Quick Hourly Tasks to Prepare for Winter
As the weather turns cooler, now is the perfect time to get your winter gear ready, especially if you live in a region that experiences cold or snowy winters. Here are a few simple tasks you can tackle in an hour or less:
- Check the condition of your snow shovels and ice scrapers, and replace them if needed.
- Stock up on ice melt, making sure it’s safe for pets and plants if necessary.
- Restock emergency kits for your car and home to be prepared for winter weather.
- Get your snow blower serviced and ensure you have plenty of fuel.
- Protect your pipes by turning off outdoor water supplies before freezing temperatures set in. Drain and store hoses, and winterize your irrigation system if you have one.
Ensure Safety Devices are Ready
Winter is a great time to inspect your home’s safety devices. Here’s a quick checklist to help keep your home secure:
- Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if necessary.
- Test both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries as needed.
- Consider testing for radon, especially as cooler weather leads to closed windows, which can trap radon inside. High radon levels are hazardous, and anything above a level of 4 is deemed unsafe by the EPA. If your home tests for elevated radon, hire a certified contractor to address the issue.
Remove Window A/C Units
If you use window air conditioners during the summer, it’s important to remove them before winter arrives. If removing them isn’t possible, wrap the exterior with insulation to block cold drafts from coming into your home.
Clean Heating Units
Get ready for the heating season by thoroughly cleaning radiators, baseboard heaters, and grates. Use a vacuum to remove dust and debris from these areas. For radiators with removable covers, take them off to clean underneath, then replace the covers for improved heating efficiency.
Weekend To-Do: Rake Leaves
Although fallen leaves create a picturesque autumn scene, letting too many accumulate on your lawn during winter—especially in snowy regions—can hinder new growth come spring. Make the task easier by using a lightweight rake, wearing gloves for hand protection, and using handheld leaf scoops to quickly bag the leaves.
Seal Gaps to Keep Critters Out
Mice and other small animals can squeeze through even the tiniest openings to get inside your home, especially as they seek warmth during colder months. To prevent unwanted visitors, seal any small holes and cover larger gaps with heavy-duty hardware cloth, ensuring that wildlife stays outside where it belongs.
Tree and Shrub Maintenance
Consider hiring an arborist to care for the trees on your property. These experts can identify early signs of poor health and take preventative measures to protect your trees. They also know the best pruning techniques to reduce the risk of falling branches during winter storms. Since trees slow their growth in the fall, it’s not the best time to plant new ones, as their roots may struggle to establish. Keep an eye on your trees throughout the season, watching for any signs that might require professional attention.
Deep-Clean Your Kitchen
Set aside a day to handle some of the more time-consuming cleaning tasks in your kitchen, ensuring it stays efficient and looking fresh:
- Remove grease buildup from the range hood and filter.
- Give your oven a thorough cleaning.
- Vacuum the refrigerator coils to improve performance.
- Scrub tile grout to restore its shine.
- Clean light fixtures for brighter, more pleasant lighting.
- Wash the walls and backsplash to remove grime.
- Clean out your garbage can and recycling bins.
- Tidy up small appliances for a polished look.
Install Weatherstripping
Enhance your home’s warmth and reduce energy bills by adding weatherstripping around window and door frames. For drafty doors, install door sweeps at the base to keep the heat inside and block cold air from entering.
Clean Your Dryer Vents
Lint buildup in dryer vents not only reduces efficiency but also poses a fire hazard—especially in the cool, dry fall weather when increased static electricity can ignite trapped lint. This is the perfect time to clean the vents. You can either hire a duct cleaning specialist or tackle the job yourself. If you choose to do it on your own, follow these steps:
- Unplug the dryer.
- Turn off the gas if it's a gas dryer.
- Gently pull the dryer away from the wall.
- Loosen the clamp securing the hose.
- Use a vacuum attachment or a lint brush designed for dryer hoses to clean the hose and the area behind the dryer.
- Reattach the hose, carefully move the dryer back without crushing the hose, and plug it back in.
Budget for These Maintenance Tasks This Month
Schedule Exterior Repairs
Walk around your property to check for any damage to the roof, siding, or foundation. If you find any areas in need of repair, make sure to schedule them before winter weather arrives.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Once the majority of leaves have fallen, clean out your gutters and downspouts. If you're not comfortable using a ladder, consider hiring help. Blocked gutters during rainstorms can lead to water buildup, which may cause damage to your roof or siding.
Perform an Energy Audit
Consider hiring a professional energy auditor to evaluate your home’s efficiency. They can provide a list of recommended improvements, such as upgrading to Energy Star appliances, adding insulation to the attic, or enhancing weatherstripping. If you'd prefer to conduct your own audit, Energy.gov offers helpful DIY instructions.
Chimney and Heating System Maintenance
Before you need to turn on the heat, schedule a chimney cleaning and maintenance for your furnace or boiler. Keeping these systems in good condition is crucial for safety. If your chimney doesn’t have a cap, consider installing one to prevent animals from entering your home through the chimney.
As winter approaches and the ground gets covered in ice and snow, even everyday tasks like walking from your driveway to your front door can become risky. To ensure safety around your home, inspect walkways, steps, railings, and driveways. Make sure stairs are in good shape, railings are sturdy, and the driveway is clear and ready for snow removal.
Check your outdoor lighting as well. With the shorter days of winter, adequate lighting is crucial for both safety and ambiance. Test the lights on your front and back porches, garage, and throughout your yard, and replace any burnt-out bulbs to keep your home well-lit during the darker evenings.