Winter is fast approaching, and it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of staying cozy indoors rather than thinking about the maintenance tasks that lie ahead. However, taking the time to prepare your house for winter is essential to avoid costly repairs and ensure a warm and comfortable living environment. Our Winter Home Maintenance Checklist is here to guide you through the necessary steps to keep your property in top shape during the chilly months.
Why Winter Home Maintenance Matters:
Before we dive into the checklist, it’s crucial to understand why winter home maintenance is so important. Not only does it help prevent unexpected expenses, but it also enhances the efficiency of your home, ultimately saving you money on heating costs.
Getting Your Home Ready for Winter:
While every home is unique, and climates vary, this checklist serves as a general guide for winter home maintenance. Feel free to add items specific to your property’s needs.
For New Homeowners:
If you’re a new homeowner, each season offers a learning opportunity to prepare for the next. Take note of areas where snow accumulates or rooms that are colder than others. These observations will help you make improvements over time.
Annual Winter Maintenance Tasks
Begin the season with these essential tasks:
Exterior Maintenance Tasks:
- Replace window screens with storm windows if available, or simply remove the screens.
- Schedule a chimney cleaning if you rely on a fireplace or woodstove for heat.
- Ensure your snow blower or plow truck is ready for action if you plow your driveway.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts to allow for proper water runoff in the spring.
- Store patio furniture and garden hoses in a protected area.
- Identify potential tree hazards that could pose a risk to your home during heavy snow or strong winds.
- Install screens over intake vents to deter rodents from seeking refuge in your warm home.
- Clear debris from flat roofs or roof valleys to prevent moisture buildup.
Interior Maintenance Tasks:
- Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to push warm air down into the room.
- Consider increasing attic insulation to prevent heat loss through the roof.
- Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or heating system.
- Turn off water valves supplying hose spigots, if applicable.
- Remove and store window-mounted AC units.
- Inspect windows and doors for drafts, replacing weather stripping as needed.
- Check pipes on exterior walls for insulation and freeze vulnerabilities.
- Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries.
- Pour water into your sump pit to verify the sump pump functions correctly.
- If your HVAC system has a humidifier, have it inspected, calibrated, and clear the drain line.
Ongoing Winter Maintenance Tasks
These tasks require frequent inspection, varying depending on weather conditions. Use your discretion, but aim to review this checklist at least once a week.
Exterior Tasks:
- Continuously monitor the roof for ice dams or damage.
- Prevent large snow drifts from accumulating against your home.
- Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow between storms.
- In heavy snow years, ensure your roof can handle the weight or use a roof rake to remove snow loads.
- Use sand, gravel, or salt/ice-melt for traction on walkways and driveways.
- Maintain your snow removal equipment for optimal performance.
Interior Tasks:
- Monitor windows and doors for drafts and address them promptly.
- During deep cold spells, keep interior doors open to encourage heat circulation.
- Replace HVAC air filters every three months.
- To make your home cozier and more cost-effective during winter, consider using a programmable thermostat. Set it to lower the heat when you’re away or asleep, and you can even control smart thermostats remotely via your phone or an app to monitor energy usage.
By following this Winter Home Maintenance Checklist, you can ensure your home is ready to weather the cold season, keeping you warm, comfortable, and worry-free.
The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd., Brokerage works with professionals across Windsor and Essex County that can assist with home maintenance, home renovations or general upkeep. Reach out to our team to learn more about our exclusive VIP Perks Program and save on thousands of home products and services that support the home buying, selling and home ownership journey in Windsor and Essex County.
