As winter approaches, you’ll want to take care of a few house projects before the cold season arrives. You can prevent expensive repairs, protect your home from damage, and even save money by addressing these tasks early. Use our easy winter home maintenance checklist to get started.
1. Check Your Roof
Water damage is one of the most costly issues to repair, so inspect your roof before winter conditions set in. Look for loose, missing, or damaged shingles or any signs of damage as well as any signs of wear and tear. Pay attention to the flashing around vents and chimneys to ensure it is secure, as this prevents leaks. Additionally, clear away any accumulated debris or branches to prevent water from pooling on your roof, which can lead to further damage.
2. Remove Leaves, Dirt & Debris from Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to serious water damage. Clear out leaves, debris, and dirt from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and potential water intrusion. Be sure to look for leaks or loose gutters and repair them as needed or call a professional. Clean gutters will help ensure water drains properly away from your home.
3. Service the Furnace
Replacing or cleaning your HVAC furnace system will help improve your home’s indoor air quality and energy efficiency. A dirty furnace filter forces your system to work harder which can result in higher energy bills. Replace or clean the furnace filter every three months and have a professional service your furnace periodically to ensure it continues running smoothly.
4. Seal Drafts Around Doors & Windows
To help reduce your energy bill, install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent heat loss. It’s also a good time to inspect for any cracks or gaps in the frames and fix them to improve energy efficiency.
5. Insulate or Winterize Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can burst and flood your basement, resulting in costly repairs. A simple remedy is to wrap exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or outside walls with insulation to prevent freezing. Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets before freezing temperatures hit.
6. Inspect Chimneys & Fireplaces
If you rely on a fireplace or woodstove to keep your home warm, you will want to have your chimney and flues regularly cleaned to remove any soot or blockages. Regular cleanings will prevent other potential fire hazards that can damage the structure of your home or lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Cleaning out your chimney can also help improve the efficiency of your fireplace. You should also check for cracks or other signs of damage in the fireplace and repair as needed.
7. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work properly or when you hear a “chirping” sound. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends changing the batteries annually, testing the devices monthly, and replacing the alarms if they are over 10 years old.
8. Check Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, test it by pouring a few gallons of water into the sump pit to ensure it still functions properly. A sump pump helps remove and disperse accumulated water in its sump pit, typically located in the basement of a home. If this isn’t operating correctly, water could flood your basement, leading to expensive repairs.
9. Prepare Outdoor Areas
Winter can be hard on your furniture and lawn equipment. Store outdoor furniture, hoses, and garden equipment indoors or cover them to prevent damage. Drain lawn irrigation systems and shut them off to avoid freezing.
10. Maintain Snow Removal Equipment
Don’t get caught off guard by malfunctioning snow removal equipment. Test your snow blowers, shovels, and other snow removal tools ahead of time, and make any necessary repairs before the first snowfall. It’s also wise to stock up on salt or sand for driveways and walkways to prevent ice buildup.
11. Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fans
Since cold air naturally sinks and hot air rises, switching the direction of your ceiling fans can help regulate your home’s temperature. Set your fans to spin clockwise to push the warm air down toward the floor and improve heating efficiency.
Winter-Ready: Protect Your Home & Stay Cozy
By following this winter home maintenance checklist, you can avoid costly repairs, protect your home, and make sure it’s ready for the cold months ahead. With your home winter-ready, you can enjoy the season in comfort.
For more helpful home maintenance tips or homebuyer suggestions, check out our EDGEhomes blog.