10 Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Do In Winter

Our homes face harsh conditions during cold winters, from the roof all the way down to the plumbing in the basement. This is also the time of year we make heavy use of our heating systems, fireplaces, and kitchens. We don’t want any surprises during the chilliest months of the year, and a little preventative maintenance can go a long way. Make sure your house is buttoned down for the season by tackling these 10 home maintenance tasks and repairs you should do every winter.

Seal Windows And Doors

Brrrr…when winter hits, you suddenly notice drafty windows and door frames. If you’re not sure where the draft is coming from, holding a lighter or electronic heat detector around window seals and doors can help you find the source. Replace or add caulk around windows and add weather stripping around doors. Also, put up those storm windows if you haven’t already.

Prune Overhanging Tree Limbs

This task is well worth taking care of before the next heavy snowfall or ice storm. Prune limbs away from the roof and power lines as long as you can do it safely. Or, schedule a tree service to help you with this task.

Clear Out Gutters

Inspect your gutters and remove any leaves or debris that you find. You don’t want to create an ice dam that could damage your roof. While you’re up on that ladder, note any warped, missing, or damaged shingles that need repairing. You’ll want to have a roofer take care of it now.

Disconnect Hoses

To prevent pipes from freezing, disconnect any hoses from spigots and store them away indoors. If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, shut off the water supply and allow the pipes to drain.

Keep Your HVAC System Well-Maintained

If you haven’t had your HVAC system inspected this year, schedule a visit by a pro so you aren’t taken by surprise from wintry weather. Remove any leaves or weeds that have accumulated around the compressor. Change your filter if it’s been awhile, and expect to do it again later in winter.

Change Ceiling Fan Direction

This small task can really make a difference in the comfort of your home, not to mention your heating bills. Change ceiling fans to the winter setting (rotating clockwise) so that they circulate warm air down from the ceiling.

Insulate Pipes

Pipes in basements and crawl spaces can be susceptible to freezing in very cold weather. Wrap them in tubular insulation to keep pipes from bursting. Even if you don’t experience 20-degree temperatures, the insulation can help lower your utility bills. During extreme weather, you may also want to let your pipes drip.

Install And Test CO Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that you can’t smell or see. If you have gas appliances or a fireplace (or like to warm your car in the garage), you should install carbon monoxide detectors. Place them outside of sleeping areas and in the garage. Make sure you have one on every level of your home where you burn any kind of fuel. Check them each winter by pressing and holding the test button, and change batteries if needed.

Check Smoke Detectors

You’ll be doing a lot of cooking over the holidays, so test your smoke detectors as well. While you’re at it, use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum to remove any dust, hair, and pollen. That way you won’t be setting off the smoke detector every time you’re in the kitchen.

Clean Your Chimney

If your chimney still needs cleaning this year, get that taken care of before you cozy up to a fire. A blocked chimney can result in harmful fumes building up in your house—or even become a fire hazard. Make an appointment to have your chimney inspected and swept out.