Winterizing Your Home Checklist

Cold weather exposes every weak point in a house—pipes, heating systems, drafts, fire hazards, and backup power plans. This checklist hits all the essentials so winter doesn’t turn into an expensive surprise.

For broader seasonal coverage, pair this with the Seasonal Home Safety Checklist.

1. Heating System Prep

• [ ] Change HVAC filter
• [ ] Test the furnace before the first cold snap
• [ ] Have the system serviced if it’s overdue
• [ ] Clear items away from vents and baseboard heaters
• [ ] Vacuum dust around furnace intake

2. Prevent Frozen Pipes

• [ ] Insulate exposed pipes (basement, attic, crawlspaces)
• [ ] Remove hoses from outdoor faucets
• [ ] Install faucet covers outdoors
• [ ] Know where the main water shutoff valve is
• [ ] Let faucets drip during extreme cold if pipes are vulnerable

3. Seal Drafts and Heat Loss

• [ ] Check weatherstripping around doors and replace if cracked
• [ ] Add foam strips to drafty windows
• [ ] Inspect attic insulation depth
• [ ] Close gaps around pipes and wiring with expanding foam
• [ ] Install door sweeps where cold air leaks under doors

4. Fireplace and Chimney

• [ ] Have the chimney inspected for creosote buildup
• [ ] Check damper opens and closes fully
• [ ] Use only dry, seasoned firewood
• [ ] Keep flammable items 3+ feet from fireplace or wood stove

5. Fire Safety in Winter

• [ ] Test smoke alarms and CO alarms
• [ ] Replace detector batteries if you're unsure when you last did
• [ ] Keep space heaters away from anything flammable
• [ ] Don’t plug heaters into power strips—wall outlet only
• [ ] Confirm fire extinguishers are charged and accessible

6. Exterior and Roof Prep

• [ ] Clean gutters to prevent ice dams
• [ ] Inspect roof for missing shingles or soft spots
• [ ] Seal gaps around outdoor electrical boxes
• [ ] Check walkways and stairs for cracks that become ice hazards
• [ ] Store salt or ice melt where you can reach it quickly

7. Vehicle and Garage Prep

• [ ] Check tire tread and air pressure
• [ ] Stock each vehicle with blankets, scraper, and emergency items
• [ ] Test garage door sensors and opener battery
• [ ] Replace exterior keypad batteries before winter kills them

8. Backup Power and Supplies

• [ ] Charge power banks fully
• [ ] Store extra bottled water indoors (not in freezing garage)
• [ ] Keep a supply of non-perishables
• [ ] Set aside candles, lanterns, and extra batteries
• [ ] Review your emergency plan with everyone in the house

9. Nighttime Winter Walk-Through

• [ ] Identify dark areas needing lighting upgrades
• [ ] Check for slippery spots near doors
• [ ] Verify cameras aren’t blinded by snow glare

Winter exposes every shortcut a homeowner takes. Handle this list once and you won’t be fighting your house all season.