Why Winter Preparation Matters
As professional home inspectors, we've witnessed the aftermath of inadequate winter preparation countless times. Burst pipes causing tens of thousands in water damage, ice dams destroying ceilings and walls, heating system failures during the coldest nights, and roof collapses from snow accumulation—these aren't rare occurrences. They're preventable problems that happen to unprepared homes every winter.
The good news is that systematic preparation significantly reduces your risk. This checklist is based on decades of professional experience and represents the critical tasks that protect your home from winter's challenges.
Heating System Preparation
Your heating system works harder during winter than any other season. Failure during a cold snap isn't just uncomfortable—it can lead to frozen pipes and catastrophic damage.
Professional HVAC Service
Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up before heating season begins. A qualified technician should inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion (critical for safety in gas furnaces), clean and adjust burners for efficient combustion, test safety controls and limit switches, inspect and clean the blower assembly, check electrical connections and tighten as needed, measure temperature rise and ensure proper operation, and replace or clean filters.
This service typically costs $100-200 but can prevent mid-winter breakdowns that cost thousands in emergency repairs and potential damage from system failure.
Homeowner Maintenance
Between professional services, homeowners should replace or clean filters monthly during heating season, keep vents and registers clear of obstructions, ensure adequate clearance around furnace (combustibles should be at least 3 feet away), test carbon monoxide detectors monthly, and listen for unusual noises that might indicate developing problems.
Thermostat Verification
Test your thermostat's accuracy using a separate thermometer placed near the thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, verify programming is correct for your winter schedule. Consider a smart thermostat that can alert you to system failures even when you're away—an investment that can prevent frozen pipe disasters.
Backup Heat Considerations
If you heat with a single system and winter temperatures in your area regularly drop below freezing, consider backup heating options. Space heaters (properly used and monitored), a generator for power outage situations, or knowledge of how to safely shut down and winterize plumbing if heat is lost for an extended period can be invaluable.
Plumbing Protection
Frozen pipes are among the most common and costly winter problems. When water freezes, it expands, potentially bursting pipes and causing extensive water damage.
Exterior Faucets and Irrigation
Disconnect and drain all garden hoses. Shut off interior valves supplying exterior faucets (if present). Open exterior faucets to drain residual water. Install insulated faucet covers on hose bibs. If you have an irrigation system, have it professionally winterized with compressed air to blow out all water.
Interior Pipe Insulation
Insulate pipes in unheated areas including crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls. Pay particular attention to both hot and cold water lines (frozen hot water pipes can burst just as easily). Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape for vulnerable areas. Seal any openings where cold air could reach pipes, such as around pipe penetrations in exterior walls.
Cabinet Door Protocol
During extreme cold, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. This simple step can prevent freezing in vulnerable locations.
Maintain Minimum Temperature
If traveling during winter, never set your thermostat below 55°F. The energy savings aren't worth the risk of frozen pipes. Consider a monitoring system that alerts you if indoor temperature drops dangerously low.
Know Your Shut-Off Valves
Ensure all household members know where the main water shut-off is located and how to operate it. In the event of a pipe burst, shutting off water quickly can mean the difference between minor and catastrophic damage.
Roof and Gutter Maintenance
Your roof faces some of its greatest challenges during winter months.
Professional Roof Inspection
If your roof is more than 10 years old or you're uncertain of its condition, have a professional inspection before winter. The inspector should examine shingles for damage, curling, or missing pieces, check flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys for proper sealing, assess the condition of penetrations and roof-mounted equipment, verify adequate attic ventilation to prevent ice dams, and inspect from the attic for any signs of previous leaks or water staining.
Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly after leaves have fallen. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams and water infiltration. Ensure gutters are properly sloped to drain. Repair any loose or damaged sections. Verify downspouts discharge at least 6 feet from foundation. Consider gutter guards if you have significant tree cover—they're an investment that pays dividends in reduced maintenance.
Ice Dam Prevention
Ice dams form when heat escaping through your roof melts snow, which then refreezes at the colder eaves, creating a dam that forces water under shingles. Prevention strategies include ensuring adequate attic insulation (minimum R-38 in most climates), proper attic ventilation (balance of soffit and ridge vents), sealing any air leaks from living space into attic, and in chronic cases, installing heat cables along eaves (a treatment, not a cure).
Snow Load Awareness
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, understand your roof's load capacity. Wet, heavy snow weighs significantly more than dry snow. If accumulation exceeds 2 feet of packed snow or ice, consider professional snow removal, particularly on flat or low-slope roofs.
Exterior Envelope Inspection
Your home's exterior is its first line of defense against winter weather.
Window and Door Inspection
Check all weatherstripping around doors and windows and replace any that's damaged or compressed. Inspect and refresh caulking around window and door frames—even small gaps can lead to significant heat loss and water infiltration. Ensure all windows close and lock properly. Consider plastic window film insulation for single-pane windows or particularly drafty windows. Inspect door thresholds and replace if damaged.
Siding and Masonry
Inspect siding for damage, paying particular attention to areas where water could penetrate. Check that all siding is properly secured. Examine brick mortar joints and repair any deterioration before winter freezing can worsen it. Look for any gaps where pests could enter seeking warmth.
Chimney and Vents
If you have a chimney, have it professionally inspected and cleaned. Ensure the chimney cap is in place and undamaged. Verify that dryer vents, bathroom vents, and other exterior vents are clear and have functioning dampers. Inspect the area around vent penetrations for proper sealing.
Drainage and Grading
While you might think drainage is primarily a spring concern, proper drainage is critical during winter thaw cycles.
Grading Verification
Ensure soil slopes away from your foundation in all areas—minimum 6 inches of fall over 10 feet. Add soil if needed to improve grading. Keep mulch and soil below the siding level to prevent moisture intrusion.
Downspout Extensions
Verify that downspouts discharge well away from the foundation. Frozen ground won't absorb water during thaw events, making surface drainage critical.
Window Wells
Clean window well drains and ensure covers are in place. Ice and snow accumulation in window wells can lead to basement leaks.
Safety Systems Check
Winter increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning due to increased use of heating systems and alternative heat sources.
Smoke and CO Detectors
Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries in battery-operated units (or do so annually, such as when changing clocks). Replace any detectors more than 10 years old. Ensure you have detectors on every level, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.
Fire Extinguishers
Verify that fire extinguishers are properly charged and accessible. Ensure household members know how to use them. Consider an extinguisher near your furnace or wood-burning appliance.
Generator Safety
If you have a generator, test it before you need it. Ensure you have adequate fuel (and stabilizer for long-term storage). Never operate a generator indoors or in an attached garage—carbon monoxide is deadly. Review proper operation procedures with household members.
Interior Preparation
Attic Inspection
During the first cold spell, inspect your attic for frost accumulation on the underside of roof sheathing. Excessive frost indicates air leakage from living space or inadequate ventilation—both issues that can lead to ice dams and should be addressed.
Basement and Crawl Space
Inspect basement for any signs of moisture intrusion and address before freeze-thaw cycles worsen issues. Ensure crawl space vents are properly configured for your climate (closed in cold climates, open in moderate climates). Verify sump pump operation if you have one, and consider a battery backup system.
Ceiling Fan Direction
Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down (clockwise rotation when looking up). This improves heating efficiency in rooms with high ceilings.
Humidity Control
Winter air is dry. Maintain indoor humidity between 30-40% for comfort and to prevent issues with wood floors and furnishings. Don't over-humidify—excessive humidity leads to condensation and potential mold growth.
Emergency Preparedness
Winter weather can be unpredictable. Prepare for power outages and severe weather.
Emergency Supplies
Maintain flashlights and fresh batteries. Store several days' worth of water (1 gallon per person per day). Keep non-perishable food on hand. Have a battery or hand-crank radio for weather updates. Stock first-aid supplies and necessary medications. Keep phone chargers and backup power banks charged.
Important Documents
Know where your homeowner's insurance policy is and understand your coverage. Keep your home inspector's contact information, HVAC contractor's number, plumber's number, and electrician's number readily available. Document your home's condition with photos for insurance purposes.
Professional Inspection Considerations
A pre-winter professional home inspection can identify issues before they become winter emergencies. This is particularly valuable if your home is more than 20 years old, you've recently purchased the home, you're uncertain about any systems' condition, or you've had previous winter problems.
Professional inspectors have the tools, training, and experience to identify potential problems that homeowners might miss. The cost of an inspection is minimal compared to the cost of winter damage.
Conclusion
Winter preparation isn't a single afternoon project—it's a systematic process of inspection, maintenance, and prevention. The time and money invested in preparation pays dividends through avoided damage, lower energy costs, improved comfort, and peace of mind during winter's worst weather.
Start this checklist in early fall, when weather is still favorable for exterior work. Spread tasks over several weekends if needed, and don't hesitate to hire professionals for work beyond your capabilities. Your home is likely your largest investment—protecting it through proper winter preparation is simply sound financial management.
The homes that fare best through winter are those whose owners take a proactive, methodical approach to preparation. That's the difference between a season of comfortable living and a winter of expensive emergencies. Choose preparation—your home and your wallet will thank you.