Top 10 Tips For Winter Home Maintenance

Whether you go into hibernation mode in below-freezing temperatures or live for those powder days, when winter in the Northwest approaches, it’s time to prepare your home. Snow, rain, ice, and wind — winter weather can create challenges for homeowners and cause even the biggest winter lover to throw their hands up and head for Florida.

You can skip the frozen pipes, leaky roofs, and furnaces on the fritz with 10 top tips for winter home maintenance from Mountain Luxury's Owner Laison & Vendor Manager, Barbara Watt, who knows a thing or two about taking the very best care of homes during the winter season.

Without further ado, here are Barb's 10 top tips for maintaining a warm and stress-free home during winter.

Top 10 Tips For Home Care In The Winter

Living in a small ski town offers a unique charm, but the winter months can be tough on homes in the valley. To ensure our homes stay safe, warm, and well-maintained throughout the winter season, it’s essential to perform certain maintenance tasks.

1 — Protect Pipes From Freezing

Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze, which is one of the most common wintertime issues in colder climates. Winterizing sprinkler systems and insulating exposed pipes- especially those in unheated areas like basements or attics, can prevent costly repairs. Insulation also helps maintain consistent water temperatures, reducing energy costs associated with heating water.

Keeping the thermostat set to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, if you plan on being away for a while, is a must to avoid frozen pipes.

2 — Clean & Inspect Chimney & Fireplace

Cleaning and inspecting the chimney is essential for winter maintenance. Soot buildup increases the risk of fire and blocks ventilation. Gas fireplaces should have the gas lines checked for leaks. At Mountain Luxury, we have a professional chimney sweep clean the chimneys in the homes we manage and HVAC inspects each one as well.

3 — Inspect Roof & Gutters

Inspecting your roof is a crucial step in winter maintenance to ensure it can withstand harsh weather conditions. The heavy snow and ice accumulation on a roof can cause serious damage, especially if gutters are clogged. Cleaning the gutters before the snow falls can prevent water from backing up and causing leaks.

Watch for ice dams on steeper roofs, which form when snow melts on the roof and refreezes in the gutters, creating a barrier that can lead to water seeping into the home. Add de-icing cables to prevent build up along areas to avoid ice dams before they destroy your gutter system, loosen shingles, or cause leaks in your roof.

4 — Weatherproof Windows & Doors

Properly sealing all windows and doors is key to keeping the cold air out and heating bills in check. Look for drafts and install draft stoppers or heavier curtains.

Apply weatherstripping or caulk to any gaps around windows and doors to maintain energy efficiency and comfort. Sealing these areas not only keeps your home warmer but also prevents moisture intrusion, which can lead to mold growth and structural damage.

5 — Service The Furnace

Before the temperature drops, it’s crucial to have the furnace serviced. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, checking the furnace or boiler/ radiant systems and ensuring that all thermostats are working properly. Replace the air filters to improve airflow and energy efficiency and maintain good indoor air quality.

6 — Maintain Driveway & Walkways

Navigating icy or snow-covered driveways and walkways can be treacherous. Clearing snow and ice promptly reduces the risk of slips and falls, ensuring safe pathways for family and guests.

Using pet- and concrete-safe de-icers can help prevent the freeze-thaw cycle that can crack or damage surfaces, while regular shoveling or snow blowing keeps snow from accumulating and causing unnecessary weight or pressure.

If your area gets a lot of snow, mark your driveway and curb with flexible plastic poles.

7 — Prepare For Power Outages

Winter storms can cause power outages in the valley, which can be especially problematic. Most properties have a backup plan, such as a portable generator, and are stocked up on essentials like flashlights, batteries, portable phone chargers, and blankets.

Stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, and any necessary medications, to ensure you can stay safe and comfortable during unexpected outages.

8 — Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With windows closed all winter, furnaces running, and fireplaces in use, it’s important to test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

Replace batteries to ensure all detectors are functioning properly to keep your home safe from fires or gas leaks.

9 — Protect Your Landscape

Preparing your landscape for winter helps protect plants, trees, and lawns from harsh weather while ensuring a healthy start in the spring. Remove fallen leaves to prevent mold and pests from taking hold. Apply mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and flower beds to insulate roots from freezing temperatures.

Prune dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of winter breakage caused by heavy snow or ice. Protect sensitive plants with burlap wraps or covers and bring potted plants indoors.

10 — Protect Outdoor Equipment

Outdoor equipment like ski gear, snowmobiles, or patio furniture can take a beating in the winter. Store skis and snowboards in a dry, protected area to prevent rust and damage. Similarly, making sure outdoor furniture is covered or stored indoors and that anything that could blow away in the wind is tied down.

Protect Your Home From Winter's Challenges

Winter home maintenance is essential for keeping your home safe, comfortable, and efficient during the colder months. By taking proactive steps such as inspecting your roof, cleaning gutters, sealing cracks, insulating pipes, and preparing for power outages, you can avoid costly repairs and create a cozy haven for your family or feel confident your home is taken care of while away.

Don’t forget to service your heating system and prepare your landscape. With a little preparation and care, you’ll protect your home from winter’s challenges and enjoy peace of mind throughout the season.