Dec 28, 2020 11:27 AM EST By Ernest Hamilton, UniversityHerald Reporter

The winter is a time of exams, seasonal depression, and gift expenses. Nobody wants to add the costs and stress of your home-related issues.

Luckily, a bit of preventative maintenance can do wonders in the long run, protecting your budget and your sanity during the cold winter months. So, let's see how you can make sure your house survives the chill hassle-free and without breaking the bank. 

1. Insulate Doors and Windows

Inefficient windows and doors can drive up your heating costs and make you feel downright uncomfortable inside your home. As a student, you're likely renting, so installing new ones isn't an option. 

Luckily, various insulation materials are an inexpensive, uncomplicated alternative. Some options include:

• Shrink film. These go across your entire window, letting in light while keeping out the biting air. 

• Rope caulk. If you see gaps and cracks between the window and the wall, this is your go-to moldable, sticky strategy. 

• V seals. This one is the easiest to attach, and it works for door frames, too. 

Draft guards are another alternative, less permanent but easily accessible and easy to install.

2. Check Your Roof

If you don't mind the height, you could check up on your roof to ensure it's not eating up the heat. Shingle repair can also prevent moisture issues while unclogging the gutters stops ice dams from messing with your water flow. 

If your area often faces heavy precipitation, that won't be enough, though. In that case, you might have to install eavestroughs, explains the Dominion Roofing Company. 

These little tools collect rainwater and snow, directing it safely away from your warm space. They can also deter moss and mold from growing and giving you breathing issues.

3. Bleed Your Radiators

Without bleeding, your radiators won't run at full capacity. Luckily, it's a straightforward chore, and you'll feel the effects instantly. The exact steps are:

• Turn on all the radiators to their maximum temperature setting. 

• Give it several minutes.

• Turn off the central heating and let the radiators cool down. 

• Start with the one closest to the boiler.

• Open the bleed valve, put a tray under it, and let out the air. The tray catches the water coming out.

• Close the valve and go on to the next one.

• Once you finish with each one, check the air pressure at the heating boiler. 

That's all. Your home is a cozier, warmer place.

4. Test the Sump Pump

Sump pumps are simple devices that stop condensation buildup, leakage from drains, and flooding - testing it before the winter hits can prevent foundation damage. 

All you need to do is find the exit pipe and check whether there's any dirt or debris inside. Remove the clogs if you locate them to ensure the water is leaving your foundation. 

Don't forget to seal everything properly after you check it to protect your basement from moisture.

Winter Home Maintenance Essentials

You can do much more to protect yourself from a harsh winter, but most bigger chores require time and investments. These four tasks are free-of-charge, easy, and they can still make a lot of difference. 

House maintenance could seem overwhelming, especially if it's your first winter away from home, so start simple. Perform these checks, and you'll see that it's not such a massive feat. 

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit