Winter-Ready: Essential Home Prep and Annual Maintenance Tips
As the seasons shift and temperatures drop, it’s time to give your home the attention it deserves to prepare for winter weather. A little maintenance now can save you from costly repairs and ensure your family stays warm and comfortable during the colder months. Here’s your go-to checklist for winter prep and annual maintenance!
1. Protect Your Pipes
Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to major water damage.
Insulate pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, and garages.
Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Shut off outdoor faucets.
On freezing nights, let indoor faucets drip slightly to keep water flowing.
2. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can skyrocket your heating bill.
Check for gaps or cracks around frames and caulk where needed.
Install weather stripping to seal doors and windows.
Consider adding heavier curtains to block drafts.
3. Service Your Heating System
Make sure your heating system runs efficiently all winter.
Schedule an HVAC inspection to clean and tune up your furnace.
Replace air filters for better airflow and energy efficiency.
Test your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly.
4. Chimney and Fireplace Check
Nothing beats a cozy fire, but safety comes first!
Have your chimney cleaned and inspected for soot buildup.
Ensure your fireplace damper opens and closes properly.
Use dry, seasoned wood to minimize smoke and creosote buildup.
5. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Leaves and debris can clog your gutters, leading to ice dams and water damage.
Clear gutters and downspouts so water can drain properly.
Make sure water flows at least 5 feet away from your foundation.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With increased furnace use and cozy fires, safety is a top priority.
Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Test alarms to ensure they’re working properly.
7. Prep for Power Outages
Winter storms can sometimes leave you without power.
Stock up on flashlights, batteries, and blankets.
Keep a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water.
Consider a portable generator to power essentials.
8. Inspect Your Roof
Snow, ice, and rain can quickly worsen existing roof damage.
Check for loose or missing shingles and repair them before winter hits.
Ensure attic insulation is adequate to prevent heat loss and ice dams.
9. Trim Trees and Branches
Winter storms and high winds can cause branches to fall.
Trim overhanging branches near your home, power lines, and driveway.
Remove dead trees or limbs that pose a risk.
10. Prepare Your Plumbing for Vacation
If you’re leaving home for the holidays, don’t forget to prep!
Set your thermostat no lower than 55°F.
Shut off the water supply and drain pipes if you’ll be away for an extended period.
Taking a proactive approach to home maintenance ensures your house stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the cold season. From sealing windows to protecting pipes, these simple steps can prevent headaches and costly repairs down the road.
If you’re wondering whether your current home insurance covers winter-related damages like frozen pipes, falling branches, or unexpected breakdowns, now’s the perfect time to review your policy. WeadCo Insurance is here to ensure your home is protected for every season.
Stay warm, stay safe, and as always—reach out if we can help!
