Although it is only September, Fall is upon us and inevitably Winter will arrive before we are ready for it. I don’t know about you, but I’m a nut about lists and reminders. Here is a Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for those of us that live in cold climates. Print it out, add and delete specific items to personalize the list to your home. Look for a post next week: Maintenance Checklist for Energy Savings.
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
- Roof: Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks. Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing. Repair as necessary.
- Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation. Check for missing and damaged insulation.
- Garage Door – Lubricate hardware. Inspect mechanism for free travel.
- Foundation Vents – Close foundation vents if temperatures drop into the 20’s or lower. Use foam blocks for extra protection.
- Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won’t clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. Look for signs of damage
- Exterior Faucets: Disconnect and drain hoses.
- Sprinkler System: Shut off in-ground sprinklers and have the system blown out to purge system of water.
- Fireplace: Clean fireplace of ashes. Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure damper closes tightly.
- Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
- Plumbing: Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing. To safely thaw frozen pipes use a hair dryer, heat lamp or electric heater. Do not use an open flame or electric arc welder. If pipes are broken or split, shut off the water and the water main, the water heater and water heater circuit breaker.
- Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
- Air Conditioner: Remove and winterize window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
- Interior Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathrooms. Replace washers as necessary. Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.
- Windows and Doors: Inspect all windows for tight seals and air leakage; caulk or apply weather stripping if necessary. Inspect all doors for tight seals and air leakage; apply weather stripping or door guards if necessary.
- Storm Windows and Screens: Take down screens (if removable type) and replace with storm windows. Check and patch all door and window screens.
- Siding and Paint: During cold temperatures and heavy snow, check for ice damning against siding at roof lines. Remove excessive build up to prevent melting moisture from wicking into the house. Check for proper drainage away from house. Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Seal any cracks or gaps. Replace caulk if necessary.
- Basement: Check basement walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.
- Heating System: Have heating system serviced. Change filters.
- Clean ceiling fan blades and reverse the air flow direction.
- Test and start humidifier.
- Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets
- Do not use chemical ice melts on new concrete/pavement/asphalt for at least one year. Sand is a great substitute.
- Store emergency sand, ice scraper and a shovel in each vehicle.
- Stock up on canned food, bottled water, and candles for emergencies.
- When going on vacation or leaving the house vacant, shut off the water and turn the hot water heater to vacation mode.
