Your Fall and Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

During the fall and winter seasons, maintaining your home will be very important. With the weather conditions getting cooler, it is important for homeowners to make sure that there aren’t any defects before the winter season. They will also need to address any issues before the weather gets too cold to complete regular maintenance. By following some steps, homeowners will be able to ensure that their home is well maintained during the winter months.

Your Fall and Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

1. Protect Entryway Flooring

One of the first things that you will want to do when maintaining your home for the winter months is to protect the entryway flooring. It is important to place floor mats and entryway floors. You will also want to place a boot scraper or brush so that those who enter the home can remove snow and other debris. Homeowners will also want to place a waterproof tray inside the home so that people can place wet shoes and boots.

2. Check Emergency Supplies

With the upcoming winter weather, it is vital for homeowners to check for emergency supplies. They will want to have items available to better cope with power outages. Homeowners should stock up on bottled water, shelf-stable foods, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Having all of these emergency supplies will allow homeowners to remain comfortable and function in case of a natural disaster.

3. Check Batteries For Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Each Month

During the winter months, homeowners will want to frequently check the battery life for both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Since windows and doors are closed at all times, it is more important to make sure that these devices work so that you can detect potential hazards in a timely manner. As a homeowner, it is important to have both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom as well as in the kitchen. Make sure that you have a good supply of batteries so that you can keep these devices working at all times throughout the winter.

4. Keep an Eye on Trees

While maintaining your home and preparing it for the winter months, you will need to keep an eye on any trees that surround your home. It is important to make sure that there aren’t any trees that are on the verge of toppling and falling over onto structures. If there is a tree that is loose or on the verge of breaking or falling down, get it trimmed immediately.

5. Remove Window Screens

Before the winter months begin, you will also want to remove window screens. Since cold air and events such as snowstorms can damage the screen, it is important to get rid of them. During the winter months, make sure that you have durable glass windows so that you can insulate your home from cold air. Another thing that you will want to do is install quality siding so that you can keep your windows stable during the winter months.

6. Keep Paths Clear of Snow and Ice

With snowstorms and the accumulation of ice, it is important to keep sidewalks, stairs, and driveways clear at all times. This will prevent you and others from getting injured and ensure your safety during the winter.

7. Stop Cold Air From Getting In

Whenever you are preparing for the winter, it is in your best interest to stop cold air from getting into the house. A good way to prevent this is to insulate your windows with the most durable materials. This will help prevent cold air from getting into the home and making the inhabitants uncomfortable. It will also prevent people from getting sick as well.

8. Clean the Fireplace

Since the fireplace can be a valuable source of heat during the winter, you will want to clean it up right before the winter months begin. This will allow you to use the fireplace without any possible hazards.

9. Organize a Cold Weather Vegetable Garden

In case of a winter storm that prevents you from getting to a local grocery store, you will benefit by having a cold-weather vegetable garden. This will allow you to have a steady supply of nutritious food in the winter.

10. Prevent Pipes From Freezing

One of the most important things that you can do to maintain your home during the winter months is to prevent the pipes from freezing. You will want to empty and remove hoses right before the winter months. It is also important to shut off faucets and make sure that they aren’t dripping or leaking. You will also want to keep the heat temperature at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.