Winter Home Maintenance Tips: Prepare Your Home for the Cold

Why Winter Home Maintenance Matters

For homeowners, winter can be a beautiful time of year, but also one of the most demanding. Without the right preparation, winter can introduce a range of problems at home: frozen pipes, roof leaks, furnace failures, icy walkways, and higher utility bills.

A thoughtful winter maintenance plan can help protect your investment, keep your household safer, and minimize unexpected repairs. It can also improve energy efficiency, saving you money when heating bills are at their peak.

Below are some practical tips to help prepare your home for winter weather, along with guidance on when you should call professionals and how insurance can help if something goes wrong.

Service Your Heating System

Your heating system works hardest during the coldest months, which means routine maintenance is essential. Schedule a professional inspection earlier in the season to help ensure everything is functioning properly. Consider these checkups:

• Furnace Inspection: Clean or replace filters, check heat exchangers, inspect burners, and test airflow.
• Boiler Systems: Look for signs of leaks, corrosion, or unusual noises.
• Heat Pumps: Remove debris around outdoor units and confirm proper operation.

A well-maintained heating system not only runs more efficiently but also helps reduce the risk of mid-winter breakdowns.

Inspect and Clean Your Chimney & Fireplace

If your home features a wood-burning fireplace, proper maintenance is crucial for both efficiency and safety. Key tasks include:

• Schedule a chimney sweep to remove built-up soot and creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood.
• Check the damper to ensure it opens and closes fully.
• Have the chimney cap inspected to help keep out animals and debris.

Gas fireplaces should also be inspected annually to check ventilation, ignition, and carbon monoxide safety.

Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are among the most common and costly winter home hazards. When temperatures drop, standing water inside pipes can freeze and expand, causing them to burst. Preventive tips include:

• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, garages, and attics.
• Keep interior temperatures consistent, and avoid letting your home fall below 55°F when you're away.
• Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air circulate.
• Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold snaps.

If your home will be vacant, consider having your plumbing system winterized.

Seal Gaps, Drafts & Air Leaks

Often overlooked, air leaks can significantly affect heating efficiency and interior comfort. Even small gaps around windows, doors, and attics can allow warm air to escape. Check for air leaks around:

• Window frames and doorways
• Attic hatches
• Dryer vents
• Electrical outlets
• Basement rim joists

Use weatherstripping, caulk, or insulation foam to seal trouble spots and reduce energy waste.

Check Your Roof, Gutters & Attic Ventilation

Winter can be hard on your roof, especially if your area experiences heavy snow or freezing rain. Consider hiring a professional to inspect your roof. Here are a few roof maintenance tips:

• Inspect shingles for damage or curling.
• Repair small leaks before they turn into major winter problems.
• Remove debris such as leaves and branches from gutters.

Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams form when warm air from inside the home escapes into the attic, melting snow that then refreezes at the roof's edge. To help reduce the risk of ice dams:

• Make sure gutters are cleared
• Improve attic insulation
• Ensure attic ventilation
• Check for gaps around attic ducts and recessed lights

Addressing these issues can help protect your roof and extend its lifespan.

Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter brings increased use of heating equipment, fireplaces, and space heaters, making working detectors essential. Regularly test:

• Smoke detectors (replace batteries annually)
• Carbon monoxide detectors (replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions)

Consider installing smart detectors that send alerts to your phone for added peace of mind.

Prepare Your Home's Exterior for Winter Weather

Outdoor maintenance plays an important role in keeping your home safe. Consider these steps:

• Clean and store outdoor furniture.
• Drain garden hoses and disconnect them from exterior faucets.
• Shut off outdoor water supply (if applicable).
• Trim branches hanging close to your home or power lines.
• Check walkways, steps, and handrails for stability.

Stock up on snow removal essentials before the first major storm, such as ice melt, shovels, roof rakes.

Improve Indoor Air Quality for the Season Ahead

Closed windows and dry heated air can reduce indoor air quality. Consider these tips:

• Run a humidifier to maintain ideal humidity levels (30–50%).
• Clean air ducts and vents.
• Use high-efficiency air filters.

Healthy indoor air contributes to comfort, respiratory health, and overall well-being.

Review Your Home Insurance Coverage

Despite the best planning, winter can still cause damage, from frozen pipes to roof collapses. Make sure your home insurance coverage is up to date and reflects the current value of your home and personal property, as well as any unique risk factors.

Common winter claims include damages resulting from:

• Burst pipes
• Ice dams
• Snow load damage
• Slips and falls on property
• Furnace or HVAC failures leading to secondary damage

A standard home insurance policy typically covers damages arising from frozen pipes, but it’s important to properly maintain your property and take reasonable steps to help prevent pipes from freezing. Particular terms and conditions of coverage can vary by insurance company and location, so it's essential to review your specific policy details.

Your home insurance advisor can help you identify what your policy does and does not cover and highlight areas where you may need additional coverage.

In Conclusion: You Can Help Protect Your Home All Winter Long

Winter maintenance isn't just about checking boxes; it's about creating a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable home for the season ahead.

By taking preventive steps now, you can help safeguard your property from costly damage, reduce energy waste, and enjoy greater peace of mind when temperatures drop. From HVAC servicing and chimney cleaning to insulation improvements and roof care, each small action can add up to meaningful protection.

And while preparation goes a long way, unexpected issues can still arise during harsh winter weather. That's why reviewing your insurance coverage is important to help mitigate financial risk. Acrisure's team can help you understand your home insurance coverage options, identify what is and is not covered by a particular policy, and provide access to personalized coverage solutions that work for your needs.

Looking for the right home insurance? Request a home insurance quote now.

FAQ: Winter Home Maintenance Tips

What winter home maintenance tasks are important?
Prioritize heating system servicing, roof and gutter inspections, sealing air leaks, and protecting pipes from freezing.

How can I help prevent frozen pipes in winter?
Some tips include: insulate exposed pipes, maintain indoor temperatures, open cabinet doors during cold snaps, and let faucets drip when temperatures are extremely low.

What home systems should be checked before winter?
Generally, inspect HVAC systems, fireplaces, carbon monoxide detectors, and your roof. Also, evaluate insulation and attic ventilation.

Does homeowners insurance cover damages caused by winter weather or freezing temperatures?
Homeowners policies typically cover damages resulting from burst pipes caused by freezing or roof leaks caused by ice dams.  However, whether coverage applies to a particular claim depends on many factors including the circumstances of the damage and the terms and conditions of a particular policy.  Always review your specific policy details.

Please Note: The tips in this blog are for general informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice or inspection.  Always consult a qualified professional for recommendations specific to your particular property.