Winter Home Checklist

Don’t leave home maintenance out in the cold this winter. Make sure to address these items before the snow starts flying!

Here we are in the last couple months of 2021, the holidays are almost upon us and the harshest weather of the year is right around the corner. Preventive home maintenance during the winter months may be the last thing on your mind right now, but taking care of the details can save you a huge headache later on. These tips from Realtor.com can keep your home in tip top shape for the upcoming winter season.

Get ready for winter storms. In most parts of the country, ’tis the season for freezing rain, sleet, and blizzards. Ensure you’re ready for the next big storm before it strands you. Make sure you have a working generator, and keep a stash of batteries for flashlights and lanterns at the ready. Also a must-have: a solarpowered or battery-operated radio to keep you up to date on news in case cellphone reception goes out. Check the condition of your snow shovels, gloves, and window scrapers, and store snowy weather supplies near the door where you can access them easily.

Protip: Mark the sides of your driveway and other key places with reflective poles, to help snow plowers see where to go.

Clean your oven. Homemade food can make a home feel cozy in winter, but unfortunately, the oven and its vents can easily turn into the dirtiest feature in the kitchen because they collect a lot of grime and grease. Over time, built-up grease can cause your appliance to use more power while turned on. walk around outside. But trust us, it’s time wellspent. Home issues that are more susceptible in the winter—such as frozen pipes, window and door drafts can be easily detected during this time of year. Most big inspection issues are best left to a pro, but while you’re taking stock, check off this easy to-do: Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Take care of wood floors. Winter can wreak major havoc on wood floors: Rock salt can stain wood (and its rough crystals can scratch floors), while indoor heaters can dry it out, causing problems like shrinkage and cracked floorboards. Avoid using vinegar to remove stains. Instead, place rugs and mats in the highest-traffic areas. To lock moisture in the air and prevent heat-related damage to your floorboards, run a humidifier. And, of course, engage in routine sweeping, dusting, and mopping.

Protip: remember to mop with the boards, and not against the grain.

Block drafts. With temperatures down and indoor heaters working overtime, you’ll know if your weatherstripping isn’t up to par. And over time, all that unwanted cold air can increase your energy bill in a major way.

If the cold air is getting in under a door, pick up a door sweep at a local home improvement store. This doodad is typically made of hard plastic and attaches to the bottom of your door, sealing any gaps.

To clean your hood filters, fill a bucket with boiling water; add a quarter-cup baking soda and some liquid dish soap. Mix well and submerge the filters. Let them soak for a couple of minutes and rinse thoroughly. If your oven has a self-cleaning function, use it at least once a month. If not, apply a paste of baking soda and water, then scrub.

Inspect the property. Yes, it’s cold and the last thing you probably want to do this time of year is