Winter Home Maintenance Checklist: Essential Home Winter Preparation Tips

As the days get shorter, temperatures drop, and we’re flooded with everything pumpkin, it’s time to turn your attention to home winter preparation. Taking the time to winterize your dwelling not only keeps you warm and comfortable but also helps lower energy bills, prevents costly damage, and ensures your property remains in top condition. Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, these home winter preparation tips can save you a lot of trouble later.

At Lindstrom Restoration, we often respond to situations where a little proactive maintenance would have prevented a water or fire loss. No one is immune—not even Lindstrom employees who should know better. Our soon-to-retire Larry Borgen, who has over 30 years of experience in the business, neglected to inspect his refrigerator’s copper water supply line for signs of being pinched. When his wife pulled the refrigerator out to clean, the line (it was only 3 years old!) cracked and spewed water into the basement. “I relied on the fact that it was new, my wife doesn’t clean back there often, and I thought everything was in working order.”

The result? A $35,000 loss. Lesson learned: assume nothing. Here are some things you can do to minimize losses this winter.

1. Inspect and Maintain Heating Systems

• Have Your Furnace or Boiler Serviced. Before winter hits, schedule a professional inspection of your heating system. This includes cleaning, checking for leaks, replacing filters, and ensuring your thermostat is functioning properly.
• Replace Furnace Filters Regularly. Clogged filters reduce airflow, making your system work harder and less efficiently. Change them monthly during the winter season.
• Consider a Programmable Thermostat. A smart thermostat can help regulate temperature efficiently, saving you money on heating bills. You can also monitor and change the temperature of your house remotely when on vacation. If your heat fails while you are away, you are alerted and can take remedial action. 
• Check Your Fireplaces. Gas and wood-burning fireplaces should be inspected and serviced annually. For wood fireplaces, chimneys should be swept to prevent creosote buildup and potential chimney fires. 

2. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation

• Check for Air Leaks. Inspect windows, doors, and pay close attention to pipes or wires that enter your home. Use weather stripping, caulk, or spray foam to seal leaks.
• Insulate Attic and Basement Spaces. Heat rises, so a poorly insulated attic can be a major source of heat loss. Add or upgrade insulation in the attic and basement to maintain warmth.
• Install Storm Windows and Doors. If you live in an area with harsh winters, storm windows and doors can offer an extra layer of protection against cold air

3. Protect Your Plumbing

• Insulate Pipes. Pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages should be wrapped with foam insulation to prevent freezing.
• Know How to Shut Off Water. In case a pipe bursts, knowing where the main water shutoff valve is located can prevent major water damage.
• Shut Outside Water Off. Your valves leading to outside water should be shut off before freezing temperatures.
• Blow Out Sprinkler Systems. If you have a yard sprinkler system, the lines should be blown out by a professional to prevent freezing.  
• Take Precautions When Out of Town. Keep the temperature at least 55°F when leaving home. Open cupboards to plumbing systems. A slow drip from faucets can prevent pipes from freezing by keeping water moving. Shut the main water valve off and open up faucets. 
• Check Water Supply Lines and Valves. It’s always a good idea to check your water supply lines and valves for signs of wear at least twice a year.  If you have an older plastic supply line, consider replacing it proactively.  They become brittle and are subject to leaking. Don’t assume (like Larry did) that new parts and systems are not subject to failure. 
• Inspect Your Water Heater. Fall is a good time to inspect your water heater.  Consider replacing water heaters that are at least 10 years old. It is a good idea to flush the contents annually to lengthen the water heater’s lifespan. 

4. Prepare the Exterior of Your Home

• Clean Gutters and Downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which cause water to back up under your roof. Remove leaves and debris before the first snowfall.
• Inspect the Roof. Check for missing shingles or damaged flashing. Repair any issues to prevent leaks during snow or rainstorms. Recaulk any areas that need attention
• Inspect and Caulk Exterior Windows and Doors As Needed.  Caulk eventually wears out and needs to be reapplied.
• Trim Trees and Branches Near Your Home. Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, causing them to break and potentially damage your home.
• Blow Out Outside Vents. Vents can get clogged with leaves and debris from the summer.  It’s a good idea to blow out the vents before winter to ensure good air flow.

5. Check Safety Devices

• Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. With windows closed and heating systems running, it’s crucial to ensure detectors are working properly. Replace batteries at least annually and test devices monthly.
• Have a Fire Extinguisher on Hand.  Make sure it’s fully charged and easily accessible in case of emergency. Review the procedure for operating it. When an extinguisher needs to be used, seconds count. That’s not the time for a learning curve. 

6. Prepare for Snow and Ice

• Stock Up on Supplies. Have rock salt, sand, or ice melt ready for driveways and walkways. Check that your snow shovel or snow blower is in working condition.
• Remedy Ice Dam Risk. Heat loss from the roof is usually the root cause behind most ice dam buildups. Heat is escaping the roof area, leading to freezing and refreezing. Adding ventilation and air movement can keep the area just under your roof cold, which prevents snow from melting. If cost is a factor, you can install heat cables. These can help reduce heavy snow and ice build-up. However, heat cables are a band-aid solution. A roof rake or snow removal system https://avalanche-snow.ca/ is effective in preventing ice dams, but can be labor-intensive. 
• Clear Snow Close to Buildings. Deep snow can build up close to buildings, resulting in a lot of melting water close to the foundation.  By clearing the snow away from buildings, you can mitigate melting water from going into the foundation. 
• Landscape Properly to Move Melting Water Away From Buildings.  Don’t wait for the ground to freeze.  Fall is a good time to make sure water is moving away from your foundation and not toward it.  Landscaping the area properly can assist in redirecting water. 
• Install Better Outdoor Lighting. Good lighting improves safety when it’s dark earlier and the surfaces are icy.
• Watch Icy Sidewalks and Driveways.  We’ve all encountered what we think is simply a wet sidewalk and driveway, only to find out they are very slippery glare ice. Don’t step before you test the surface.  

7. Protect Property and Plants from Winter Damage

• Store Lawn Equipment and Furniture. Clean and cover or store outdoor furniture and gardening tools to protect them from weather damage. Ensure that fountains are drained and either covered or put in the garage.  Move hoses to a protected area to protect them from the elements.
• Cover or Bring in Plants. Move potted plants indoors and cover vulnerable garden beds, bushes or small trees with mulch or protective fabric like burlap.
• Water Bushes and Trees for the Winter. Before it freezes, make sure trees and bushes are well hydrated, especially if it has been dry for a while. 

Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies.  Many tasks can be completed in a weekend with minimal tools and effort. By tackling these preparations now, you can enjoy a warm, safe, and stress-free winter. Think of it as an investment—not only in comfort but also in the long-term health of your home.