With December just around the corner, now's the time to tackle some crucial winter home maintenance tasks before the month ends. Completing these jobs can help you avoid expensive repairs come spring.
Fortunately, these tasks are straightforward and don’t require a lot of time. From safeguarding outdoor faucets to ensuring your chimney is clean, now is the perfect moment to address these important maintenance issues and steer clear of common winter pitfalls.
We’ve consulted with experts, and here are their top recommendations.
5 Key Winter Home Maintenance Tasks to Complete Before November 30
1. Inspect and Clean Your Heating System
A simple inspection and cleaning can prevent serious fire risks.
First and foremost, it’s vital to inspect and clean your heating system.
“Homeowners should arrange for a thorough cleaning and inspection of their heating systems before November 30, as winter approaches,” advises a home safety expert.
“I once woke up to the smell of burning electrical components in my home. It was terrifying, especially with kids around. The issue? Our furnace malfunctioned due to overuse,” he shared.
“Regular inspections and maintenance of your furnace or heat pump can prevent such heating fires. A quick check now can identify dangerous problems early, giving you peace of mind throughout winter.”
According to studies, only about a third of households with central heating schedule annual inspections, despite the fact that heating systems cause nearly 14,883 fires and over 400 fatalities each year in the U.S. This simple November task is critical.
To ensure safety, avoid common fire hazards at home, including checking batteries in your carbon monoxide alarms. If you need one, consider the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector available on Amazon. You can find installation tips in our dedicated guide.
2. Clean Your Chimneys
Cleaning your chimney helps prevent fire hazards and reduces drafts.
Additionally, it's crucial to prepare your chimney for winter and clean your fireplace.
An expert recommends, “If you have a fireplace, inspect and clean your chimney to remove debris, thus minimizing fire hazards and drafts. Both wood-burning and gas fireplaces require seasonal maintenance for safe operation.”
“Remove any leftover ashes and check the flue for blockages. Make sure the damper opens and closes properly. For gas fireplaces, also inspect pilot lights, hoses, and valves for wear. We suggest scheduling a professional cleaning to check for potential hazards.”
To dispose of ashes, use the ash trap or a metal ash bucket, along with a fireplace shovel and brush, available on Amazon.
For wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, aim for cleaning after every 50 to 70 fires. Gas fireplaces need an annual check-up — November is the right moment for this.
3. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Remove Hoses
Using a faucet cover is an effective way to winterize outdoor faucets.
An expert warns, “A single night below freezing can cause a faucet to freeze and burst a pipe inside the wall — a repair that can exceed $1,000. Preparing early can prevent damage during the first cold snap.”
To protect your outdoor faucet and prevent freezing, follow these steps:
- Unplug all hoses and splitters.
- Turn off the interior supply valve.
- Open the outdoor spigot to drain excess water.
- Open the interior bleeder valve, if available.
- Install an insulated faucet cover. Consider the Frost King Foam Faucet Cover, available on Amazon.
4. Weatherproof Windows and Doors
Sealing drafts can significantly reduce heating costs.
Next, ensure your windows are sealed and doors are draft-proof.
“Choose the appropriate type of weather stripping, whether it’s adhesive foam tape available on Amazon, V-strip, or door sweeps. Take off the old weather stripping, clean the surface, and install the new one according to the instructions.”
One homeowner recently dealt with a drafty front door that disrupted her thermostat, causing uneven temperatures. She used an affordable under-door solution that will help reduce energy costs over time.
5. Repair Cracks in Driveways and Walkways Before Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Cracked concrete can pose trip hazards and lead to costly repairs.
Finally, address any cracks in your driveways and walkways before November 30.
To repair, clean debris from the cracks and apply a concrete crack filler, such as the Red Devil Concrete Repair Patch available on Amazon, or LATEX-ITE Driveway Filler available at Walmart, and smooth it out with a squeegee.
Then, avoid driving over the area for 24 hours.
What to Shop
All prices were accurate at the time of publication.
Easy installation
This carbon monoxide alarm uses electrochemical sensor technology for detection and installs easily with just two AA batteries.
3-in-1 tools
This five-piece fireplace toolset is designed for efficient cleaning, featuring a brush, poker, tongs, and shovel made from durable wrought iron.
Pack of two
This outdoor faucet cover is easy to install and reusable, designed to prevent freeze-ups.
Top-rated
This waterproof silicone caulk is resistant to mold and mildew, durable, and ready for water exposure in as little as 30 minutes.
Great for windows and doors
This weather stripping tape measures 33 ft and helps maintain a comfortable indoor climate, made from safe materials for kids and pets.
High durability
This self-adhesive weather stripping is ideal for draft-proofing various areas in your home.
Meet the Experts
Rob Gabriele
Rob is a home safety expert with extensive research experience, having authored numerous guides focused on smart living.
Ron Shimek
Ron has been leading Mr. Handyman, a top property maintenance company, since May 2024.
Robert Schwachenwald
Robert is the owner of Bizzy Bee Plumbing with extensive hands-on plumbing experience.
If your driveway is icy, using sand instead of salt is an eco-friendly method to improve traction without heavy lifting.
This is also an ideal moment to start a winter cleaning schedule.
