❄️ Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

As temperatures drop, your home works harder to keep you warm and comfortable. A little preparation now can prevent costly repairs, improve efficiency, and keep your family safe all winter long. Use this simple, homeowner-friendly checklist to stay ahead of winter maintenance.

1. 🔥 Inspect and Service Your Heating System

Have your HVAC or furnace professionally inspected to ensure it's running efficiently and safely. Clean or replace filters monthly to maintain optimal airflow.

2. 🚪Seal Drafts Around Doors and Windows

Check for cold air leaks and use weather-stripping or caulk to seal gaps. This helps keep warm air in and saves money on your heating bill.

3. 🚰 Protect Your Pipes

Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. Let faucets drip during extreme cold to prevent freezing.

4. 🍂 Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams, which can cause water damage to your roof and interior walls.

5. 🏠 Check the Roof for Damage

Look for missing shingles or weak spots. Addressing issues early can prevent leaks during winter storms.

6. 🔋 Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Heating equipment increases the risk of CO exposure. Replace batteries and test detectors to keep your family safe.

7. 🌬️ Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction

Set fans to rotate clockwise on low speed to push warm air down into living spaces.

8. 🧹 Inspect and Clean the Fireplace or Chimney

If you use a fireplace, have the chimney swept to remove creosote buildup and reduce fire hazards.

9. 🧰 Prepare an Emergency Kit

Winter storms can lead to power outages. Stock essentials like flashlights, blankets, batteries, bottled water, and nonperishable food.

10. 🚿 Check Outdoor Spigots and Hoses

Shut off water to exterior faucets, disconnect hoses, and cover spigots to prevent pipe bursts.

11. 🌳 Trim Trees Near the House

Remove dead branches and trim limbs hanging over your roof to protect your home from damage during heavy snow or ice.

12. 🚪 Inspect Weather-stripping on Garage Doors

Ensure a tight seal to keep cold air out and protect stored items from freezing temperatures.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

❄️A little winter prep goes a long way. By tackling these tasks early, you’ll keep your home warm, efficient, and protected all season long.