When you own a home, winter isn’t a surprise—it’s coming. Preparing now will save you money later. Let’s go through what you need to check so you’re ready.
Heating and vents
Check your heating system. Have the furnace or boiler looked at if it hasn’t been in the last year. Dirty filters make it work harder.
Make sure vents and exhausts are clear of debris or snow. A blocked vent is a safety hazard.
Reverse ceiling fans (so they turn clockwise) to push warm air down.
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Cold weather means closed houses, more risk.
Heat Pump and Mini-Splits
If you heat your home with a heat pump or mini split, it’s worth giving it some attention before winter.
Clean or replace the filters—dust buildup cuts efficiency fast.
Check that the outdoor unit is clear of leaves, snow, and debris, and that air can flow freely around it.
Wipe down the indoor heads and make sure nothing is blocking the vents.
It’s also smart to have a technician service the system once a year to check refrigerant levels and electrical components. A bit of maintenance now helps your unit run quietly, heat evenly, and use less power when you need it most.
Windows, doors and insulation
Look for drafts around windows and doors. Replace weather-stripping or apply new caulk.
Check attic insulation or walls if you can access them. Heat escapes through poorly insulated spots.
Install foam outlet covers or other minor fixes where cold air leaks in. Every bit helps.
Plumbing and pipes
Remove garden hoses and shut off exterior water taps. If you don’t, frozen pipes may burst.
Insulate any exposed pipes (garage walls, attic, crawl spaces). Frozen water equals big damage.
If you have a sprinkler system or underground irrigation, have it “blown out” or drained.
Roof, gutters and exterior
Clean your gutters. Leaves and debris block flow; when snow melts, water has to go somewhere.
Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles, broken flashing or signs of weak spots. Winter weather adds weight and moisture.
Trim tree branches that hang over the roof or near power lines. Heavy snow or ice on dead limbs can cause a collapse.
Exterior walkways, safety and equipment
Make sure the paths, driveways and steps are in good shape. Cracks expand in the freeze-thaw cycle.
Have snow removal gear ready: shovel, ice-melt, good boots. Once snow falls, things get harder.
Clear any exterior vents, roof valleys or intakes of debris. These can trap ice or create blockages.
Emergency prep and comfort
Keep a stock of basic supplies: flashlight and fresh batteries, blankets, maybe a secondary heat source if your area is prone to outages.
If you’re going away for a period, set your thermostat so your home stays warm enough to prevent freezing, but don’t leave it fully heated. This protects your home without high cost.
Putting in a bit of work now helps you avoid stress later. You don’t need to do everything in one day. Pick out a couple of tasks this week, a few next week, and you’ll feel good about cross-checking the big systems. If you spot something you can’t handle, call a pro.
