When temperatures drop and winter storms roll in, your home becomes your shelter from the elements. But it also needs a little extra care to stay safe, efficient, and comfortable. Winter is a time to focus on prevention: avoiding frozen pipes, heat loss, and water damage while keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Here’s your seasonal home maintenance checklist to help protect your investment all winter long.
1. Protect Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of winter’s most expensive disasters. Insulate exposed plumbing in unheated areas (like basements, attics, and garages), and let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold. Know where your main shut-off valve is – just in case.
Pro tip: Open cabinet doors under sinks on especially cold nights to help warm air circulate.
2. Keep Your Heating System in Top Shape
If you didn’t service your furnace in the fall, now’s the time. Replace filters monthly, and listen for unusual noises that might signal it’s working harder than it should. If your system is struggling to keep up, schedule a tune-up before the next cold snap.
Bonus: Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air down. It can make rooms feel warmer without raising the thermostat.
3. Prevent Ice Dams and Roof Damage
Snow and ice buildup can cause leaks, roof damage, and gutter clogs. Safely clear snow from eaves or hire a professional if needed. Keep attic insulation in good shape to prevent heat from escaping – a key cause of ice dams.
Quick check: If you see long icicles forming, it may be a sign of poor insulation or ventilation.
4. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts
Drafty windows and doors can make your heating system work overtime. Check for air leaks and reseal with caulk or weatherstripping where needed. Heavy curtains or draft stoppers can also help keep the warmth in.
Energy tip: A window film insulation kit can make a noticeable difference for just a few dollars.
5. Clear Snow Safely and Strategically
Whether you shovel, plow, or snow-blow, clear walkways promptly to avoid slips and ice buildup. Spread salt or sand sparingly, as excess can damage concrete and landscaping come spring.
Don’t forget: Keep dryer vents, exhausts, and foundation vents clear of snow to prevent dangerous blockages.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Heating season means higher risk of carbon monoxide buildup and house fires. Test all alarms monthly, replace batteries as needed, and make sure you have a CO detector on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
7. Tidy Up and Inspect Indoors
Cold months are perfect for small indoor projects. Check water heaters for leaks, clean refrigerator coils, and vacuum dryer vents. Not only does this improve efficiency, but it also keeps you busy while it’s too cold to tackle outdoor work!
8. Plan Ahead for Spring
Winter is a great time to plan next season’s projects. Whether it’s a landscaping update, new windows, or a kitchen refresh, getting estimates and timelines now helps you hit the ground running once warmer weather arrives.
Protect Your Home, Enjoy the Season
Winter maintenance is about comfort and prevention. Taking small steps now can protect your home’s value and keep it running smoothly through the harshest months of the year.
And if you’re planning bigger updates or tackling maintenance once the snow melts, Unison can help you access your home’s equity flexibly, so you can invest in your property without taking on hefty monthly payments.