Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Click on the image to the right to download a free, printable Winter Home Maintenance Checklist.

1. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

Did you know that a simple 1/8th inch gap running the length of your door can equal the same surface area as a brick missing from the exterior of your house? Most drafts around doors and windows can be easily fixed by installing weatherstripping or caulking around windows.

2. Insulate Plumbing and Pipes

A few minutes of prevention at the onset of winter can save you hundreds of dollars on costly damage and repairs to pipes and plumbing. Insulate pipes or use heat tape or a thermostatically controlled heat cable to prevention pipe bursts. Jump into action now, and prevent major issues in the future.

3. Replace summer screens with winter storm doors and windows

Replacing screens with storm doors will keep the rain and cold out and make the inside of your home nice and cozy.

4. Secure dryer vents and air intakes

While it is a good idea for any air intake to be covered with a wire or mesh prevention barrier year round, animals may take advantage of any openings more aggressively once winter sets in.

5. Clear Debris from Gutter Downspouts

Precipitation in a short amount of time from winter storms means excess runoff and potential flooding. Gutters and downspouts are the first line of defense in keeping the inside of your home dry. Make sure the downspouts are free of debris and that water is directed away from your home's foundation. If water runs away from your foundation, odds are that the rest of your home's moisture defenses will do their job.

6. Replace Furnace Filters

Furnace filters keep excess dust and particles from circulating from your home and help your furnace operate more efficiently. Some furnaces have metal filters that can be cleaned by rinsing them or vacuuming them out, others are disposable and need to be thrown out and replaced.

7. Drain and store garden hoses and shut off exterior water spigots

Disconnecting and draining garden hoses and other exterior irrigation will greatly extend their life or prevent bursting.

8. Check attic for proper air ventilation and insulation

Have you ever checked to see if your attic is adequately insulated? If not, check out this article on how to determine how much insulation is necessary for your region.

9. Add more insulation

If you do not have enough insulation, adding more will go a long way to reduce your heating bill. Have plenty of insulation, but still want to save on your heating bill? Check our energy efficiency guide for more tips on saving on heating and utility bills.

10. Install a programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat is the number one recommendation in our Top Five Tips for making your home more energy-efficient. Discover the other four suggestions in these energy saving tips.

Read more about, seasonal home maintenance checklists and schedules.

Mr. Handyman can maintain your home to save you money. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs and request service now online.