Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
When winter rolls into Central Ohio, it doesn’t just bring cozy nights and hot drinks—it also brings freezing temps, snow, ice, and a lot of extra stress on your home. A little winter maintenance now can prevent burst pipes, roof leaks, high energy bills, and surprise repair costs later.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a practical winter home maintenance checklist that keeps your home safer, warmer, and more comfortable all season long. Think of it like a friendly walkthrough with your inspector—simple steps, clear explanations, and real value you can use right away.
Get Your Home Ready Before Winter Really Hits
Before the harsh part of winter arrives, give your home a quick “outside-in” checkup.
Inspect your roof and gutters
Snow and ice buildup can turn small issues into big leaks:
Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
Clear leaves and debris from gutters so melting snow can drain properly.
Make sure downspouts extend several feet away from the foundation.
If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, this is a great time to schedule a professional inspection. (For a deeper look at what an inspection includes, see our post: What to Expect from a Standard Home Inspection – internal link.)
Image idea: A homeowner cleaning leaves out of a gutter in late fall.
Alt text: “Homeowner cleaning gutters to prepare house for winter.”
Seal gaps and cracks
Cold winter air sneaks in wherever it can:
Check around windows, doors, and utility penetrations for drafts.
Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps.
Consider adding a door sweep at exterior doors.
These simple fixes can noticeably improve comfort and reduce heating bills all winter long.
Protect Your Plumbing from Winter Freezes
Frozen pipes are one of the costliest winter problems—and they’re usually preventable.
Insulate vulnerable pipes
Focus on:
Pipes in unheated areas (crawlspaces, garages, basements near exterior walls).
Water lines near foundation vents or drafty rim joist areas.
Pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install. In very cold areas, heat tape (installed per manufacturer instructions) can add extra protection.
For more moisture-related tips, check out our article on Preventing Moisture and Mold in Your Home – internal link.
Know how to shut off your water
If a pipe bursts in the middle of winter, every second counts. Make sure you:
Know where the main water shutoff valve is.
Make sure it’s accessible (not buried behind storage).
Show other family members how to operate it.
Disconnect and drain exterior lines
Before winter temperatures drop below freezing:
Disconnect garden hoses.
Shut off and drain exterior spigots if they have interior shutoff valves.
Consider frost-free hose bibs for long-term protection.
Image idea: Insulated pipe sleeves on plumbing in a basement.
Alt text: “Water pipes insulated to prevent freezing in winter.”
Keep Your Heating System Winter-Ready
Your heating system works hardest in winter, so give it some attention before expecting it to carry the load.
Service your furnace or boiler
A professional tune-up can:
Improve efficiency (lowering your heating bills).
Catch issues like cracked heat exchangers or unsafe combustion.
Extend the life of the system.
If it’s been more than a year since your last service, schedule one before the coldest winter stretch hits.
Change your air filter
During winter, homes are closed up and air recirculates more often:
Replace disposable filters according to manufacturer guidelines (often every 1–3 months).
A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and less efficiently.
For more home-system basics, you might like our guide: New Homeowner HVAC Tips – internal link.
Consider a thermostat upgrade
A programmable or smart thermostat can help you:
Set different temperatures for day, night, and away schedules.
Avoid overheating the house when nobody’s home.
Save energy all winter without thinking about it.
For additional energy-saving ideas, the U.S. Department of Energy offers solid guidance on winter heating strategies at energy.gov.
Manage Moisture, Humidity, and Indoor Air Quality in Winter
In winter, we shut doors and windows to keep warm, but that also traps moisture and pollutants inside.
Control humidity
Aim for indoor humidity around 30–50% in winter.
Too high? You might see condensation on windows, musty smells, or mold growth.
Too low? You’ll notice static shocks, dry skin, and irritated sinuses.
A whole-house humidifier or portable units can help balance humidity, but they also need regular maintenance. (We cover this in more detail in our post: Humidifier Maintenance and Indoor Air Quality – internal link.)
Ventilate wisely
Use bathroom fans during and after showers to remove excess moisture.
Run the kitchen range hood while cooking (especially when boiling water).
Don’t vent dryers indoors—always vent outside.
If you’ve had persistent moisture or musty odors, winter is a good time to consider a professional mold or indoor air quality assessment.
Image idea: A window with light condensation on a cold winter morning.
Alt text: “Condensation on window from indoor humidity during winter.”
Fireplace, Chimney, and Carbon Monoxide Safety
When winter arrives, many homeowners turn to fireplaces and fuel-burning appliances for extra comfort—and that’s where safety really matters.
Fireplace and chimney checks
Before your first winter fire:
Have the chimney inspected and cleaned if it hasn’t been serviced recently.
Watch for creosote buildup, loose bricks, or damaged flue liners.
Use a proper fireplace screen to contain sparks.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends regular chimney inspections; you can learn more at nfpa.org.
Test smoke and CO alarms
Test all alarms monthly, especially in winter when heating systems are running.
Replace batteries at least once a year (many people choose the time change as a reminder).
Make sure you have a CO alarm on every level and near sleeping areas.
Fuel-burning appliances, attached garages, and fireplaces all increase carbon monoxide risk during winter months.
Winterize Doors, Windows, and Attic Insulation
Keeping warm air inside and cold winter air outside is one of the easiest ways to save money and stay comfortable.
Improve window and door performance
Add inexpensive weatherstripping where you feel drafts.
Use insulating window film or thermal curtains on particularly leaky windows.
Check that door thresholds and sweeps are in good shape.
These upgrades don’t just help in winter—they improve comfort year-round.
Check attic insulation and ventilation
Look for uneven or thin insulation, especially around eaves and attic access points.
Proper ventilation (soffit and ridge vents) helps reduce ice dams and moisture buildup.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, a professional inspection—often including thermal imaging—can quickly show where your winter heat is escaping.
Image idea: An attic with even, well-installed insulation.
Alt text: “Attic insulation helping home stay warm in winter.”
Outdoor Winter Safety: Walkways, Driveways, and Emergency Prep
Winter home maintenance isn’t only about what’s happening inside your walls.
Keep walkways and driveways safe
Clear snow promptly to reduce ice formation.
Use ice melt products that are appropriate for your concrete and landscaping.
Repair loose handrails or steps before winter storms arrive.
Build a basic winter emergency kit
Power outages and winter storms can happen quickly. Consider keeping:
Flashlights and extra batteries.
A portable phone charger or power bank.
Bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
Warm blankets and extra hats/gloves.
The American Red Cross has a helpful list of winter storm preparedness tips at redcross.org.
When to Call a Professional This Winter
There’s a lot you can do yourself, but some winter issues are best handled by pros:
Recurring ice dams or roof leaks.
Significant drafts even after basic sealing.
Signs of mold or persistent musty odors.
Electrical concerns, burning smells, or tripped breakers related to heating equipment.
Cracked heat exchangers, gas smells, or chimney damage.
A thorough home inspection can give you a clear picture of how winter is affecting your home and what to prioritize next. At Well Built Inspections, we use advanced tools—like moisture meters and thermal imaging—to spot issues that aren’t always visible to the naked eye.
Winter Home Maintenance Recap & Next Steps
Let’s quickly recap your winter maintenance priorities:
Check the roof, gutters, and exterior before harsh weather hits.
Protect plumbing by insulating pipes and draining outdoor lines.
Service your heating system and replace filters regularly.
Manage humidity, ventilation, and indoor air quality during winter.
Inspect fireplaces, chimneys, and test smoke/CO alarms.
Seal drafts around doors and windows; review attic insulation.
Keep walkways safe and prepare an emergency winter kit.
Call professionals when you see warning signs or need a deeper evaluation.
Staying ahead of winter maintenance keeps your home safer, more comfortable, and more efficient—not just this season, but for years to come.
If you’d like a professional set of eyes on your home as you head into winter, we’re here to help.
Contact us at 614-403-3508 or email [email protected] to schedule a winter-focused home inspection or consultation.
We’ll walk through the home with you, explain what we see in plain language, and help you prioritize the improvements that give you the most peace of mind all winter long.
