1. Start with a Pre-Winter Home Checkup
Before the real cold sets in, give your home a once-over.
- Inspect your roof: Look for missing shingles or signs of wear that could lead to leaks when snow starts melting.
- Clean your gutters: Ice dams form when gutters are clogged, causing costly water damage to your roof and walls.
- Seal drafts: Check around windows and doors for gaps, and apply fresh caulking or weatherstripping where needed.
2. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive (and preventable) winter headaches.
- Insulate exposed piping, especially those in basements, crawl spaces, and near exterior walls.
- Keep a steady temperature: Don't turn your heat too low when you're away, 18°C (65°F) is typically a safe minimum.
- Drip your faucets slightly on extremely cold nights to keep water moving through the lines.
3. Keep the Warmth In and the Bills Down
Your furnace works overtime in winter, so a little TLC keeps it efficient and safe.
- Replace furnace filters monthly during heating season to improve air quality and performance.
- Schedule an annual furnace tune-up with a licensed HVAC professional before temperatures drop.
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down into living spaces, this simple trick that makes a noticeable difference.
This small attention to energy efficiency can also be a selling point when listing your home, buyers love a well-maintained, cost-effective property.
4. Pay Attention to Outdoor Safety
Winter curb appeal isn't just about aesthetics, it's about safety and preservation.
- Shovel walkways regularly and use an eco-friendly de-icer to prevent slips.
- Trim tree branches that could break under the weight of snow or ice.
- Store patio furniture and outdoor cushions to prevent damage and fading.
A neat, well-kept exterior tells visitors, and future buyers that your home is cared for year-round.
5. Manage Moisture and Indoor Air Quality
Between steamy showers, cooking, and closed windows, winter air can become stale and humid fast.
- Use a dehumidifier to prevent condensation and mould growth, especially in basements.
- Run bathroom fans during and after showers.
- Crack a window occasionally to let in some fresh air (even a few minutes a day helps!).
Balanced humidity protects both your health and your home, from hardwood floors to window frames.
6. Keep an Eye on Energy Efficiency
Winter offers the perfect opportunity to take note of your home's overall performance.
- Upgrade to smart thermostats for better temperature control and energy savings.
- Switch to LED lighting, especially in outdoor fixtures that run longer hours during darker months.
- Add insulation to attics and basements as needed to lock in warmth and reduce heating costs.
A more energy-efficient home not only saves you money, it adds resale value and market appeal when the time comes to sell.
7. Enjoy the Season. Your Home's Ready for It
Once you have completed your winter home maintenance list, you can fully enjoy the cozy comforts of the season; warm fires, soft blankets, and maybe a cup of hot chocolate or two ;)
Staying on top of your home's upkeep through the winter months helps preserve its value, prevents costly repairs and makes every season that much more enjoyable.
If you're thinking ahead to a spring sale, this is the perfect time to get your home in top shape. Winter maintenance isn't just about protection, it's about preparation. A well-maintained home is a happy home & a smart investment.
If you would like tailored advice on how to prepare your home for winter or for the market, we will love to help you make the most of your property, season after season. Please reach out and we will make sure your home shines no matter the weather.
