As the temperatures drop and cold weather settles into Ithaca, it’s the perfect time to tackle a practical and protective winter home maintenance checklist. Winter is more than a seasonal shift—it’s the window of opportunity to get your house in good shape before winter storms, rising heating bills, and cold air become daily realities.
Thoughtful home maintenance not only keeps your family safe, but it can also save money by preventing further damage during winter weather.
Interior Winter Home Maintenance
HVAC System – Preparing Your Heating System for Cooler Temperatures
Inspecting your HVAC system is essential. Clean filters help your heating system work efficiently and reduce energy loss throughout the heating ducts, which can have a big impact as cooler temperatures settle in. Do these:
- Inspect your furnace filters and change as needed.
- Adjust dampers as needed throughout the house and basement to balance air flow and heat distribution.
- Clean away leaves and debris from outside units to keep your HVAC systems running smoothly.
- If you have hot-water baseboard heat, make sure the adjustable slant fin along the upper part of each heater is adjusted to the open position and vacuum out and dust, and debris so air can flow freely through all the aluminum fins to improve efficiency.
- Make sure air returns are fully open and not blocked by furniture.
- Consider having your system and equipment checked and serviced by an HVAC professional to make sure it’s ready for colder temperatures. A technician can identify air leaks, check gas lines, and ensure everything is working properly.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
This is optimal for family safety from common home activities that could lead to fire accidents.
- Test smoke alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your house.
- Replace batteries or entire units if needed. (According to the National Fire Protection Association, detectors should be replaced every 10 years, and batteries should be tested at least twice a year.)
Fireplaces & Chimneys
If you enjoy a fireplace during the fall and winter, this is a must:
- Check your fireplace and chimney to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Consider having these checked by a professional if it’s been a while since your last inspection. Too much accumulation of creosote in the flue or chimney can result in a fire. A professional chimney sweep can remove creosote and other debris that may lead to blockages or fire hazards.
Fire Extinguishers
Every home should have at least one A-B-C rated fire extinguisher. This type covers most common fires.
- Consider having these checked by a professional if it’s been a while since your last inspection. Too much accumulation of creosote in the flue or chimney can result in a fire. A professional chimney sweep can remove creosote and other debris that may lead to blockages or fire hazards.
- Keep one near the kitchen and, ideally, one on each floor of your home.
- If you have one or more, make sure they are not expired and replace them, if needed.
- Make sure all household members know where they are and know how to use them.
Clean Carpets
Clean carpets improve indoor air quality, remove allergens like dust and pet dander, and prevent respiratory problems like asthma once windows are closed and cold weather keeps people indoors.
- Clean your carpet regularly to remove dirt and debris that can cause wear and tear on the fibers. This helps maintain the carpet’s warranty and results in a cleaner, fresher, and more pleasing appearance.
Declutter Before Winter
Starting the winter with clear spaces feels refreshing and sets your house up for a smoother season ahead.
- Consider decluttering your home. A good rule of thumb is if you don’t need, love, or use something, get rid of it.
- Donations are welcome this time of year, and the local Goodwill will gladly take whatever you’re willing to donate.
Exterior Winter Home Maintenance
Storm Windows, Screens, and Storm Doors: Prevent Drafts and Air Leaks Before Winter
As temperatures drop, checking all windows and doors is essential to keep your home energy-efficient and comfortable.
- Change out screens for glass panels in storm doors and windows (if you have old-style windows with replaceable screens and storm panels).
- If you have triple-track storm windows, make sure they are closed tightly, and there are no broken glass panels.
- If screens need repair, now is a good time to do that so you’re prepared for spring. The local hardware store or glass shop can handle the task.
Tip: You may need to adjust the speed at which your storm doors close once the glass panel is installed. Typical door closers have an adjustment screw located on the end of the closer to adjust the speed.
Taking these steps helps maintain a warmer home and prevents cold air from infiltrating your house during winter weather.
Windows
- Make sure all windows are closed and locked. This keeps them properly sealed, reducing drafts and keeping them square.
- If windows are not functioning properly, or the glass is “cloudy,” they may not be as energy-efficient as they once were, and it may be time to consider replacement.
Exterior Doors
Exterior doors should close properly, lock securely, and have functional thresholds.
- Check all exterior doors to make sure they close, seal, and lock properly.
- If you have an adjustable threshold, make sure it’s adjusted so it seals the bottom of the door yet does not bind so much to make the door difficult to close.
Hose Bib/Spigots
Checking exterior pipes for leaks or damage and insulating exposed lines helps you avoid costly repairs during winter storms.
- Remove garden hoses from spigots or hose bibs and all outdoor faucets and drain them completely to prevent freezing. Even the frost-free hose bibs can freeze if the hose is still connected.
- If you don’t have frost-free hose bibs, you may need to drain the water line for the winter season to be safe.
Driveways
- Seal asphalt driveways every 2–3 years to prevent cracking and deterioration in cold weather, especially here in the Northeast.
Septic Systems
If you’re on a private septic system, now is a good time to have the tank pumped and inspected.
- Inspect walkways, steps, and patios for uneven surfaces or cracks to reduce the risk of slips and falls once snow or ice appears.
- Septic tanks should be pumped every 2-5 years to help prevent septic system problems, though a precise schedule depends on the tank size, household size, and water usage.
Regular maintenance helps prevent further damage and keeps the system functioning efficiently throughout the heating season.
Lawn & Landscape: Seasonal Winter Maintenance
Preparing your yard for cold weather not only protects your home but also makes winter maintenance easier. Here are things to do:
- Rake wrinkled or fallen leaves, trim shrubs, and clean out flower beds to protect your landscaping during winter storms.
- Fertilizing your lawn, trees, and shrubs before the first freeze nourishes them for the season ahead.
- Professional lawncare services can make quick work of these projects, freeing up your valuable time for other things, like spending time with family and friends, and watching football.
Landscape Mulch
Mulch looks nice, but make sure it is not up against any wood elements of your home where it can promote decay.
- You should maintain 6”- 10” of space from any untreated wood down to the finished grade, this includes to the top of any mulch.
Gutters and Downspouts
Proper cleaning of gutters is essential to prevent clogged gutters and ice dams from forming as fall transitions to winter.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are cleared of leaves and debris so they drain properly. This may need to be done in the late spring/early summer, also, depending on the type of trees around your home.
Walkways and Steps
- Inspect walks and steps for cracks and/or unevenness; repair to help prevent slips and falls from snowy and icy conditions.
Overall Exterior Inspection
Now is the time to look over your home’s entire exterior.
- Check the foundation, siding, trim, paint, roofing, gutters, decks, porches, etc., for issues that need to be addressed immediately, or scheduled to be addressed next year.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Winter Maintenance and Enjoy a Worry-Free Winter
Completing all the tasks on this winter home maintenance checklist ensures your house is safe, comfortable, and ready for the cold weather ahead. From inspecting smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to checking windows, doors, and gutters, these simple steps protect your home, your family, and your investment.
If you want a thorough, professional review of your home before winter, the team at Upscale Remodeling brings years of experience and attention to detail to every project. Whether it’s helping you tick off drawn-up winter maintenance tasks, make repairs, or seasonal upgrades, we help homeowners in Ithaca keep their homes in good shape all year long.
Reach out today to ensure your home is ready for the season.
