Your Winter Home Maintenance Checklist and Schedule

Winter weather is tough on homes. Snow piles up, pipes can freeze and heating systems work overtime keeping us warm. And that can lead to huge headaches and even bigger bills. Knowing how to prepare your home for winter is important to keeping it in tip-top shape no matter what the weather brings. 

So as temperatures reach new record lows across the country, keep proper winter maintenance in mind — it’s more important than ever. Follow this winter home maintenance checklist to start the new year on the right foot. And to make sure your home is protected in all kinds of weather, speak to a Farm Bureau agent. 

Winter Home Maintenance Tasks That Take a Weekend 

Before the winter weather really sets in, carve out some time to tackle some bigger tasks that take a little time. You can make it fun (pick out some podcasts or tunes and pull out your headphones) — the important part is that you get them done. And once you’re done, you can rest assured knowing you’ve done your part to protect your home.  

1. Check the Seals on Your Windows and Doors 

Brr! One drafty window can significantly lower the temperature of your home. Go through each room in your house and open and close the windows and doors. Do you notice a gap between seals or feel cold air coming in? If so, inspect and replace worn-out weather stripping. Caulk any gaps between the exterior trim and doorframe. Replace the threshold gasket or install a door sweep if you feel air coming from under the door to help weatherproof your home. Not only will you stay warmer — you’ll probably lower your heating bills, too. 

2. Clean the Gutters 

Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to a small leak at best, and an eroded foundation or roof collapse at worst. So grab a ladder and carefully clear the troughs of built-up leaves and debris. Use the hose to run water through the channels to identify leaks to patch.

3. Inspect the Roof

As long as your ladder is out, check the roof, too. Inspect the seals around vents and the chimney and check for loose or missing shingles. Pay heed to any indication the roof is in need of repair. (Remember: your roof could affect your home insurance.) 

4. Trim the Trees 

Winter storms can bring high winds, and heavy snows can weigh down branches and cause them to fall. So before winter storms ramp up, trim any large branches or tree limbs hanging over your home. After each snowfall, remove heavy snow as soon as it is safe. Shaking can compromise already brittle limbs, so use a broom or brush. 

5. Prepare Your Entryways 

When floors and sidewalks get slick, it’s easy to fall — and that can lead to injury. Ensure steps, handrails and walkways leading up to your home are secure and safe in icy or wet conditions. Place a mat inside and outside exterior doors to collect water, ice and mud. Traction will keep everyone safer. 

6. Get More Life Out of Your Water Heater 

Many manufacturers set water heater thermostats to 140 degrees, but 120 is just fine for home use. If you switch the temperature, you’ll save on heating costs and also extend the life expectancy of your water heater.

7. Shelter Outdoor Belongings 

Summer will return. But for now, protect everything you enjoyed in the warm weather, which will keep it safe, protect it from damage and also keep it from blowing away in especially blustery conditions. Gather up outdoor furniture and décor and store it in the garage, basement or shed. If the furniture is too heavy or large to move, remove the cushions and cover with a tarp. 

Bonus points if you clean off dust and dirt before you put everything away. (You’ll thank yourself come spring!) 

8. Wrap Water Pipes 

 can incur thousands of dollars in damage and repair costs. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to protect pipes that are exposed to severe weather or that run through an unheated part of your home, like the basement, with pipe insulation. 

9. Protect Air Conditioning Units 

Remove and store any in-window air conditioning (A/C) units so that you can close your windows all the way. Central air conditioning units are built to withstand the elements, but icicles or snow can still cause real damage to them. Don’t spend money on an expensive cover; instead, cover your A/C unit with a sheet of plywood held down by bricks. 

Small Winter Home Care Tasks With Big Impact 

Not all winter maintenance requests take a long time to complete. If you don’t have a ton of time, here are some chores you can tackle in a few minutes. 

1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans 

Changing the direction your fan blades spin will force hot air down, which will keep you warmer. Reverse the motor using your fan’s remote control or by flipping the switch on the fan itself. Run your ceiling fans on low, and your home will be noticeably warmer. 

2. Set the Thermostat 

Program your thermostat as low as is comfortable — but don’t let the temperate inside fall below 55 degrees. Anything colder puts your pipes at risk of freezing. Keeping the temperature a few degrees cooler than usual during the winter can also help you save on energy costs. (Reversing those fan blades will help you stay warm!) 

3. Eliminate Fire Hazards 

Working fireplaces need annual maintenance to keep you safe. Call in a certified chimney sweep to clear your fireplace of creosote buildup (if it’s wood burning) and debris like leaves and nests. And if you don’t already have a fire escape plan for your house, this is a good time to create one. 

4. Keep Warm Air Inside 

Keep the flue lever turned so your chimney is closed, and close the doors across your fireplace (if you have them). Otherwise, you’re throwing away money to heat the outside air. 

5. Give Your Pipes a Break 

Shut off water to exterior faucets and drain the lines. Remove and store garden hoses for the season. 

6. Service Smoke Detectors and Alarms 

Nearly half of all heating-related fires each year occur in December, January and February. Don’t be one of the statistics: Now is the time to ensure your fire and carbon monoxide detectors and alarms are working properly. Test each alarm or detector and replace the batteries regularly. 

7. Check Your Emergency Supplies 

Winter storms can knock out power, which is especially dangerous in freezing temperatures. Create an emergency supply kit for your home and stock up on first aid supplies, bottled water, canned food, flashlights and batteries. You’ll be grateful when you need it. 

Keep Your Home Protected

Even if you complete this winter maintenance checklist, harsh weather can take its toll. Home and property insurance will help make sure your home and family are protected.  

Connect with Farm Bureau to discuss any other questions you may have.