Winter Home Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Home Cozy and Protected

Winter is the season for warm drinks, cozy blankets, and spending more time indoors. But it’s also a time when your home needs a little extra care to stay comfortable and in good shape. Whether you’re a homeowner or preparing your house to sell, here are some essential winter home maintenance tasks to keep your property running smoothly.

 

Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs.

 

• Insulate Pipes: Cover exposed pipes in your basement, attic, or crawl spaces with foam insulation.
• Let Faucets Drip: On extremely cold nights, allow a small trickle of water to flow to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Shut Off Outdoor Water: Drain and disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor faucets.

Your heating system works overtime in the winter, so make sure it’s ready.

 

• Replace Filters: Change your furnace filter monthly to keep it running efficiently.
• Schedule a Tune-Up: Have a professional inspect your HVAC system to avoid breakdowns.
• Seal Ducts: Check for leaks in ductwork to ensure warm air flows where it’s needed.

Don’t let the cold sneak into your home and drive up your energy bills.

 

• Seal Drafts: Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors.
• Use Heavy Curtains: Thermal curtains help keep the heat inside.
• Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set fans to spin clockwise to push warm air down into the room.

Ice dams can cause water damage to your roof and home.

 

• Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris so water can flow freely.
• Check Insulation: Ensure your attic is well-insulated to prevent heat from escaping and melting snow unevenly.
• Use a Roof Rake: Remove heavy snow from your roof after storms to avoid buildup.

Winter means more time indoors, so it’s important to stay safe.

 

• Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test batteries and replace them if needed.
• Inspect Fire Extinguishers: Make sure they’re in good working order and easy to access.
• Clean Chimneys: If you use a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned and inspected to avoid fire hazards.

Be ready for emergencies that come with snow and ice.

 

• Stock Up: Keep flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food on hand.
• Get Snow Removal Tools: Have a shovel, ice melt, and snowblower ready to clear walkways and driveways.
• Trim Trees: Remove weak or overhanging branches that could fall under the weight of snow or ice.

The outside of your home also needs attention to withstand winter weather.

 

• Check the Roof: Look for missing shingles or damage and make repairs before heavy snow arrives.
• Inspect the Foundation: Seal any cracks where cold air or moisture could seep in.
• Maintain Outdoor Lighting: Ensure pathways are well-lit for safety during shorter, darker days.

Winter air can be dry, which affects your home and comfort.

 

• Use a Humidifier: Maintain humidity levels to protect wood furniture and floors from cracking.
• Open Bathroom Doors: Let warm, moist air flow into other parts of your home after showers.

Winter maintenance might not be glamorous, but it’s essential to keep your home safe, warm, and energy-efficient during the colder months. A little effort now can prevent bigger problems down the road.

 

If you’re considering selling your home this winter, these steps will also help you present it in its best light to potential buyers. Need advice or have questions about preparing your home for the market? I’m here to help—reach out anytime!