Winter is Coming: The Ultimate Homeowner's Maintenance Checklist (Don't Skip #6!)

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Ohio’s fall rolls in fast, and winter isn’t far behind. A quick tune-up now saves time, money, and stress. Use this checklist to get ahead—and remember, The Heartfelt Handyman is here to help with any item on the list!

• Air Filters: Change all indoor air filters

• Ceiling Fans: Clean and adjust ceiling fans so that the air circulates upward

• Check Fireplace: Open the fireplace damper and inspect the chimney flue. Clean and prepare for use

• Check Outdoor Paint: Check outdoor paint for peeling, cracking, and coverage

• Check Pipes: Check all pipes and faucets to prevent freezing. Wrap or install covers

• Inspect Attics: Inspect attics for insulation and leaks or stains

• Inspect Exterior: Inspect exterior trim, gutters, screens, and downspouts

• Inspect Portals: Inspect caulking, weather stripping, thresholds, transitions, and windows

• Outdoor Plumbing: Drain outdoor faucets and winterize hoses and spigots

• Smoke Detectors: Test smoke detectors and change out batteries if necessary. Check and install carbon monoxide detectors as needed

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Here are key winter prep steps for homeowners to keep their homes safe, efficient, and worry-free. If you'd rather not tackle these alone, The Heartfelt Handyman is ready to help make every task easy and stress-free.

• Appliances: Check appliance cords, plugs, and fixtures for damage or overload

• Check Seals: Check for loose grout in all tiled areas indoors and outdoors, and all areas that currently have caulk

• Dryer: Blow out the clothes dryer venting to avoid fire hazards

• Floor & Ceiling Registers: Set floor and grills to maximize airflow

• Gas Fireplace: Turn on and test for the winter. Add filament if required before the season

• GFCI: Test all GFCIs for safety and functionality

• Refrigerator: Clean out the condenser coils and drip pans. Change out the water filter

• Seasonal Lighting: Purchase and hang seasonal lighting for holidays, special events, or special décor on patios or outdoor rooms

• Toilets: Test all toilets for leaks—at the tank, bowl, floor, supply lines, and wax rings. Test all supply lines for usability

Your Pre-Winter Action Plan (Get These Done Before December!)

1. Clean Those Gutters (Yes, It's That Important)

Clogged gutters are winter's worst enemy. When leaves and debris block proper water flow, melted snow has nowhere to go except into your roof or around your foundation. Grab a ladder and clear out all that fall debris, or give us a call if heights aren't your thing. Clean gutters prevent ice dams and protect your home's structure from water damage.

2. Give Your Roof a Good Look-Over

Walk around your property and check for loose or missing shingles. Look for any debris collecting in roof valleys - those areas where two roof slopes meet. These spots love to hold moisture, which turns into ice problems later. If you spot anything concerning, it's worth having a professional take a closer look before winter arrives.

3. Seal Up Those Drafts

Replace your window screens with storm windows if you have them, or just remove the screens for winter. Check around windows and doors for any cracks or gaps where cold air might sneak in. New weather stripping is cheap insurance against sky-high heating bills. A few minutes with a caulk gun now can save you hundreds on energy costs.

4. Get Your Heating System Professionally Checked

Your furnace has been sitting idle all summer - don't wait until the first cold snap to find out it's not working. Schedule a professional inspection to make sure everything's running efficiently. Clean filters, proper airflow, and working safety systems aren't just about comfort - they're about keeping your family safe.

5. Protect Your Outdoor Plumbing

Disconnect and drain all your garden hoses, then store them somewhere protected from freezing. Turn off the water supply to outdoor spigots and drain any remaining water. Check pipes along exterior walls to make sure they're properly insulated. Frozen pipes are expensive to fix and can cause major water damage when they burst.

6. Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance ⚠️ DON'T SKIP THIS ONE!

This is the big one, folks. If you've got a fireplace or wood stove, get that chimney professionally cleaned before you light your first fire. Creosote buildup isn't just a performance issue - it's a serious fire hazard. Every year, house fires start because homeowners skip this crucial step. Don't be a statistic. A clean chimney is a safe chimney, and professional cleaning removes dangerous buildup that could literally save your home.

7. Check Your Attic Insulation

Poor attic insulation is like throwing money out the window - literally. Heat rises, and if your attic isn't properly insulated, you're heating the great outdoors. Check for any signs of moisture or inadequate insulation. If you're not sure what to look for, it's worth having someone take a look who knows what proper insulation should look like.

8. Test Your Safety Systems

When's the last time you checked your smoke detector batteries? How about your carbon monoxide detector? Winter means more time with heating systems running and potentially using fireplaces - both increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Fresh batteries now could save lives later. While you're at it, test your sump pump by pouring a few gallons of water in the pit to make sure it kicks on properly.

Winter Maintenance Tasks (Keep These Going All Season)

Snow and Ice Management

Keep large snowdrifts from piling up against your house - they can cause moisture problems and make it harder to heat your home. After storms, clear your driveways and walkways promptly for safety. If you get a lot of heavy snow, consider using a roof rake to remove excessive loads that could stress your roof structure.

Watch for Ice Dams

See icicles hanging from your gutters? That's not just pretty winter scenery - it's a warning sign. Icicles often indicate ice dams forming, which means melted snow can't drain properly and might back up under your shingles. This is usually a sign of poor attic insulation and can lead to interior water damage.

Interior Climate Management

During really cold spells (we're talking below 15 degrees for more than a day), keep all your interior doors open. This helps your heating system circulate warm air throughout the house more effectively. Don't forget to replace your furnace filter every few months - a clean filter means better airflow and lower energy bills.

Pipe Protection

Keep an eye on pipes, especially in areas like basements, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls. During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving and prevent freezing. Moving water is much less likely to freeze than standing water.

Specific Winter Challenges

Living in Ohio means dealing with some unique winter weather patterns. We get ice storms, nor'easters, and those fun freeze-thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on your home. Shovel snow away from your siding and foundation to prevent moisture issues.

Keep an eye out for winter mold on your siding and decks - our humid climate combined with melting snow creates perfect conditions for mold growth. Planning ahead for spring power washing services now can help you beat the rush and address any mold issues early.

Equipment Readiness

If you handle your own snow removal, make sure your equipment is ready before you need it. There's nothing worse than trying to start a snow blower during a blizzard only to find out it won't start. If you hire plow services, book them early and make sure your driveway is properly marked.

The Bottom Line

Winter preparation isn't just about comfort - though staying warm is pretty important. It's about protecting your biggest investment and avoiding those middle-of-the-night emergency calls that cost a fortune. A few hours of preparation now can prevent frozen pipes, heating failures, and structural damage that could cost thousands to fix.

Don't let winter catch you off guard. These tasks might seem like a lot, but most homeowners can knock out the basics in a weekend. For the more complex tasks like furnace inspections, chimney cleaning, or any repairs you discover along the way, that's where we come in. If we can't complete the service, we will do our best to help you find a trusted, professional who can!

Remember, every home is different, and if you run into anything that doesn't look right or feel safe, don't hesitate to call in a professional. At The Heartfelt Handyman, we've been helping homeowners prepare for winter and handle those unexpected repairs that always seem to pop up at the worst possible time.

Stay warm, stay safe, and give us a call if you need a hand getting ready for whatever winter throws our way. Your future self will thank you when you're cozy inside while your neighbors are dealing with frozen pipes and heating emergencies.