5 Home Maintenance Tasks to Complete Before Winter

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Winter weather can be harsh on your home. From freezing pipes to ice dams and heating system failures, the cold months bring unique challenges that can result in expensive repairs. The good news? Most winter-related home damage is preventable with proper preparation.

1. Inspect and Service Your Heating System

Your heating system is your home’s lifeline during winter. A breakdown in the middle of a cold snap isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous and lead to frozen pipes.

What to Do:

• Schedule professional maintenance: Have your furnace or heat pump serviced annually before the heating season
• Replace filters: Change or clean filters monthly during heavy use
• Test your thermostat: Ensure it’s working properly and consider upgrading to a programmable model
• Check vents and registers: Make sure they’re not blocked by furniture or curtains
• Inspect the heat exchanger: Look for cracks or corrosion (or have a professional do this)

When to Call a Professional:

If your system is making unusual noises, not heating evenly, or is more than 15 years old, it’s time for a professional inspection. Regular maintenance can extend your system’s life and prevent costly mid-winter breakdowns.

2. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly winter problems homeowners face. When water freezes in pipes, it expands and can cause pipes to burst, leading to significant water damage.

Prevention Steps:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Focus on pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces
• Seal cracks and gaps: Weatherstrip around pipes where they enter your home
• Disconnect outdoor hoses: Drain and store garden hoses for winter
• Shut off exterior faucets: Turn off water to outdoor faucets and drain the lines
• Keep cabinet doors open: During extreme cold, open cabinets under sinks to allow warm air circulation
• Let faucets drip: During freezing temperatures, a small drip can prevent freezing

Professional Help:

If you’re unsure about insulating pipes properly or if you have a history of freezing issues, call a professional plumber. They can identify vulnerable areas and recommend permanent solutions.

3. Clean Gutters and Check Your Roof

Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which force water under shingles and into your home. Meanwhile, damaged shingles can allow water and ice to penetrate, causing leaks and structural damage.

Gutter Maintenance:

• Remove all debris: Clean out leaves, twigs, and sediment
• Check for proper slope: Gutters should slope toward downspouts
• Secure loose gutters: Reattach any sections pulling away from the house
• Extend downspouts: Ensure water drains at least 5 feet from your foundation
• Consider gutter guards: They can reduce future maintenance

Roof Inspection:

• Look for damaged shingles: Replace any that are cracked, curled, or missing
• Check flashing: Ensure chimney and vent flashing is secure
• Inspect attic ventilation: Proper ventilation prevents ice dams
• Trim overhanging branches: They can damage your roof in winter storms

Safety Note:

Working on roofs can be dangerous. If you’re not comfortable or if your roof is steep, hire a professional contractor for inspection and repairs.

4. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation

Drafts don’t just make your home uncomfortable—they waste energy and increase heating costs. Proper insulation and air sealing can reduce your heating bills by 20% or more.

Common Air Leak Locations:

• Windows and doors: Apply weatherstripping and caulk gaps
• Electrical outlets: Install foam gaskets behind outlet covers
• Attic hatches: Add weatherstripping and insulation
• Basement rim joists: Seal and insulate this often-overlooked area
• Fireplace dampers: Ensure they close tightly when not in use

Insulation Check:

• Attic: Should have at least R-30 to R-60 depending on your climate
• Walls: Check for gaps in existing insulation
• Basement/crawl space: Insulate walls and seal the rim joist

DIY vs. Professional:

Many air sealing tasks are DIY-friendly, but adding significant insulation or addressing major air leakage issues often requires professional expertise to ensure proper installation and ventilation.

5. Prepare for Winter Storms

Winter storms can knock out power, block access, and create hazardous conditions. Being prepared protects both your home and your family.

Storm Preparation Checklist:

• Generator readiness: If you have a generator, test it and stock fuel
• Clear storm drains: Ensure water can drain away from your property
• Stock emergency supplies: Keep flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food on hand
• Have contractor contacts ready: Save numbers for emergency plumbing, heating, and electrical services
• Protect sensitive equipment: Know how to shut off water and gas if needed
• Clear yard hazards: Remove or secure items that could become projectiles in high winds

Additional Winter Prep Tips

Chimney and Fireplace

If you use your fireplace:

• Have the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected
• Check the damper operation
• Ensure you have a chimney cap to prevent animal entry
• Stock up on firewood if needed

Windows and Doors

• Install storm windows or apply plastic film insulation
• Check door sweeps and replace if worn
• Lubricate door and window locks
• Test door weather stripping

Outdoor Maintenance

• Drain and winterize irrigation systems
• Store or cover outdoor furniture
• Clean and store outdoor power equipment
• Apply ice melt to walkways before storms (keep it away from vegetation)

When to Call a Professional Contractor

Some maintenance tasks are straightforward DIY projects, while others require professional expertise. Call a professional contractor when:

• You need electrical or major plumbing work
• Roof repairs are needed (safety hazard)
• Your heating system needs service or repair
• You’re adding or replacing insulation in walls
• Major air sealing or structural work is required
• You’re unsure about any task—it’s better to be safe

Start Your Winter Prep Today

Don’t wait until the first freeze to discover problems. Start working through this checklist now, and you’ll enjoy a warm, safe, comfortable winter without costly emergency repairs.

Need help with your winter preparation? Our experienced team can inspect your home, identify potential problems, and complete all necessary maintenance and repairs. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Final Thoughts

Regular maintenance isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about protecting your investment and keeping your family safe and comfortable. The small investment of time and money now can save thousands in emergency repairs later.

Questions about any of these tasks? Not sure if something is a DIY project or requires professional help? Give us a call—we’re happy to provide guidance and free estimates for any work your home needs.