Protecting and preparing your home for the Winter season is something you can start doing today! The changing of the seasons is the perfect time to follow our seasonal home maintenance suggestions. Getting ahead of the seasonal maintenance leaves plenty of time to cozy up, enjoy your home, and entertain friends and family during the winter months, eliminating unexpected potential issues.
Exterior
- Wash your garbage cans
- Cut back shrubbery, garden beds and low hanging branches
- Rake and dispose of leaves
- Clean the gutters and ensure down spouts are draining
- Check roof and flashing to avoid leaks and ice damming
- Drain hoses and turn off any outdoor faucets
- Store all patio furniture and outdoor toys in a shed or garage
- Add slip-proof strips to outdoor steps
- Clean your grill and cover it tightly for the Winter
- Replace bulbs in exterior light fixtures
- Check basement for any “daylight” and pest entry points
- Inspect driveway for cracks, fill as necessary
- Arrange for snow removal – enlist a neighbor or plow person early in the season
- Stock up on or replace winter supplies, like shovels, salt or sand, and car ice scrapers
Interior
- Check thermostat batteries
- Wipe down ceiling fan blades
- Reverse ceiling fans to spin in a clockwise direction
- Vacuum under the bed and behind the headboard
- Clean light fixtures and replace light bulbs
- Store or donate summer clothes and shoes
- Wipe down computers, keyboards, remotes and mouses
- Throw away expired medications
- Vacuum inside bathroom fans and vents
- Check faucets for signs of leaks/dripping
- Clean drains in showers, sinks and bathtubs
- Caulk or regrout tile
- Clean the garbage disposal with frozen lemon slices and vinegar
- Wash all extra blankets and pillows
- Test and replace the batteries in your smoke detector
- Check your carbon dioxide monitors
- Service HVAC – clean furnace/boiler and change filters
- If applicable, check oil tank for leaks
- Cover AC units (remove if window units)
- Stock up on emergency supplies, extra batteries, and non-perishable food
- Have your chimney inspected and swept
