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Preparing for snow and harsh winter weather is essential to protect your investment, and doing it in early fall can save you a pretty penny on repair bills. This comprehensive seasonal home checklist provides a step-by-step guide to winterizing your home, from the roof to the furnace and beyond, including outdoor faucet drainage. By doing these preventive home repairs now, you'll reduce the risk of costly problems like frozen pipes and a furnace that's working just a little too hard.
The difference between a smooth winter and a season of worry and emergency calls comes down to a solid home maintenance checklist that includes regular inspections . Our detailed one will help you conduct a visual inspection of all critical areas, remove potential hazards, and replace any worn components. That way, you can rely on your home to maintain a comfortable temperature efficiently and safely throughout the heating season.
The exterior of your home is exposed to the elements. A thorough visual inspection of your exterior will be the first step in this home maintenance checklist.
Gutter cleaning is basically a critical task in your fall home maintenance plan to avoid costly repairs . Your gutters are there to drain water away from your home, but they get clogged up pretty quickly with debris from falling leaves.
Get the Gutters Cleaned: Put on your gloves and remove all debris, leaves, and sediment. Then flush the gutters with a hose to ensure they drain properly. Clogs from overflowing water can seep under your roof or pool near your foundation, causing basement leaks. Just make sure you get them all cleaned out.
Check Downspouts: Ensure all downspouts are securely fastened and directing water away from the basement. A clogged downspout is a recipe for disaster - just give it a good clean out if you find any clogs.
Fix Any Leaks You Find: If you notice minor leaks at the gutter seams, seal them immediately. If you don't, it can lead to significant rot on your exterior siding.
A roof inspection is something you can do yourself, but it may require a ladder and, in some cases, a professional. But trust us, you don't want to discover leaks when the snow is piled high.
Inspect the Shingles: Look for any loose, cracked, or missing shingles and get them replaced. That's basically the first sign that your roof is vulnerable to winter storms.
Check Flashing: Inspect the metal flashing around chimneys and vents. If you find any cracks or gaps, apply caulk or sealant to prevent water from seeping in.
Get Your Vents Cleaned: Ensure your roof and exhaust vents are free of debris and operating correctly. Proper ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup.
Sealing gaps around your doors and windows is one of the most effective preventive home repairs you can make to improve heat retention. Drafts are basically a major source of wasted energy.
Inspect and Seal Any Cracks: Walk around the outside of your home and inspect the trim around all the windows and doors. Use caulk to seal up any cracks or gaps.
Replace Your Weatherstripping: If your weatherstripping is old or worn, replace it with new weatherstripping. This is a straightforward repair that can make a significant difference in keeping cold air out and warm air in.
Check Your Windows: Inspect the windows for loose glazing or leaks around the frame. Have them fixed if needed.
Protect your Outdoor Faucets: Track down the shut-off valve for your outdoor faucets - its probably hidden away in the basement or that utility room you hardly ever visit. Flip the water off, and you'll be one step ahead.
Drain your Outdoor Faucets and Hoses: Locate the outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water. Disconnect and drain those hoses. If you don't do this, you'll face a world of frozen pipes and potentially expensive breakdowns. You really need to drain those faucets completely.
Add a Cover: For an extra layer of protection, install a faucet cover on each faucet. And let's not forget: draining the faucet is essential.
It's your safety appliances and heating system that need some TLC before the frigid months kick in. Don't even think about skipping furnace maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommendations - it's a no-brainer for safety and efficiency.
Your furnace is your primary source of warmth in the dead of winter, so getting it right is crucial. Do it properly, and it will run smoothly and safely, with minimum fuss.
Give your Filter a Clean: Clean or replace the furnace filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. A clean filter allows the furnace to draw in the air it needs more easily, boosting efficiency and maintaining proper air quality. At a minimum, please give it a thorough cleaning once a month during the peak heating season.
Give the Furnace a once-over: Clear any dust and debris from the exterior. Check the blower motor and belts for any signs of wear. If you're unsure about your HVAC system, it's time to call in the professionals for an HVAC inspection. Don't forget - a professional service call will also help keep your warranty intact.
Get your Heat on: Turn on the furnace and make sure it's cycling and producing heat. Check your vents to ensure you have good airflow. If you notice anything unusual, get in touch with a pro - and don't wait.
The winter period is when you're most likely to seal up the windows and crank up the heating, which, of course, ups the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check your Detectors: Give all your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors a once-over. Swap the batteries and wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any dust that may have accumulated.
Check the Expiration Date: Your carbon monoxide detectors have a limited lifespan, usually 5-7 years. Check the date and replace the device if it's past its sell-by date. Carbon monoxide detectors are a must-have for your safety and security.
Test your Detectors: Press the test button to ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly. Install them on every floor and near sleeping spaces - you can't be too careful.
Ensure your vents are free of blockages to ensure proper airflow.
Clean your Dryer Vents: Inspect the dryer vents and clear any lint buildup; it can be a fire hazard and reduce the appliance's efficiency.
Give your Bathroom Vents a Clean: Wash and wipe your bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents to remove any moisture that may be accumulating and causing issues.
Wash your Appliances: Clean the coils on the fridge and other big appliances to keep them running efficiently.
These areas are often the culprits behind costly problems if they get ignored on your seasonal home checklist.
Water intrusion is a biggie - it's a costly problem just waiting to happen if you don't keep an eye on your basement and foundation.
Take a Walk Down to the Basement: Keep an Eye Out for Leaks & Cracks. Walk around the basement and take a thorough look for any signs of water leaks or cracks in the foundation walls. Seal those small cracks immediately.
Check Your Insulation: Head down to the basement and inspect the insulation in the ceiling and walls. If it's damp or damaged in any way, replace it pronto.
Pipe Insulation: Take a look at those exposed pipes in the basement and add some extra insulation to 'em - that way you won't get woken up in the middle of the night by a burst pipe.
Having a solid plumbing system that provides hot water and regular service will save you from a lot of winter headaches.
Drain Those Outdoor Faucets: Make sure you drain and seal all outdoor faucets, and while you're at it, check that the shutoff valve is working. Drain the faucet and the pipes as well.
Drain Your Hot Water Tank: You don't need to drain the entire tank; remove a few gallons to clear built-up sediment. Your tank (and your wallet) will thank you.
Fix All the Little Leaks: Check all interior plumbing pipes and fixtures for leaks and address them immediately. Those small leaks can add up and cause significant damage in the cold-weather months.
One last push to get the yard looking ship-shape before the snow starts to fall.
Give Your Lawn a Once-Over: Clean up the yard, apply one last fertilizer, and remove any debris that might be lying around.
Give the Siding and Windows a Good Cleaning: Wash down the exterior siding and windows. Check for any flaking paint or wear and tear that needs to be addressed before the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Put the Toys Away: Store all the garden equipment, hoses, faucet attachments, and outdoor furniture in the shed or basement.
By following this home maintenance checklist, you'll be way ahead of the winter gam,e and your house will thank you for it.
Get a Pro to Take a Look: Consider hiring a professional to perform a deep clean and inspection of your furnace and chimney. They might spot something you've been missing.
Double-Check Your Checklist: Review the list one last time to ensure all exterior faucets are turned off and drained, and that all doors and windows are secure.
Get Prepared for Winter: Get all your winter supplies ready - shovels, salt, emergency equipment - and you can stop worrying about the weather.
By following this home maintenance checklist, you'll have your house winter-ready in no time, save money, and be protected against all those costly repairs and frozen pipes. A warm, safe winter at home is just a few simple steps away.
