Not all winters look the same, but if yours usually brings freezing temperatures, snow, or ice, a little prep now can save you a lot of hassle later. Your to-do list should include your yard, your home’s exterior, and the inside, too. November is a great time for a seasonal home checkup, so use our checklist to knock out the essentials before the cold settles in.

Gutters & Roof

Start your winterization prep while the weather is still comfortable. Small issues can turn into big problems once winter hits, so catch them early.

• Clean gutters and downspouts. Clear out leaves and debris so water can drain properly.
• Check downspout water flow. Make sure downspouts carry water away from your foundation so it doesn’t pool around your home.
• Inspect your roof. Look for damaged, loose, or missing shingles and other signs of wear.
• Look for damaged, loose, or missing shingles and other signs of wear. Investigate your siding, foundation, window edges, and trim for cracks or gaps that may need attention.
• Trim damaged or overhanging branches. Wind, ice, and heavy snow can bring them down.
• Store outdoor furniture and equipment. Put away or tie down anything strong winds, snow, or ice could damage.

Pipes, Faucets, & Plumbing

Frozen pipes can burst, and that’s a mess no one wants to deal with. Here’s how to lower the risk before temperatures dip below freezing.

• Disconnect and store hoses. Water trapped in a connected hose can freeze and damage your outdoor faucet.
• Turn off and drain outdoor faucets and sprinklers. Leave your backflow valve partially open so it can drain.
• Insulate exposed pipes. Insulation helps prevent freezing and cuts down on energy loss. Check pipes in garages, basements, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls.
• Locate your main water shutoff valve. Make sure everyone in your home knows where it is before an emergency, not during one.

Doors & Windows

Ensuring warm air stays inside not only makes your home more comfortable, but it also helps your heating system work more efficiently.

• Check weatherstripping around exterior doors. Replace any worn or damaged sections.
• Inspect caulking around windows. Reseal any gaps or cracks you find.
• Test for drafts. Turn off fans and your HVAC system, and close all doors and windows. Then slowly move a lit candle or incense stick along the edges of each door and window, keeping it clear of curtains and blinds. If the flame or smoke bends, you’ve found a draft.
• Inspect insulation. Check levels in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. While you’re there, look for dampness or signs of water leakage, and deal with any issues now.

Heating System & Fireplace

Winterize your heating system and fireplace ready before the cold sets in, not after.

• Reverse your ceiling fans. Set on low and spinning clockwise, they push rising warm air back down toward you.
• Replace or clean your HVAC filter. A clean filter helps your system run efficiently. Outside, keep leaves, snow, and ice clear of your outdoor unit all winter.
• Turn on and test your heating system. Better to find a problem now than on the first freezing night.
• Review your thermostat settings. Adjust your heating schedule for colder days and longer nights.
• Clear vents and registers. Don’t let furniture or rugs block airflow.
• Inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney. An annual inspection and cleaning by a professional helps lower the risk of chimney fires.

Winter Safety Check

Winter prep isn’t only about your house. Make sure your safety gear, supplies, and emergency kit are ready, too.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Press the test button on each one, and replace batteries every 6 months.
• Evaluate your fire extinguisher. Make sure it isn’t expired and is easy to access.
• Review (or build!) an emergency kit. Stock it with water, nonperishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, emergency blankets, and first-aid supplies.
• Be mindful of space heater placement. Place them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, and turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Inspect winter accessories. Determine if your shovels, snow brushes, and ice scrapers need to be replaced.
• Buy rock salt. Stock up early so your driveway and sidewalk stay clear. Have pets? Look for a pet-friendly option.

Finish Strong Before the First Freeze

Not every item on our checklist will apply to every home or climate, so take one final walk around your property. Look for anything freezing temperatures, snow, ice, or winter storms could damage. If buying a new home before winter is on your to-do list, contact us today to get prequalified.