and could cause damage.  Keep this from happening by trimming back branches.  Ensure that tree limbs or branches surrounding your home are at least 3 feet away from the house.

These winter maintenance tasks will ensure that your home is well cared for, which will in turn increase your chances for a high home valuation during the appraisal process. To adequately care for your home, especially during the winter it is best to follow a yearly and seasonal checklist so that you can manage tasks month by month and ensure that your home remains free from damage and decay.