Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Winter maintenance is mostly monitoring and quick response. Here is what to watch weekly, and what to do when the forecast turns severe.
Fact-checked and reviewed by a licensed home inspector (ASHI #A-4471) by Ray Whitfield. Read our content review process.
In winter, the house is under continuous stress and small failures escalate quickly. A burst pipe discovered in an hour is a repair; discovered in a day it is a renovation.
Weekly during cold months
- Check for ice buildup at the roof edge and icicles, both signs of an ice dam forming
- Confirm exhaust vents and the furnace intake are clear of snow
- Look under sinks on exterior walls for early signs of a leak
- Verify indoor humidity sits between about 30 and 50 percent
- Check the attic after heavy snow for frost on sheathing, which indicates air leakage from below
Before a severe cold snap
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach the pipes
- Let a pencil-thin trickle run from the faucet farthest from the water main
- Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature, day and night — deep setbacks cool wall cavities
- Confirm you know where the main water shutoff is and that the valve turns
- If leaving town, set heat no lower than about 55°F and have someone check the house
Ice dams
Ice dams form when heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the upper roof, which then refreezes at the cold eave. The water backs up under shingles and enters the house. Roof rakes and heat cables treat symptoms; air sealing and insulation treat the cause. Never chip at ice with a hammer or chisel — you will damage the roof.
Heating efficiency
- Change filters monthly during heavy use
- Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise on low, pushing warm air down along the walls
- Open curtains on sun-facing windows during the day, close them at night
- Keep registers unblocked and interior doors open for balanced airflow
- Add temporary window film on drafty single-pane windows
Indoor air and safety
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at the start of the season
- Never use ovens, grills, or unvented heaters for space heating
- Keep space heaters three feet from anything combustible and plugged directly into a wall outlet
- Run bath fans during and for twenty minutes after showers to control moisture
- Watch for condensation on windows — persistent moisture means humidity is too high
Outside
- Keep walkways clear; use ice melt appropriate to your surfaces and pets
- Clear snow away from the dryer vent, furnace intake, and gas meter
- Brush heavy snow off low roof sections and awnings
- Keep an emergency kit accessible: flashlights, batteries, water, blankets, phone bank
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave faucets dripping in cold weather?
During extreme cold, yes — a slow trickle on the fixture farthest from the main relieves pressure and keeps water moving in vulnerable lines.
How do I safely remove an ice dam?
Clear snow from the lower roof with a roof rake from the ground, and use calcium chloride in a fabric sleeve laid across the dam to melt a channel. Never chip with tools, and hire a steaming service for severe cases.
What humidity level should a house be in winter?
Roughly 30 to 40 percent. Higher levels cause condensation and mold on cold surfaces; much lower is uncomfortable and hard on wood.
Editorial note. This article is general guidance, not a substitute for a professional inspection. If you suspect a gas leak, electrical fault, structural damage, or any condition that may be unsafe, leave the area if necessary and contact a licensed professional or your utility immediately.
