Complete Winter Home Maintenance Checklist (2023)

Home Insurance Advice Home Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

WRITTEN BY: Mark Romero

UPDATED: AUGUST 23, 2023 | 2 MIN READ

Harsh winter weather makes it difficult to be outside a lot. That’s why the winter is a great time for indoor projects and maintaining the winterization steps you completed in the fall.

Table of contents:

Exterior winter home maintenance checklist

Don’t plan to take on a lot of outdoor chores in the winter unless you live in a warm climate. Cold air and harsh winds make tackling an outdoor to-do list difficult. But you should be able to handle these chores.

Snow and ice removal

Stay on top of snow and ice removal as necessary. Keeping your driveway and pathways clear not only helps prevent accidents, which could be liability issues, but it also helps protect the concrete (or asphalt, etc.).

When there’s a heavy snowfall, try to remove the snow several times throughout the day instead of waiting until the storm clears. This makes the process easier.

While you’re outside, inspect your home’s exterior for icicles. Removing them from your roof and gutter as soon as you see them is important to prevent ice dams.

Outdoor faucets and plumbing

Before the first frost, drain and turn your outside faucets off. Then, insulate them with a faucet cover.

You also need to wrap or insulate any exposed pipes for the winter so they don’t freeze.

Check windows and doors for drafts

Check all of your windows and doors for drafts. If you didn’t do it in the fall, consider installing storm windows for an added insulation layer.

Indoor winter home maintenance checklist

Interior Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Most of your winter home maintenance checklist should be filled with indoor projects. Ideally, you want to prepare your home for winter in the fall and maintain it in the winter. But if you didn’t complete everything, be sure to tackle these projects.

Heating system

As the backbone of your home’s warmth during the cold months, keeping your heating system in top shape is vital.

Schedule a professional inspection to identify and address potential issues before escalating.
Replace filters regularly to ensure clean airflow and optimum performance.
Check for proper ventilation to guarantee your system’s safe and effective operation.

Insulation

A well-insulated home retains warmth, reduces heating costs, and enhances overall comfort.

Ensure adequate insulation in the attic to prevent heat from escaping through the top of your home.
Check insulation around pipes to prevent freezing and in walls to ensure consistent temperatures and reduced drafts.
If necessary, line your windows with plastic to keep the heat in and prevent drafts.

Fireplace and chimney

Fireplaces are a cozy source of heat, but they require regular attention. You also shouldn’t start a fire in your fireplace before you’ve completed seasonal maintenance.

Clean and inspect the chimney to reduce risks of chimney fires and ensure smoke vents properly.
Stock up on firewood if you have a wood-burning fireplace, ensuring you have a steady supply for cold nights.
Check for proper ventilation to guarantee safe and effective operation.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be in every home. Testing them regularly and replacing the batteries a few times yearly is extremely important.

For maximum coverage, make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all key areas of your home.

Plumbing

You don’t want your pipes to burst because of the cold winter weather. To prevent this, you need to check under the sinks, around the toilets, and in the basement for potential leaks. If you find any leaks, repair them immediately.

Also, insulate any vulnerable pipes in your home. To do this, purchase pipe wrap and tape your pipes up. You can also get styrofoam insulation to place around your pipes.

Emergency supplies

Stock up on essential supplies to have everything you need if you’re snowed in for a few days. This includes:

Non-perishable food
Water
Flashlights
Batteries
Blankets
Warm clothing

You should also consider getting a generator and keeping a fuel supply in case you don’t have electricity for an extended period.

Energy saving tips

Winter doesn’t just challenge our comfort, but often our wallets too, as energy costs rise. Here’s how you can ensure your home remains cozy while keeping those utility bills in check:

Install a Programmable Thermostat: This intelligent device lets you set temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring you use energy only when needed. So you can lower the heat when you’re not home and warm up just before you return.
Use Draft Stoppers for Doors and Windows: These simple devices, often made of fabric, can be placed at the base of doors and windows. They act as barriers, preventing cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping, thus conserving the warmth in your home.
Optimize Sunlight for Natural Heating: While not as intense, the winter sun can still significantly warm your home. Open curtains or blinds during sunny days to let in natural light and warmth. Conversely, close them as the sun sets to retain the day’s heat.
Consider Energy-Efficient Appliances: While this might be a larger investment, energy-efficient appliances, from fridges to water heaters, can significantly reduce your energy consumption in the long run. Look for the Energy Star label or similar certifications when shopping for appliances.

FAQs

What month should I winterize my home?

Ideally, you should winterize your home before winter sets in. When battling a winter storm, it’s not as easy to deal with a broken furnace or frozen pipes.

For some people, this might mean winterizing in October. Those who live in a slightly milder climate could wait until November to fully winterize their homes.

How cold should you let your house get during the winter?

Most electricity companies recommend people leave their thermostats at 68 degrees in the winter to conserve power and save money. You can set it slightly lower while you’re sleeping or when you’re not home. If it gets too cold in your home, raise the temperature little by little until you’re comfortable.

Should you air your house in the winter?

You might think you shouldn’t air out your home in the winter because you’ll let the cold air in. However, airing your house out helps preserve the air quality.

Instead of opening the windows and leaving them open as you would during warmer months, open them fully for short periods.