Skip to content

Winter Maintenance⚓︎

Task Task Type Seasonality Location Dependencies Status Notes
Replace window screens with storm windows or remove screens if you don’t have storm windows Maintenance Regular Exterior N/A Not Started Doing this can help insulate your home during colder months.
Drain garden hoses and store them Maintenance Regular Exterior N/A Completed Store in a garage or covered area. Be sure to remove any attachments and drain water completely.
Get chimney cleaned if you rely on a fireplace or a woodstove for heat Maintenance Regular Exterior N/A Not Started This reduces the risk of a chimney fire.
Identify tree hazards that could pose a risk to your home or safety Inspection Regular Exterior Clean gutters and downspouts Completed Especially important before a heavy snowfall.
Make sure snow blower or plow truck is ready Maintenance Regular Exterior N/A Completed Check the equipment and buy necessary parts if needed.
Place a screen over intake vents to prevent rodents from discovering a warm place Maintenance Regular Exterior N/A Completed Particularly important in rural or semi-rural areas.
Clean gutters and downspouts Maintenance Regular Exterior Replace window screens with storm windows or remove screens if you don’t have storm windows Not Started Prevents ice dams and icicles from forming.
Clean debris from flat roofs or roof valleys Maintenance Regular Exterior Clean gutters and downspouts Not Started Prevents water pooling and ice dam formation.
Store patio furniture Maintenance Regular Exterior N/A Completed Store in a garage or garden shed to extend its life.
Reverse ceiling fans to force warm air down into the room Maintenance Regular Interior N/A Not Started Helps circulate warm air, making your heating system more efficient.
Inspect windows and doors for cracks or leaks Maintenance Regular Interior Inspect pipes on exterior walls for proper insulation Completed Replace weather stripping if needed to prevent drafts.
Install or increase attic insulation if concerned about heat loss through the roof Maintenance Regular Interior Inspect windows and doors for cracks or leaks Not Started Could potentially save on heating costs.
Inspect pipes on exterior walls for proper insulation Inspection Regular Interior N/A Not Started Helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Have furnace or heating system professionally inspected Maintenance Regular Interior N/A Completed Ensures your heating system is ready for the colder months.
Check batteries in smoke detectors and CO detectors Maintenance Regular Interior N/A Completed Ensures your safety devices are functioning properly.
Turn off water valves supplying hose spigots Maintenance Regular Interior Drain garden hoses and store them Completed Prevents pipes from freezing and bursting.
Pour water in sump pit to check sump pump Maintenance Regular Interior N/A Not Started Prevents flooding during heavy snow melts.
Remove and store window-mounted AC units Maintenance Regular Interior Inspect windows and doors for cracks or leaks Not Started Prevents damage from freezing temperatures.
If HVAC system has a humidifier, get it inspected and calibrated Maintenance Regular Interior Have furnace or heating system professionally inspected Not Started Proper calibration can improve comfort and save energy.
Monitor roof for ice dams or damage Maintenance Ongoing Exterior Clean gutters and downspouts Not Started Ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof and home.
Ensure roof can sustain snow weight or use a roof rake to remove snow loads Maintenance Ongoing Exterior Monitor roof for ice dams or damage Not Started Prevents roof damage or collapse.
Prevent large snowdrifts from piling up against the home Maintenance Ongoing Exterior N/A Not Started Piled snow can cause water damage as it melts.
Use sand or gravel on walkways for traction Maintenance Ongoing Exterior Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow between storms Not Started Safer and more eco-friendly than salt/ice melt.
Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow between storms Maintenance Ongoing Exterior Make sure snow blower or plow truck is ready Not Started Prevents buildup and icing.
Maintain snow removal equipment Maintenance Ongoing Exterior N/A Not Started Ensures your equipment is ready when you need it.
Monitor windows and doors for drafts Maintenance Ongoing Interior Replace HVAC air filter every three months Not Started Drafts can make your home feel colder and increase heating costs.
Keep all interior doors open during deep cold spells to encourage heat circulation Maintenance Ongoing Interior N/A Not Started Helps keep your whole home warm.
Replace HVAC air filter every three months Maintenance Ongoing Interior If HVAC system has a humidifier, get it inspected and calibrated Not Started Improves air quality and system efficiency.

References⚓︎

https://www.mrhandyman.com/tips-ideas/checklists-resources/winter-maintenance/