How to Prep Your Home for Winter Weather
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As the weather cools and winter approaches, it's the perfect time to give your home a seasonal checkup. Staying on top of fall maintenance not only keeps your home running efficiently, but it can also prevent costly repairs later on. Use this comprehensive fall home checklist to ensure your space is winter-ready before the cold sets in.
1. Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up
Avoid any chilly surprises by having your HVAC system serviced by a professional. Regular maintenance helps your heating system run efficiently and extends its lifespan.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
Walk through your home and check for drafts or leaks around windows and doors. Add weather stripping or caulk where needed to keep warm air inside and lower your energy bill. Don’t forget your garage door—sealing it helps keep critters and cold air out.
3. Inspect Fireplace and Chimney
If you plan to use your fireplace this season, have the chimney and flue professionally inspected and cleaned. This prevents potential fire hazards and ensures safe, cozy nights by the fire.
4. Check Walkways and Driveways
Inspect your sidewalks, driveway, and porch for cracks. Resealing pavement before freezing temps hit can prevent further damage and make surfaces safer to walk on during icy months.
5. Protect Outdoor Plumbing
Disconnect and drain garden hoses and store them indoors. Wrap exterior pipes and spigots with heating tape or insulation to prevent freezing. If you have an irrigation system, don’t forget to winterize it!
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Change batteries and test all detectors in your home. A great reminder is to do this when daylight saving time ends each fall.
7. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Cut back overgrown trees or limbs that hang near your home. Winter storms and ice buildup can cause branches to break and damage your roof or siding.
8. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams in the winter. Make sure everything is clear and draining properly now, before freezing weather arrives.
9. Inspect the Exterior of Your Home
Do a walk-around inspection to look for signs of damage to your siding, roof, foundation, or brickwork. Catching problems early helps prevent expensive fixes in the colder month
10. Clean Dryer Vents
Reduce fire risk by cleaning out your dryer vent. You can DIY with a cleaning kit or hire a pro—if you go that route, consider having them clean all your air vents while they’re at it.
11. Inspect Deck and Fence
Check for loose boards, rot, or other signs of wear. Moisture from snow and ice can worsen existing damage, so it’s best to tackle small repairs now.
12. Store or Cover Patio Furniture
Outdoor furniture is expensive—don’t leave it to the elements. Either store your pieces in a garage or shed or invest in protective covers to help them last through the winter.
13. Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
In colder months, your fan should rotate clockwise to help push warm air back down from the ceiling, making your home feel cozier and more energy-efficient.
Looking for More Ways to Protect your Investment?
Talk to a Churchill Home Loan Specialist today for expert guidance and homeowner resources that go beyond the mortgage.
