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Preparing Your Home For Winter - Free Checklist!

by Andrea Vaccarelli

As the seasons shift, it's the perfect time to get your home ready for falling leaves, cooler temperatures, and the winter months ahead. Taking care of a few key maintenance tasks this fall can help prevent problems later, allowing you to enjoy autumn without worry. Many of these tasks are simple enough for most homeowners to handle, but if you'd prefer to hire a professional, it’s a worthwhile investment. Addressing these now can save you from expensive and potentially hazardous repairs down the line. Check out our fall home maintenance checklist for essential tips on cleaning gutters, roofs, fireplaces, and more.

Clean Your Gutters.
Your roof’s drainage system directs thousands of gallons of water away from your home’s exterior and foundation each year, making it crucial to keep it functioning properly. Clogged gutters can result in water damage to your exterior surfaces and even lead to basement flooding. They’re also more likely to rust and corrode when debris builds up. Before fall leaves start piling up, clean out your gutters and consider installing mesh gutter guards to prevent future clogs.

Seal Up Air Leaks.
A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like wearing a coat without buttoning it. Gaps in caulk and weatherstripping let cold air seep into your warm home, which can increase your heating bills. In fact, sealing a drafty home can reduce energy costs by up to 20%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Weatherstripping is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heating and cooling expenses. It also helps eliminate drafts, keeping your home comfortable year-round. Since weatherstripping can wear out over time, it's important to inspect it regularly. To test for leaks, close a door or window on a strip of paper—if the paper slides out easily, the weatherstripping isn’t sealing properly. You can also hold a lit candle near the frame (being careful not to bring it too close to flammable materials). If the flame flickers, there's an air leak.

Beyond weatherstripping, check for any damaged or missing caulk around windows, doors, and areas where electrical, cable, phone, or gas lines enter your home. Use the appropriate caulk to seal these gaps. If drafts around windows persist, you may need to consider replacing them. Double- or triple-pane glass with spacers or insulating gases like argon or krypton can solve these issues. A professional can help install energy-efficient windows, improving your home’s comfort while lowering your heating bills.

Inspect Your Roof.
A leaky roof can be one of the most frustrating problems for homeowners, and finding the source can take time. Get ahead of potential issues this fall before ice and winter winds turn minor leaks into major disasters.

Begin by carefully inspecting your roof, using binoculars if needed. Examine ridge shingles for cracks or wind damage. Check the metal flashing in valleys and around vents or chimneys for any signs of damage. Look for missing, curled, or damaged shingles across the entire roof. Check your gutters for an accumulation of granules, which could indicate your roof is losing its protective coating and may be at risk for bigger issues. Lastly, ensure your gutters are clear and working properly.

Editor’s Tip: If you have a roof-mounted TV antenna, even if it's not in use, check the guy wires that may be securing it. If any wires are loose or missing and the antenna is obsolete, consider removing it to prevent future roof damage.

Protect Faucets from Freezing Temperatures.
If you live in an area with freezing weather, it's important to safeguard outdoor faucets (also known as sill cocks) and in-ground irrigation systems to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Start by closing the shut-off valves that serve outside faucets, then open the faucet to drain any remaining water (some faucets have a small cap you can loosen to aid in draining). If you don’t have shut-off valves or freeze-proof faucets, consider using styrofoam faucet covers, which are readily available at most home improvement stores.

To protect an in-ground irrigation system from freezing, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for draining and winterizing the system to avoid damage.

Freshen Your Furnace Filter.
Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise circulate through your home, helping to maintain air quality and comfort. However, clogged filters make it harder for your system to regulate temperature efficiently, which can drive up your energy bills. A simple monthly cleaning keeps filters clear of debris.

For disposable filters, vacuum them once before replacing. Foam filters can also be vacuumed, but they only need replacement if damaged. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment for best results. If your filter is metal or electrostatic, remove it and clean it with a strong spray of water.

Give Your Furnace a Checkup.
Having your heating system inspected by a professional once a year is a smart way to ensure it’s running efficiently and safely. To avoid the rush, try to schedule this in early fall before the heating season kicks in. However, if you notice any of the following signs, it may be time for a checkup sooner:

Noisy belts: Screeches or whines might indicate that the blower motor belts are worn or damaged and need replacement.
Poor performance: If your system isn’t heating as well as it used to, there could be several issues, such as blocked ducts, misadjusted burners, or a failing blower motor. Start by checking if the furnace filter is clean.
Erratic behavior: Sudden changes in temperature or on-and-off cycling may be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat or an improperly adjusted furnace.

Getting your furnace professionally inspected can help you catch these issues early and ensure your system runs smoothly all season.

Ready Your Fireplace.
Even if you only use your fireplace occasionally, an annual inspection is essential to ensure safety. Start by checking the flue for creosote buildup—a flammable substance produced when wood burns. Excessive creosote in the chimney can lead to dangerous fires, so it’s crucial to have your chimney inspected yearly. If you use your fireplace or wood stove frequently, consider an inspection after burning each cord of wood.

The safest approach is to have your entire chimney system inspected by a professional chimney sweep. If you’re inspecting it yourself, use a bright flashlight to check for creosote deposits in the flue—if they’re approaching 1/8 inch thick, it’s time for a professional cleaning.

In addition to creosote, check for any damage or blockages in the chimney. Ensure the flue cap (the screen or baffle covering the chimney’s top) is intact, as this helps prevent birds from nesting inside. If you don't have a cap, inspect the flue for obstructions. Examine brick chimneys for loose or broken joints, using binoculars if needed. Inside, test the damper (the metal plate that controls airflow in the flue) by moving it between the open and closed positions to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Regular inspections and maintenance will help keep your fireplace safe and ready for cozy fires all season long.

Keep the Humidifier Humming.
Dry winter air can be harsh on your skin and respiratory system, and it can also cause fine wood in your home to crack. To keep both you and your home more comfortable, it’s important to maintain your central humidifier during the months it's in use. Start by inspecting the plates or pads, which can accumulate mineral deposits over time. Clean them by soaking in a solution of strong laundry detergent, then rinse thoroughly. Use a wire brush or steel wool to scrape off any remaining mineral buildup. Regular cleaning will keep your humidifier working efficiently and ensure proper moisture levels throughout your home.

Ward Off Gas Problems.
Maintaining your gas heater is essential for both safety and efficiency. An improperly serviced heater can release toxic gases into your home or simply cost more to operate. It’s important to have a professional inspect your heater annually. In addition to this, there are a few tasks you can do yourself.

Start by turning off the heater, then inspect the air-shutter openings and exhaust vents for dirt and dust. If they’re dirty, vacuum the air passages leading to the burner and clean any lint or debris from the burner itself. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for any additional maintenance. Regular upkeep will ensure your heater operates safely and efficiently throughout the season.

Keep Wood Fires Burning Brightly.
Wood-burning stoves create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, but regular inspections are essential to ensure they remain safe to use. Here’s how to check your stove for potential hazards:

Inspect the stovepipes: Cracks or damage in the stovepipes can allow toxic fumes to enter your home. Throughout the heating season, check for corrosion, holes, or loose joints. Clean the stovepipe and look for signs of wear. Replace the stovepipe if you find any significant damage.
Look for corrosion and cracks: Check the stove’s body and legs for rust, cracks, or any signs of wear and tear that could affect its safety or performance.
Check safety features: Ensure that any necessary wall protection is installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and that the stove is placed on an approved floor material. If you have young children, consider installing a safety fence around the stove when it’s in use to prevent accidents.

Routine maintenance and inspections will keep your wood-burning stove functioning safely and efficiently, ensuring a cozy, worry-free winter.

Repair Walkways.
Damaged walkways, driveways, and steps pose a safety risk year-round, but the danger increases significantly when ice and snow arrive. Addressing these issues in the fall helps prevent minor cracks from turning into costly problems down the line. Look for cracks wider than 1/8-inch, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps. Check for signs of asphalt disintegration or washed-out materials on gravel or loose-fill paths. Many small repairs can be handled by a DIYer, but leave larger, more complex repairs to professionals to ensure long-lasting results. Taking care of these now will help keep your walkways safe and functional throughout the season.

Review Safety Features.
At least once a year, conduct a thorough review of your home’s safety features. This is also an excellent opportunity to gather the family and go over your fire evacuation plan. Here’s a checklist to complete your home safety review:

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace the batteries in each detector, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment to remove dust. Test each detector by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (such as a blown-out candle) near the unit. If you haven’t already, install a smoke detector on every floor, including the basement.
Fire extinguishers: Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for all types of fires (look for an A-B-C rating on the label). Ideally, place one near the kitchen and consider having one on each floor. Annually check the pressure gauge to ensure the extinguisher is charged, and make sure the lock pin is intact. Clean the extinguisher and inspect it for dents, scratches, or corrosion. Replace it if the damage is severe. Note: Fire extinguishers over six years old should be replaced. Mark the purchase date on the new unit with a permanent marker.
Fire escape plans: Ensure every bedroom, including basement rooms, has two exit routes. Keep windows unblocked by furniture or other objects. For upper-floor bedrooms, consider keeping a rope ladder nearby for emergency exits. Review your escape plan and establish a safe meeting spot away from the house where everyone can gather after evacuating.
General cleanup: Clear out old newspapers and dispose of any hazardous household chemicals properly. (Check with your local Environmental Protection Agency for safe disposal methods.) Store flammable materials and poisons in approved, clearly labeled containers, and ensure there’s plenty of space around heaters, furnaces, and other heat-producing appliances.

Regular safety reviews and preparation can help protect your home and family in case of an emergency.

References:

https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/your-homes-fall-checklist/

Preparing Your Home For Winter - Free Checklist!

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