Winter Home Maintenance Tasks

As temperatures drop and winter approaches, you’ll need to prepare your home for the challenges that cold weather brings. From sealing air leaks to preventing water damage, there are numerous tasks homeowners should tackle to ensure their property remains safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient throughout the winter months. This guide will walk you through essential winter home maintenance tasks, helping you protect your investment and stay cozy all season long.

Preparing Your Home’s Exterior for Cold Weather

Winter can be harsh on your home’s exterior, but with proper preparation, you can minimize potential damage and keep your home in top shape. Here are key areas to focus on:

Pinpoint and Plug Air Leaks Before Winter

Now that temperatures are dipping, search for spots where your home is losing its heat.

Check for drafts

Sealing Air Leaks and Drafts

Air leaks can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. To identify problem areas:

1. Wet one hand and run it around windows, doors, and heating duct joints. The moisture will make your skin more sensitive to cold air.
2. Alternatively, light a stick of incense and observe if the smoke changes direction near potential leak points.

Once you’ve identified leaks, use adhesive-backed EPDM rubber or foam weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors. For drafty door bottoms, add an insulating sweep. Don’t forget to patch leaky seams in ductwork with HVAC foil tape.

Preparing Your Home’s Exterior for Cold Weather

Cleaning and Repairing Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage. Before winter sets in:

1. Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
2. Check for loose or damaged sections and repair as needed.
3. Ensure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your home’s foundation.

Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future maintenance needs and prevent clogs.

Protecting Your Driveway from Ice Damage

Water seeping into cracks can freeze and expand, causing significant damage to asphalt driveways. To prevent this:

1. Clean out any loose debris from existing cracks.
2. Use a rope-like asphalt crack filler to bridge small cracks.
3. For deeper divots (over 1 inch), use a ready-mix blacktop repair compound. Overfill by about 1 inch and tamp level with the surrounding surface.

Taking these steps now can prevent costly repairs come spring.

Inspecting and Repairing Roof Shingles

Roof damage is another concern during winter. Visually inspect your shingles for any signs of damage, such as curling, cracking, or missing shingles. Repairing these issues before snow hits can prevent leaks and prolonged damage to the roof’s structure. Be sure to check the flashing around chimneys and vents to ensure it is secure and watertight.

Ideally, hire a professional to conduct a thorough inspection if you feel uncomfortable checking the roof yourself.

Enhancing Indoor Comfort and Energy Efficiency for Winter

Keeping your home warm and energy-efficient is a top priority during winter. Here’s how to optimize your indoor environment:

Evaluating and Upgrading Attic Insulation

Proper attic insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable home temperature and reducing energy costs. Check your attic for:

1. Compressed or fallen insulation, leaving bare spots.
2. Inadequate insulation thickness (R-19 batts should be upgraded to at least R-38, or R-49 in northern regions).

Use canned urethane spray foam to insulate around pipes and cables where they enter the attic. 

Optimizing Your Heating System

To ensure your system is ready:

1. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up.
2. Replace air filters monthly during the heating season.
3. Clear any obstructions from vents and radiators to improve airflow.

Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to better control your home’s temperature and reduce energy costs.

Reversing Ceiling Fans for Winter

A simple yet effective way to improve your home’s heating efficiency is to reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. As Kevin O’Connor, This Old House Host, advises: “One easy way to ease your heating bill: Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan, so it runs clockwise, which will push down and recirculate the warm air that collects at the ceiling. “

Checking Windows and Doors

Another critical area for maintaining indoor comfort is ensuring the integrity of your windows and doors. Check for condensation between window panes, which can indicate broken seals. Repair any damaged weather stripping around doors to prevent drafts. For an extra layer of insulation, consider using thermal window treatments, such as heavy curtains or cellular shades, which can significantly reduce heat loss.

Evaluate attic insulation

Old insulation may be compressed or have fallen out of framing bays, leaving bare spots. Thin R-19 batts should be upgraded to at least R-38 batts, or R-49 if you live in northern regions. Use canned urethane spray foam to insulate around pipes and cables where they enter the attic.

Schedule an energy audit

Find out if your local utility offers audits for free or at a low cost, or partners with a local company to do them. Prices range from about $100 for a walk-through and bill assessment to an average of about $400 for a more thorough investigation. Some utilities also offer free or discounted air-sealing materials and rebates for energy-saving upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, and energy-efficient appliances. For more information on energy audits, go to: energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-assessments.

Essential Appliance and System Maintenance to Do for Winter

Proper maintenance of your home’s appliances and systems can prevent breakdowns and improve efficiency during the winter months.

Cleaning and Servicing Your Oven

Before the holiday cooking season begins, give your oven a thorough cleaning. Try this safe and effective method:

1. Mix a cup of baking soda with enough white vinegar to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the inside of the oven with a chip brush.
3. Let it sit overnight, then wipe clean with a damp sponge or nylon scrubby.

Checking Your Water Heater

A well-maintained water heater ensures hot water throughout winter. To keep it running efficiently:

1. Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup.
2. Check the pressure relief valve for proper operation.
3. Inspect for any signs of corrosion or leaks.

Consider insulating your water heater and hot water pipes to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.

Inspecting Your HVAC System

Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial for winter comfort. In addition to professional servicing:

1. Replace air filters monthly during heavy use periods.
2. Clean air vents and returns to ensure proper airflow.
3. Check for any unusual noises or odors that may indicate a problem.

Addressing HVAC issues early can prevent costly breakdowns during the coldest months.

Maintaining Your Fireplace and Chimney

If your home has a fireplace, regular maintenance is crucial for safe usage during winter. Have a professional inspect and clean the chimney to remove any creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Ensure the flue damper opens, closes, and seals properly. For added safety, install a chimney cap to prevent debris, rain, or animals from entering your chimney.

Checking Your Water Heater

A well-maintained water heater ensures hot water throughout winter. To keep it running efficiently:

1. Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup.
2. Check the pressure relief valve for proper operation.
3. Inspect for any signs of corrosion or leaks.

Consider insulating your water heater and hot water pipes to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.

Inspecting Your HVAC System

Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial for winter comfort. In addition to professional servicing:

1. Replace air filters monthly during heavy use periods.
2. Clean air vents and returns to ensure proper airflow.
3. Check for any unusual noises or odors that may indicate a problem.

Addressing HVAC issues early can prevent costly breakdowns during the coldest months.

Maintaining Your Fireplace and Chimney

If your home has a fireplace, regular maintenance is crucial for safe usage during winter. Have a professional inspect and clean the chimney to remove any creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Ensure the flue damper opens, closes, and seals properly. For added safety, install a chimney cap to prevent debris, rain, or animals from entering your chimney.

Preparing for Power Outages and Winter Emergencies

Winter storms can lead to power outages and other emergencies. Being prepared is key to staying safe and comfortable.

Installing a Manual Transfer Switch for Generators

If you have a portable generator, a manual transfer switch allows for safer, more convenient power during outages. This device:

1. Connects to your main breaker panel.
2. Allows you to power essential circuits by flipping a switch.
3. Eliminates the need for potentially hazardous extension cords.

Always run fuel-burning generators outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Creating an Emergency Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit is always a good idea for winter preparedness. Include:

1. Non-perishable food and water for at least three days.
2. Flashlights and extra batteries.
3. First aid supplies and necessary medications.
4. Warm clothing and blankets.

Store your kit in an easily accessible location and review its contents annually.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Risks

With heightened heating during winter, ensure you understand the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Install CO detectors on every floor of your home, particularly near sleeping areas. Regularly test and replace the batteries as needed. If your detector sounds or you experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea, leave the house immediately and seek fresh air.

Outdoor Winter Safety Measures

Preparing your outdoor areas for winter is crucial for safety and property protection.

Stocking Up on Ice Melt and Sand

To prevent slips and falls on icy surfaces, This Old House Mason Mark McCullough advises: “To prevent slipping on icy asphalt driveways or granite walkways, spread them with a 50-50 mix of rock salt and sand. The salt will help melt the ice, while the sand will put traction underfoot. Just keep the salt away from concrete, mortared masonry joints, and vegetation-it will damage them. “

Preparing Snow Removal Equipment

Before the first snowfall:

1. Service your snow blower and ensure it starts easily.
2. Check shovels for cracks or wear and replace if necessary.
3. Stock up on fuel for snow removal equipment.

Having your equipment ready will make snow removal less of a chore when the time comes.

Protecting Outdoor Furniture and Fixtures

To preserve your outdoor items:

1. Clean and store patio furniture in a dry place.
2. Drain and store garden hoses to prevent freezing and cracking.
3. Wrap vulnerable plants or bring potted plants indoors.

Taking these steps will help ensure your outdoor spaces are ready for spring.

Building a Winter Car Kit

An often-overlooked area of winter preparation is ensuring your vehicle is ready for the season. Assemble a winter car kit that includes items such as an ice scraper, shovel, blankets, extra warm clothes, non-perishable snacks, and a first aid kit. This preparation can be crucial for safety if you find yourself stuck in winter conditions away from home.

Our Conclusion

Winter home maintenance is crucial for protecting your property and ensuring comfort throughout the cold months. By addressing air leaks, maintaining your heating system, preventing water damage, and preparing for emergencies, you’ll be well-equipped to face whatever winter brings.

Remember that while many of these tasks can be DIY projects, don’t hesitate to call in professionals for more complex jobs or if you’re unsure about any aspect of winter home maintenance. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a warm, safe, and efficient home all winter long.