As the cold weather approaches, your home becomes a haven against cold weather and biting chills. However, ensuring it stays warm, safe, and functional during winter requires proactive maintenance before the cold weather hits.
Addressing the potential issues before temperatures drop can save you time, money, and the discomfort of unexpected repairs. This winter home maintenance checklist will guide you through 10 key areas to inspect before the cold weather arrives.
1. Checking Your Heating System
In winter, the heating system in a home will work overtime to ensure that the home will stay warm as it constantly adjusts from the temperature outside to the temperature set inside the home. So, it is crucial for winter home maintenance tips to keep it in top shape.
- Service The Furnace – Before winter, schedule a professional tune-up to clean and inspect the heating system’s components, ensuring efficiency and optimal condition. Replace the air filter to maintain optimal airflow and indoor air quality.
- Check Thermostats – Additionally, testing your thermostat for accurate outputs will save on energy efficiency. So, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for the most consistent and precise numbers.
- Inspect Vents and Ducts – Clear any blockages in air ducts and vents throughout your home to ensure even heat distribution wherever possible.
2. Examine Insulation and Sealing
Proper insulation keeps the warmth in your home and the cold out. Doing so will save energy and reduce heating costs.
- Inspect Attic Insulation – Whether you opt for a professional inspection or do it yourself, it’s important to check the attic for gaps or thinning areas. If you find thin spots, adding insulation can prevent heat loss and help reduce energy bills.
- Seal Gaps and Cracks – Use weatherstripping or caulk around windows, doors, and other openings to keep drafts at bay. Pay attention to all possible entry points, so don’t forget the basement and crawl space.
- Check Window Treatments – Even with added protection, windows can still be areas of heat loss, so consider installing heavy curtains or thermal blinds to provide additional insulation.
3. Assess the Roof and Gutters
If improperly maintained, snow and ice can wreak havoc on your roof and drainage systems. So, checking these areas for your winter home maintenance checklist will help keep your home warm this winter.
- Inspect the Roof – Look for missing, cracked, or loose shingles on your roof. Addressing any issues can prevent future leaks and potential structural damage from snow accumulation.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts – Remove leaves and debris to allow proper drainage through the gutters and downspouts, and install gutter guards to help prevent future clogs.
- Check for Ice Dams – Inspect areas where ice dams might form, such as eaves. Proper attic insulation and ventilation can mitigate or prevent this dangerous situation.
4. Test Plumbing System
Frozen pipes are a common issue and nightmare during the winter season. Taking steps to protect your plumbing can help save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repairs. Finding a local home inspector for these larger areas can be best in many cases, as missing potential issues can be easy.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes – Using foam pipe insulation in basements, attics, and exterior walls can help prevent freezing during winter.
- Drain Outdoor Faucets – Disconnect hoses and drain any remaining water from outdoor spigots. For additional protection, install frost-free fixtures or use a faucet cover.
- Check for Leaks – Inspect under sinks, around heaters, and along walls for any additional leaks or signs of corrosion and address them as soon as possible.
5. Maintain Fireplace and Chimney
If you have access to a fireplace during winter, it can greatly help keep your home warm and assist in your winter home preparation checklist. A cozy fire adds charm and warmth to a winter night, but safety should come first.
- Schedule a Chimney Sweep – Clean the chimney to remove soot and creosote buildup, which pose fire hazards. Additionally, hire a professional to clean the chimney to ensure maximum safety, as they can address any areas missed during a DIY clean.
- Inspect Fireplace – Getting an inspection for your fireplace and chimney would be the best choice, but regardless, check for cracks, loose bricks, or other damage in the fireplace and chimney structure, as any damage could become serious if the fireplace is used.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Ensure doctors near the fireplace function if anything is wrong with the fireplace or chimney. It can help protect against harmful gases.
6. Prepare Outdoor Spaces
The exterior of your home is also an important area to focus on when getting ready for winter. It needs attention to withstand the winter months.
- Store Outdoor Furniture – Clean and cover the patio furniture or store it indoors if space is available to help protect it against ice and snow.
- Inspect Walkways and Driveways – Repair any cracks and apply sealant to prevent damage from freeze and thaw cycles, as they can increase the size and severity of the existing damage.
- Stock Up on Supplies – Stocking up on supplies can make the winter season easier, so have ice melt, shovels, and snow blowers ready for minor winter storms.
7. Check Home Safety Systems
Winter brings unique risks, such as fire and power outages, so it is vital to prepare for emergencies that could affect the home.
- Inspect Fire Extinguishers – Even though the winter months are cold, the heating used to keep your home warm could have complications, so ensure that all fire extinguishers are full and accessible.
- Backup Power Supply – For larger winter storms that can cause outages, have generators available, test them, and stock up on fuel to ensure they can keep running in an emergency.
- Update Emergency Kits – Include flashlights, batteries, blankets, and general first aid; have enough supplies for at least 72 hours.
8. Test Doors and Windows
Check drafty doors and windows to make the most of your December home maintenance checklist. These can significantly impact your comfort and energy bills.
- Inspect Weatherstripping – Replace any worn weatherstripping around doors and windows to seal out drafts.
- Fix Locks and Hinges – Ensure that all locks and hinges are functioning correctly to help secure your home during the winter season in the case of emergencies or widespread outages.
- Consider Storm Windows – If applicable, install storm windows for added protection against the cold and wind in larger winter storms.
9. Service Appliances
Some appliances may need extra attention to handle the demands of winter, so keeping them up to date can save for any future repairs or replacements, especially during the winter when they are needed the most.
- Inspect the Water Heater – In addition to getting a professional inspection, check for signs of rust or leaks and flush out sediment buildup. Consider insulating the water heater for better efficiency.
- Test Kitchen Appliances – Ensure that your oven and stove are working well, especially if you plan on cooking for any holiday during the winter season.
- Refrigerator Maintenance – In addition to basic maintenance, cleaning the coils and checking seals will keep your refrigerator running efficiently.
10. Prepare for Emergencies
Winter can bring surprises, so having a winter home maintenance checklist can help mitigate and ease any problems that could arise during the season.
- Plan for Storms – Keep a list of emergency contacts, including utility companies and repair services. While some storms can seem small and blow over quickly, their severity can always change, and any lasting effects, like damage or outages, must be addressed promptly.
- Stay Informed – In addition to planning, monitor weather forecasts and set up alerts for severe weather warnings so you can prepare any emergency plans or kits in case the worst happens.
- Check Insurance Coverage – Before the winter season kicks off, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure that adequate coverage for winter-related damage is included and to what extent.
Do you need assistance with home inspection services for the winter season? Contact Kissee Inspection Services. Our comprehensive assessments of residential properties provide recommendations for upkeep or improvements and expert advice and guidance for homeowners who need a thorough inspection to prepare for the winter season.
