This morning, we were surprised to find seven inches of fresh snow. It’s too early for all of this, and my heart rate is still slowing from scrambling to find matching hats, snow pants, and gloves for each of my kids before I send them off to school. As much as I’d like to deny it, winter is on its way.
Here’s a checklist of fall and winter home maintenance tasks to prepare your home (and your family) for the colder temperatures ahead.
Outdoor:
Scrape off peeling paint and apply touch-up paint to siding, trim, and fences.
Check the condition of your deck and apply a waterproofing sealant if necessary.
Check the weather stripping on the doors. Repair.
Check the caulking on the windows. Repair.
Clean and put away patio furniture.
Clean and store bikes, trikes, and outdoor toys.
Wash all windows, inside and out.
Remove, clean and store summer screens.
Install shutters and doors.
Check the roof for damaged or missing shingles or flashing problems. Repair.
Clean gutters and inspect downspouts.
Check sidewalks and driveways for cracks or other damage. Repair.
Locate your snow removal tools: snow shovels, plows, and snowblowers. Make sure they’re ready to go.
Lawn and Garden:
Blow out sprinkler systems and winterize or insulate outside faucets and water lines.
Drain and store garden hoses.
Fertilize and reseed your lawn.
Plum trees and bushes.
Remove annuals.
Cut back perennials.
Rake the leaves.
Indoors:
Schedule a cleaning and inspection of your heating system.
Inspect your fireplace and chimney. Call a professional chimney sweep if necessary.
Perform seasonal maintenance on your water heater.
Schedule a professional carpet cleaning.
Clean and inspect dryer hoses and exterior dryer vents.
Change your furnace filter and plan to change your filter every month during the winter. Monthly filter changes can really help reduce energy costs.
Check your air ducts. Call a duct cleaning service if it has been a few years since your ducts have been professionally cleaned. If you’ve been changing your furnace filter frequently and your vents have recently been cleaned, simply remove the register covers and vacuum the inside.
Change to warmer bedding. Substitute cotton sheets for flannels. Add warmer layers to beds.
Make sure your family members are equipped with everything they need for the cold winter months: gloves, hats, boots, snow pants, warm socks, and coats.
Check the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors.
Check your fire extinguishers.
Talk about family safety plans and escape routes. Check your “meeting place” in case of a home fire to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go.
Inspect your attic to make sure it’s getting fresh air and there’s no evidence of condensation.
Check attic fans.
Prepare your home for a power outage. Check the batteries in your flashlights and make sure they are easily accessible. Also, make sure you have a supply of non-perishable food, a manual can opener, and a traditional corded or cell phone available.
Automotive:
Make sure your tires are suitable for the winter weather in your area.
Check your car battery.
Check antifreeze levels.
Make sure you have extra windshield washer fluid in your car, as well as a brush and ice scraper, a blanket, jumper cables, and a first aid kit. If you live in an area where you expect extreme winter conditions, you’ll also want to have a tow rope, shovel, and a bag of sand or kitty litter to help your tires gain traction on icy roads.