Winter Home Maintenance

Winter Maintenance Essentials Every Homeowner Shouldn’t Ignore

Winter can be tough on a home. Freezing temperatures, 🌨️snow❄️, ice🧊, and high winds💨 put extra stress on everything from your roof to your plumbing. A little preparation now can prevent expensive repairs later and keep your home safe, warm, and efficient all season long.

Here’s a practical guide to winter maintenance every homeowner should have on their checklist.

1. Protect Your Plumbing From Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and costly) winter problems.

What to do:

• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
• Shut off exterior water valves if possible
• Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving

If a pipe does freeze, never use an open flame to thaw it. A hair dryer or space heater (used carefully) is a safer option.

2. Inspect and Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters in winter can lead to ice dams, which force water under shingles and into your home.

Before the first freeze:

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
• Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation
• Check for sagging or loose sections
  
  

Keeping water flowing freely helps protect your roof, siding, and foundation.

3. Check Your Roof and Attic

Your roof takes the brunt of winter weather.

Look for:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Loose flashing around chimneys and vents
• Signs of leaks or moisture in the attic

Also, make sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. Poor insulation can cause heat loss, leading to ice dams and higher energy bills.

4. Service Your Heating System

A failing furnace in January is no one’s idea of a good time.

Winter heating prep includes:

• Scheduling a professional furnace or boiler inspection
• Replacing air filters (every 1–3 months)
• Making sure vents and returns aren’t blocked

Regular maintenance improves efficiency, lowers energy costs, and reduces the risk of breakdowns during cold snaps.

5. Seal Drafts and Improve Efficiency

Drafty homes are uncomfortable and expensive to heat.

Simple fixes:

• Add weatherstripping to doors and windows
• Seal gaps with caulk or foam
• Install door sweeps
• Use heavy curtains or window insulation film

These small upgrades can make a noticeable difference in comfort and heating bills.

6. Prepare for Snow and Ice

Being ready before the first storm hits saves stress later.

Winter readiness tips:

• Have snow shovels and ice melt on hand
• Service snow blowers early in the season
• Trim tree branches near your roof, driveway, or power lines
• Keep walkways well-lit and clear to prevent slips

Use ice melt products that are safe for pets and concrete when possible.

7. Test Safety Devices

Winter means more time indoors and heavier use of heating equipment—making safety checks critical.

Test and replace batteries in:

• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide is odorless and dangerous, and winter is peak season for related incidents.

8. Reverse Ceiling Fans

It’s a small step many homeowners forget.

Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed in winter. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling, helping rooms feel warmer without turning up the thermostat.

Final Thoughts

Winter maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your home. A few hours of preparation can prevent major repairs, improve energy efficiency, and give you peace of mind during the coldest months of the year.

If you’re unsure about any task—or notice potential issues—it’s always wise to call a professional before small problems become big ones.

Your home works hard all winter. A little care goes a long way.

Call us for more tips OR to buy a home you can perform winter maintenance on! We're here to help!
Robin Bott
Verity Group Director of Ops