Complete Winter Home Prep Checklist

Outdoor Preparation (September - October)

Start your winter prep early, ideally before the first freeze. Here's what to tackle outside:

Gutters and Downspouts

Clean all gutters and downspouts thoroughly. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which cause water to back up under your roof shingles. Extend downspouts at least 6 feet away from your foundation to prevent basement flooding.

Lawn and Garden

• Rake and remove all leaves
• Drain and store garden hoses
• Shut off exterior water spigots from inside
• Apply winterizer fertilizer to your lawn
• Trim tree branches that could fall on your home during snow or ice storms

Heating System Maintenance

Your furnace or heating system is about to work overtime. Make sure it's ready:

Schedule a professional inspection if you haven't had one in the last year. A technician will clean the system, check for carbon monoxide leaks, and ensure everything runs efficiently.

Replace air filters now and plan to change them monthly during heavy use. A clean filter improves efficiency and air quality.

Test your thermostat to ensure it's working correctly. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to save on heating costs.

Windows and Doors

Stop cold air from sneaking in and warm air from escaping:

• Check weatherstripping around all doors and windows. Replace any that's cracked or compressed.
• Caulk gaps where cold air enters. Feel around windows and doors on a windy day to find drafts.
• Install storm windows or use plastic window film insulation kits for single-pane windows.
• Add door sweeps to exterior doors to block drafts at the bottom.

Plumbing Protection

Frozen pipes can burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Take these steps:

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages
• Disconnect and drain outdoor faucets
• Know where your main water shutoff is located
• Keep cabinet doors open during extreme cold to let warm air reach pipes
• Let faucets drip slightly during freezing nights

Attic and Insulation

Proper attic insulation can cut your heating costs significantly. Check your attic insulation level—most homes should have at least 12-15 inches of insulation. Add more if needed.

Also check for air leaks around attic hatches, recessed lights, and plumbing vents. Seal these with expanding foam or caulk.

Chimney and Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep. Creosote buildup can cause chimney fires. Also check that the damper opens and closes properly.

Emergency Preparedness

Winter storms can knock out power. Be prepared with:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Bottled water and non-perishable food
• First aid kit and necessary medications
• Portable phone chargers
• Rock salt or ice melt for walkways
• Snow shovel and roof rake

Roof Inspection

Look for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Small repairs now can prevent major leaks when snow melts and refreezes.

Final Checklist

• ✓ Clean gutters and downspouts
• ✓ Service heating system
• ✓ Replace furnace filters
• ✓ Check weatherstripping and caulking
• ✓ Insulate pipes
• ✓ Drain outdoor faucets and hoses
• ✓ Inspect and clean chimney
• ✓ Check attic insulation
• ✓ Test smoke and CO detectors
• ✓ Reverse ceiling fans (clockwise)
• ✓ Stock emergency supplies