During winter, a set of simple steps can help protect your property and ensure your comfort throughout the season. This guide walks you through how to safeguard your home from winter damage — from outdoor maintenance to improving energy efficiency and essential cleaning tasks no homeowner should overlook.
Cleaning the Kitchen Hood Fan and Filter
A clean kitchen hood helps maintain good air quality. Grease buildup reduces efficiency, traps odors, and can even become a fire hazard.
To clean the hood fan and filter:
Disassemble parts: Remove the filter and drip tray according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Deep clean: Place parts in the dishwasher if possible. For heavily soiled pieces, soak them in a 1:1 solution of hot water and degreaser for at least 10 minutes.
Dry: Scrub, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Don’t forget to clean the fan blades or turbine.
Checking Fire Extinguishers
Before the colder months, when heating systems are used more frequently:
Remove dust and insects from each nozzle.
Ensure the pressure gauge is within the operating range. Refill immediately if pressure is low.
Replace non-refillable extinguishers if you notice rust, dents, or leaks.
Preventing Water and Ice Damage
As temperatures drop, frozen pipes become a risk.
Ventilate the attic: Lower vents work with upper vents to keep the space dry. Blocked vents can cause ice buildup.
Visual inspection: On a sunny day, check for light entering the attic. If none appears, vents may be blocked.
Roof maintenance: Look for missing shingles, loose metal sheets, or clogged gutters to prevent leaks during storms.
Preparing for Cold Weather
Schedule an annual inspection of insulation and heating systems.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries regularly.
Check windows and doors for cracks and seal any drafts.
Store enough fuel or firewood for the entire season.
Protecting Pipes from Freezing
Burst pipes are among the worst winter accidents. To avoid them:
Insulate exposed pipes: Use foam pipe insulation in unheated areas such as basements and attics. Secure with tape.
Drain outdoor systems: Disconnect and empty garden hoses. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers and shut off their water supply if possible.
Warm cabinets: Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Keeping the Home Warm Indoors
Heating maintenance: Have a technician inspect the heat exchanger and thermostat.
Curtains and windows: Keep curtains closed at night to reduce heat loss and open them during the day to let sunlight in.
Seal outlets: Insulate outlets and switches on exterior walls with foam covers and replace worn weatherstripping around doors.
Protecting the Exterior and Garden
Clean gutters: Remove leaves to prevent heavy ice buildup that may damage them.
Care for plants: Move sensitive plants indoors and add mulch around outdoor plants to protect roots from frost.
Secure walkways: Store sand or ice-melt materials to prevent slipping and mark driveway edges for easier snow removal.
Repair structures: Inspect foundations and fix exterior cracks before water freezes inside and expands.
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