Winter Maintenance: 3 Things to Check Before the Next Storm Hits
Winter Maintenance: 3 Things to Check Before the Next Storm Hits
It’s February in New England, which means we’re all questioning why we still live here. There’s a reason that, when I was in the service, February was called the “Darker Ages” (January was called the “Dark Ages”).
If you own a home in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, you know the next nor’easter is always lurking. Most homeowners think they’re prepared—until the water starts pouring in or the furnace coughs its last breath at 2 a.m.
1. Gutters & Downspouts: The Ice Dam Trap
How did you spend your Super Bowl weekend? If you weren’t dealing with ice damming, you’re better than me. We’ve had an unusually long cold spell and our snow, which has been the nice, powdery, fluffy stuff (so can’t complain too much), hasn’t melted much at all.
Except for the snow on your roof… the layer closest to your shingles. That has been melting and rolling SLOWLY down the roof into your gutters, where it re-freezes until your gutters are solid blocks of ice.
If you haven’t checked your gutters recently, now is the time. Ice dams are the classic New England wrecking ball. Those icicles may look pretty (be careful or you’ll end up with a black eye like me the other week), but it’s a sign that your gutters are full.
And when your gutters are clogged, melting snow has nowhere to go—so it backs up under your shingles and starts dripping into your house (which is what I was battling last weekend). The fix? Clear gutters and make sure downspouts are pointed away from your foundation.
Sounds easy, right? It’s not.
I tried boiling water on Saturday, and it did help to clear out my downspouts and allow water to flow under the ice in the gutters… but, overall, that was a big fail.
I returned to the method that has never failed me though every online resource tells you not to do it - my trusty hammer. It sucked but was still better than dealing with water damage and fighting with the insurance company.
(Source: Mass Save Winter Tips)
2. Furnace & Filters: The “Heat or Else” Test
Every February, HVAC techs make a killing on emergency calls. Don’t be that guy. Replace your furnace filter, check your thermostat, and listen for any weird rattling or cycling. If your system’s making noises, call a pro now—before you’re paying double for a midnight rescue.
(Source: Energy.gov HVAC Maintenance)
3. Sump Pump: The Flood Insurance You Didn’t Know You Needed
Most people ignore their sump pump until their basement’s a wading pool (Guilty!). Test it: pour a bucket of water into the pit and watch it kick on. If it doesn’t, fix it before the thaw. Bonus: check your discharge line for ice or blockages.
(Source: FEMA Basement Flooding Prevention)
The Bottom Line
The difference between a minor hassle and a five-figure repair bill is usually one Saturday afternoon and a little know-how. Winter in New England doesn’t care if you’re busy—so check these three things now, before the next storm turns you into a case study for what not to do.
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