As winter approaches, this is a good time to take care of a few key home maintenance tasks. Small fixes done now can help prevent larger, more expensive issues later. Making sure your home’s cold-weather systems are ready before temperatures drop can save money, reduce stress, and avoid last-minute surprises.

Drain the Hose & Shut Off Exterior Water Lines

Once watering season is over, it’s important to fully shut down your outdoor water lines. Turn off the interior shut-off valves that feed exterior taps, then open the outdoor faucets and drain all remaining water from hoses and lines. This helps prevent cracked hoses and burst faucets over the winter.

Tip: Unroll hoses on a slight slope to allow any remaining water to drain out completely before storing them.

Clear Attic & Soffit Vents

Making sure attic and soffit vents are clear helps prevent ice buildup on the roof and allows melting snow to drain properly. When vents are blocked, moisture can build up inside the attic, which increases the risk of mould and can contribute to damage over time, including to roof materials.

Tip: Clear away leaves and debris so air can flow freely. A leaf blower or a gentle rinse can help clean vents before winter sets in.

Clean the Chimney

A wood-burning fireplace can be a real comfort during the winter months, but it also needs regular attention. As fires burn, creosote builds up inside the chimney. If too much accumulates, it increases the risk of chimney fires. Having the chimney inspected and cleaned before winter is an important part of safe operation.

Tip: If you can safely reach inside the chimney liner, run the end of a fire poker along the surface. If there is more than about three millimetres of buildup, it’s time to call a certified chimney sweep.

Store Pots and Planters

If you plan to leave clay or ceramic pots outside over the winter, make sure they’re emptied first. Moist soil expands as it freezes, which can cause containers to crack. Removing the soil before temperatures drop helps protect the pots and makes them easier to move and reuse in the spring.

Tip: Emptying pots now also makes spring planting quicker and less messy.

Clean the Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to winter issues like roof leaks, ice buildup, and water pooling near the foundation. Clearing them out before snow arrives helps water move away from the house instead of backing up where it shouldn’t. If ladders aren’t your thing, this is a good job to leave to an insured professional.

Tip: Check that downspout extensions direct water at least 1.5 metres away from the foundation.

Seal Gaps With Caulking & Weather Stripping

Caulking is an effective way to seal small gaps around siding, windows, and door frames. Any opening wide enough to let air or moisture through can lead to drafts, higher energy costs, and water damage over time. Sealing those gaps before winter helps keep cold air out and protects the building envelope.

Tip: There are different products for interior and exterior use, so make sure you’re using the right caulking for the job. Check exterior doors as well. If you can see daylight around the edges from inside, adding or replacing weather stripping can make a noticeable difference.

Inspect the Roof

Before winter, take a careful look at your roof for signs of wear. From the ground, binoculars can help you spot missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Small issues are often manageable for a handyman, while larger problem areas are better handled by a roofing professional.

Tip: Pay close attention to flashing around chimneys and vent stacks, as these are common trouble spots. If you have a drone and permission to fly in your neighbourhood, this is a great excuse to take it out and get a clear look, no ladder required.

Protect Your A/C Unit

It can be tempting to tightly wrap an outdoor air-conditioning unit for winter, but that approach often causes more harm than good. Plastic wrapping can trap moisture, which encourages corrosion, and it can also create a sheltered spot for rodents.

Many units come with manufacturer-designed covers, and those are generally fine to use as intended. They’re made to protect the top of the unit while still allowing airflow around the sides. If you don’t have one, a properly sized piece of plywood placed over the top can offer similar protection from falling icicles and heavy snow.

Tip: Whether you’re using a fitted cover or plywood, avoid sealing the unit completely. Air circulation helps prevent moisture buildup and reduces the risk of winter damage.

Service the Heating System

It’s a good idea to have your heating system checked before colder weather sets in. A professional inspection can include testing, cleaning, and confirming that your furnace or heat pump is running efficiently. Catching small issues early can help prevent inconvenient breakdowns once the weather turns cold.

Tip: Replace the furnace filter at the start of the heating season and make sure you have a few spares on hand. This is also a good time to put fresh batteries into any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors that use them.

Reverse ceiling fans for winter

If your home has ceiling fans, check whether they have a reverse setting. In winter mode, the fan runs clockwise at a low speed, gently pushing warm air down from the ceiling and helping it circulate more evenly through the room. This can improve comfort and reduce heating costs, especially in rooms with higher ceilings.

Tip: If your ceilings are particularly high and your fans don’t have a reverse option, upgrading to models that do can make a noticeable difference over time.

Before winter arrives, it’s worth taking a little time to get these basics handled. None of them are complicated on their own, but together they can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable and worry-free the colder months feel.

Updated December 2025