Winter home maintenance checklist: pipes, heat and CO

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If you worked through the fall checklist, most of the heavy lifting is done. Winter is about keeping watch: checking on pipes during cold snaps, keeping vents and filters clear, and making sure the things that keep you warm do not put your family at risk.

The setup items take an hour or two. The rest are quick checks you repeat during cold spells and after storms. Tick each one as you go and the page saves your place.

Pipes and water

Keep the thermostat steady day and night during cold snaps The Red Cross suggests skipping the overnight setback when it is bitterly cold so pipes in outside walls stay warm.
Open sink cabinet doors on outside walls This lets warm room air reach the pipes. Move cleaners out of children's reach first.
Let a slow trickle run on exposed pipes in extreme cold Moving water is less likely to freeze. See prevent frozen pipes.
Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through it An open door can drop the garage below freezing fast.
Confirm outdoor faucets are shut off and drained If you missed it in fall, close the inside valve and open the outdoor faucet on the next mild day.
Know how to shut off the water in seconds A burst pipe can pour out a lot of water quickly. See find your water shutoff.
Watch for signs of a frozen pipe A faucet that only trickles or gives nothing on a cold morning may be frozen. Never thaw pipes with an open flame.

Heating

Check the furnace filter monthly The Department of Energy suggests checking monthly and changing it when dirty. See change your HVAC filter.
Clear snow and ice from outside vents The CPSC warns that blocked vents for furnaces, water heaters and dryers can push carbon monoxide back inside.
Keep space heaters three feet from anything that can burn The CPSC also says plug them straight into a wall outlet and never leave them running unattended or while you sleep.
Keep the area around the furnace and water heater clear Boxes, laundry and paint cans should not be stacked near appliances that burn fuel.
Pay attention to how the heat sounds and feels Short cycling, cold rooms or a thermostat that won't respond are worth checking early. See thermostat not working.
If you have no hot water, start with the safe checks Winter is hard on water heaters. See no hot water.

Outside

Keep walkways and steps clear of ice Use ice melt that is safe for your surfaces and pets.
Look for icicles and ice dams along the roof edge Heavy ice can damage gutters and push water under shingles. Do not climb onto an icy roof; call a roofer.
Brush heavy snow off shrubs near the house Bent branches can scrape siding and windows.
Check the gas meter and outside vents after snowstorms Clear snow gently by hand or with a broom, never by chipping at the equipment.

Outage ready

Test smoke and CO alarms The CPSC says test them monthly. Make sure CO alarms are on every level and near sleeping areas.
Put flashlights and fresh batteries where you can find them in the dark Use them instead of candles during an outage, the CPSC advises.
Plan where a generator would go Outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, with exhaust aimed away from doors, windows and vents.
Know the food rules for an outage Ready.gov says a closed fridge keeps food cold about 4 hours and a full freezer about 48 hours. Keep the doors shut.
Unplug electronics when the power goes out Ready.gov suggests this to protect them from surges when power returns.

Our free maintenance calendar can remind you of these every winter. If you find a frozen or burst pipe, a heating problem or an ice dam you would rather not handle, we can match you with a local pro quickly.

Common questions

What temperature should I leave my house at in winter if I go away?

The American Red Cross says to keep the heat on and set no lower than 55°F while you are away, to help keep pipes from freezing.

Should I drip my faucets when it's very cold?

The Red Cross suggests letting a slow trickle run from faucets served by pipes in exposed or unheated spots during extreme cold. Moving water is less likely to freeze.

Can I run a generator in my garage with the door open?

No. The CPSC says never run a generator in a garage, basement, shed or any enclosed space, even with doors or windows open. Run it outdoors at least 20 feet from the house.