Winter Maintenance

Complete a Winter Checklist this Season & Save Money

 

Some people absolutely hate winter, while others count the days until the first snowfall. But whether you're an avid winter activity lover or an avid bundle in the house until spring type person, there are some winter maintenance items you should add to your to-do list.

Make sure your house is ready for the cold, ice, and snow. To help get you started, here's a winter supplies checklist to take to the hardware store, and a chore checklist to make your family warmer and safer this season.

Get Ready for Winter Maintenance with This Shopping List

Preparing for winter includes a number of different tasks, and you'll need supplies for snow-removal, insulating the house, keeping your family safe, and more. Next time you're out shopping around Wayne, NJ, make sure you take this winter shopping list with you:

  • Smoke Detector CheckDe-icing salt for the driveway, walkways, and outdoor plumbing.
  • Snow shovel.
  • Batteries for the smoke alarm.
  • Batteries for the CO detector.
  • Heavy-duty plastic for the windows.
  • Weatherstripping.
  • Foam insulation for your waterlines.
  • Additional insulation for exterior walls.
  • Furnace filters.

Get Your House Ready with This Chore Checklist

Around the house, there are a few things that you really should take care of before the cold, snow, and ice arrive for the season. The tasks aren't onerous or even all that time-consuming, and they’ll save you both time and money down the road.

The most important home maintenance chores you should take care of before winter include insulating your house better, ensuring there's good ventilation, stocking up on a few staples, and testing your home safety devices. Here's a checklist so you can track your progress:

Frozen Pipe1. Install weather stripping around:

  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Vents
  • Mail slots
  • Plumbing access points

2. Cover drafty windows with heavy duty plastic.

3. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO detectors.

4. Test your smoke and CO detectors.

5. Wrap your water lines with insulating foam.

6. Add more insulation to exterior walls, the attic, and the basement.

7. Schedule an appointment with an HVAC professional for annual maintenance of your ventilation system and furnace.

8. Check outside vents and exhaust fans for ice and snow buildup.

9. Change or clean your furnace filters every one to three months.

10. Have de-icing salt on-hand for that first snowfall.

11. Shovel regularly during large snowfalls to keep your driveway, walkway, and sidewalks clear.

Insulated HomeThe insulating tasks on the checklist will make your home more efficient, and that means your house will stay warmer and the furnace won’t have to work as hard, and this translates to lower energy bills.

Improving the ventilation and keeping fans and vents clear will make sure that plenty of fresh air circulates through the house and that moisture doesn’t build up in the air.

Finally, the steps that address keeping pathways clear will prevent accidents and injuries caused by slips. Overall, this simple winter maintenance checklist will keep your family safe and warm, your home protected, and make sure you keep more money in your wallet.