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Getting ready for winter: What's on your maintenance checklist?

home-maintenancewinter-prephome-ownership
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Lachezar_B
Joined:
24.02.2024
Posts: 1340
Topic Starter
10.02.2025 03:12
Now that the temperatures are finally dropping, I'm starting to get nervous about potential damage to my house this winter. I've already cleared the gutters and shut off the outdoor faucets, but I feel like I'm missing some of the less obvious stuff. Does anyone have a solid checklist for winterizing a property to prevent frozen pipes or roof issues? I'd appreciate any tips on what to inspect before the first real blizzard hits.
12 replies in this topic
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Maks_D
Joined:
16.06.2020
Posts: 676
13.03.2025 06:24
Good call starting early. Don't forget to reverse your ceiling fans to push the warm air down; it makes a bigger difference than you'd think.
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Zhivko_D
Joined:
28.08.2024
Posts: 1114
25.04.2025 18:38
In reply to a previous post
I’d suggest checking the weather stripping around all your exterior doors. If you can see daylight, you're losing money on heating.
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Ekspert_11
Joined:
31.10.2023
Posts: 1794
03.05.2025 08:51
Does anyone actually bleed their radiators anymore? My place is old and I'm wondering if it's still necessary.
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Kaya_J
Joined:
18.04.2021
Posts: 746
04.05.2025 03:02
In reply to a previous post
Yes, definitely do it! It helps with efficiency and keeps the heat consistent throughout the house.
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damian_varna
Joined:
02.11.2023
Posts: 1115
29.05.2025 03:36
Make sure you have your furnace serviced by a professional if you haven't done it in a while. Nothing worse than your heat dying in the middle of a sub-zero night.
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star_vulk
Joined:
31.03.2022
Posts: 2303
25.07.2025 12:58
In reply to a previous post
I second the furnace service tip. I learned that the hard way last year when my heat exchanger cracked.
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Brayan_Z
Joined:
22.12.2024
Posts: 251
02.10.2025 09:11
Don't forget to put a cover on your outdoor AC unit if you have one. Keeps the debris and snow out of the coils.
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Bg_Pechba
Joined:
11.04.2025
Posts: 165
15.10.2025 09:22
In reply to a previous post
Wait, is covering the AC unit actually recommended? I read somewhere that it can trap moisture and cause rust.
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Poli_H
Joined:
02.12.2022
Posts: 233
04.01.2026 14:37
In reply to a previous post
It depends on the model, but usually a simple plywood cover on top is better than wrapping the whole thing in plastic.
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Niko_N
Joined:
22.12.2020
Posts: 2001
16.02.2026 12:01
If you have a fireplace, have the chimney swept now. Waiting until winter means you'll be on a months-long waiting list for a technician.
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Stefan_W
Joined:
09.04.2023
Posts: 1319
24.02.2026 10:12
In reply to a previous post
Great advice on the chimney, mine is booked for next Tuesday. Also, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors since we spend so much more time indoors with the windows shut.
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Poli_H
Joined:
19.10.2022
Posts: 846
10.04.2026 08:16
I just bought a new snowblower and made sure it's running well. I’m not breaking my back with a shovel again this year if I can help it.

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