Winter Home Maintenance List

Allow winter’s rain and melting snow to properly drain by removing fall leaves and other debris from your gutters.
Consider having your furnace professionally cleaned and turned annually. Replace those furnace filters monthly, if needed.
Repair any obvious leaks in the most common drafty areas: recessed lighting, window and door frames and electrical outlets.
Feeling drafty? Check the attic to make sure you see a minimum of 12 inches of insulation.
Check crawlspace for flooding after the first long rainfall.
Check your heating ducts and clean out any abundant dust, animal hair and other debris that can gather and cause respiratory issues.
Reverse your ceiling fans to force warm air downward, keeping your home more comfortable. Note to self: As you look up, blades should be turning clockwise during the winter months.
Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor and in the garage.
If you haven’t checked the operation of your home’s smoke detectors.. now is a great time to do so. Check batteries too!
Invest in a carbon-monoxide detector: Every home should have at least one. They also make great, utilitarian holiday gifts!