Get your home winter ready

Between busy holiday plans, family gatherings and dropping temperatures, winter can sneak up on homeowners. And while you may be looking forward to cozy nights indoors, there’s one important question to ask: Is your home ready for the colder weather?

A little preparation now could help prevent small issues from spiraling into costly repairs and unexpected headaches later. Whether it’s your first year in the home or you’ve been making memories there for years, here are six smart winter maintenance tasks worth adding to your to-do list.

1. Check your heating system

The last thing you want during a cold snap is a heating system that isn’t working properly. Before temperatures begin to drop, turn on your heat to make sure everything is running smoothly. Replace dirty HVAC filters, check your thermostat and make sure there isn’t any furniture blocking the vents.

If you notice strange noises, weak airflow or uneven heating, it’s probably a good idea to schedule a professional inspection before winter officially arrives.

2. Protect your pipes from freezing

When temperatures dip below freezing, frozen pipes can cause serious damage. As water freezes, it expands, which could cause the pipes to burst.

One of the best ways to prevent that is by insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, garages and crawl spaces. Depending on your home’s features, it’s also a good idea to disconnect garden hoses and winterize outdoor faucets. It’s also smart to know exactly where your main water shut-off valve is — before an emergency happens. That way, you’ll know exactly where to go if a pipe does end up bursting.

3. Seal drafty windows and doors

If you’re walking by a window and you feel a cold breeze inside, take a closer look. Small gaps around doors and windows can let warm air escape, which makes it harder for your home to stay comfy and cozy.

Check for any worn weatherstripping, cracks around window frames and gaps beneath exterior doors. If anything needs replacing, install new weatherstripping, apply caulk where needed and add door sweeps. These fixes are quick and simple, but they can help you reduce heat loss.

4. Clean out your gutters and inspect your roof

Don’t forget to give your home’s exterior a little TLC. Leaves and debris can clog gutters, which prevents rainwater and melting snow from draining properly. In colder climates, poor drainage can also contribute to ice dams and potential water damage.

Clear your gutters and downspouts and keep an eye out for visible roof damage, such as missing or curling shingles.

If you spot any problems, contact a professional. Roof repairs and maintenance involving ladders or heights are always best left to experienced contractors with the right equipment.

5. Test your home’s safety devices

We all spend more time indoors during the winter. From hosting loved ones to spending time inside with your family, you’ll probably be using the oven, kettles and heaters more than usual.

Take a few minutes to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Replace the batteries and swap out any expired devices — and make sure you have a fire extinguisher available.

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, schedule an inspection before you start using it frequently during the season. A little bit of preventative maintenance can help keep your home safe this winter.

6. Get your outdoor spaces ready

Look outside your front door, too. Check the walkways for cracks and other potential hazards and trim any damaged or low-hanging tree branches that could pose a risk during severe storms. Store outdoor furniture, gardening rolls and seasonal equipment that may be affected by winter weather.

If you live somewhere that experiences snow and ice, be sure to stock up on winter essentials such as snow shovels and ice melt before that first storm hits.

A little preparation goes a long way

Getting your home ready for winter doesn’t have to mean tackling everything in one weekend. Start with the essentials and work through your checklist little by little. If you notice something concerning, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.

Whether you’re preparing for holiday guests or simply looking forward to spending more time indoors, a little maintenance now can help keep your home comfortable — and protected — all season long.

If bigger repairs or improvements are on your mind, exploring financing options like a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) may help you cover the costs.

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply. 
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