Winter is here! It’s time to make sure that everything around the house is ready for the cold weather!

Is your home ready for winter? Find out with this checklist!
Is your home ready for winter? Find out with this checklist! Source: Niche Posting

Windows

Make sure there are no drafts coming from your windows.
Make sure there are no drafts coming from your windows. Source: Pinterest

One of the very first things you need to do is make sure your windows are in good state to take the harsh conditions of winter. Be sure to check for loose glass or drafts and get the necessary repairs, so you can preserve the heat inside the house. But be wary of glass that’s too tight, otherwise the cold may cause it to crack.

A good idea if you live in a region where the weather is particularly harsh, is to get storm windows and doors for extra protection.

Doors

Make sure your doors work properly and consider getting storm doors.
Make sure your doors work properly and consider getting storm doors. Source: Storm Doors

Same as for windows, you have to make sure all your doors are working properly. And once again, if you live in a region with harsh weather conditions, it’s always a good idea to get storm doors.

Get a free quote for storm door installation right now!

Gutters

Make sure your gutters are cleaned out before snow starts falling.
Make sure your gutters are cleaned out before snow starts falling. Source: Pixabay

Inspect your gutters and get them ready for work before the weather gets any worse. If you wait too long to repair them, it may be more difficult to fix during the harsh winter weather, not to mention some damage may already be done by then.

A very common problem during the winter in snowy regions is the weight of accumulated snow pulling the gutters off the house. Be sure they are fastened properly and check regularly!

Looking for gutter installation and repair estimates? Click here!

Driveways and Paving

Repair any cracks or potholes in your driveway before the cold weather hits and makes them worse.
Repair any cracks or potholes in your driveway before the cold weather hits and makes them worse. Source: Popular Mechanics

Any crack or damaged walkways tend to get worse during winter, which may lead to more difficult and expensive repairs later on, or even accidents. There are some basic repairs you can do yourself with the right tools, but don’t hesitate to call a pro if things get tricky!

Get your driveway fixed before winter takes its toll: get a free quote right now!

Heating System, HVAC, and Ventilation

In order to stay warm this winter, make sure your HVAC system is working properly.
In order to stay warm this winter, make sure your HVAC system is working properly. Source: Airtech of Stamford

If you hear weird noises or notice unstable performance from your heating system, call in to get it checked out right away. Most performance issues have a quick and cheap fix if identified quickly!

Vents and openings that have outdoor access should be properly protected against small animals that may enter through them while looking for a warm place - pay special attention to your attic!

Chimney Sweeping

If you plan on using your fireplace this summer, make sure to get your chimney swept by a professional before use.
If you plan on using your fireplace this summer, make sure to get your chimney swept by a professional before use.

If you have a fire to warm up during the winter, it’s essential to get your chimney swept and cleaned by a professional.

Having a fireplace is awesome, but it also requires a extra care. Be sure to prevent any fire hazards by always having a fire extinguisher ready, smoke detectors, and a basic fire escape plan.

Roofing

If you have any shingles or tiles that are cracked or missing, make sure to get them repaired or replace as soon as possible.
If you have any shingles or tiles that are cracked or missing, make sure to get them repaired or replace as soon as possible.

Replace any damaged shingles as fast as you can, so you can avoid annoying leaking that may give you an unnecessary annoyance. Check for basic needs yourself, but we recommend asking a pro for a full inspection.

Water Faucets and Lawn Irrigation

To keep your pipes from bursting, turn off outside faucets and get your irrigation system professionally drained.
To keep your pipes from bursting, turn off outside faucets and get your irrigation system professionally drained. Source: Ramussen Realty

Water faucets on the outside may cause the water inside the pipes to freeze, which leads to it expanding, which leads to a serious chance of pipe bursting. Make sure you turn them off! Same goes for your lawn irrigation system - in this case, we recommend calling a pro to drain it.

Since you won’t be using the lawn mower during the winter, be sure to check the winter storage conditions in the manual, but it’s common to either use a fuel stabilizer or use the mower until the fuel tank is empty before storing it for the winter.

Prepare Your Car

To keep you and your family safe during the holidays, make sure your car is ready for any weather you may face.
To keep you and your family safe during the holidays, make sure your car is ready for any weather you may face. Source: Master Muffler

Once again, it’s recommended to check the manufacturer’s manual for winter usage, but a few basic tips are worth noting:

  • Get a full check up on all of the vehicle’s functionalities;
  • Always carry a simple kit containing tire chains, an ice pick, a flashlight, a cell phone car charger, a small shovel, flares, and some extra heating gear, like blankets and gloves.
  • Make sure the heater is in perfect running condition;
  • If in subzero temperatures, use fuel deicer in your tank as specified to prevent moisture freezing;
  • Make sure your tires are in perfect condition, as snowy and icy roads can be very dangerous during winter;

How is your winter checklist going? Taking care of everything so far? Let us know if you have any more tips from experience in the comments, and follow us on Facebook for more awesome tips you can’t miss!

In this article: Plumbing Windows Hvac Roofing Gutters Heating Entry doors Chimney Gutter cleaning Chimney sweeping Driveway Winter safety Storm doors Paving Winter checklist
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