Senate Cents: A Financial Wellness Blog

A little preparation before temperatures drop can help keep your home comfortable, reduce energy waste, and catch small problems before they turn into more expensive repairs. Taking care of issues early can also give you more time to plan and budget if a larger project is needed.

Here are five areas worth checking before winter arrives.

1. Service Your Heating System

Your heating system plays a big role in both winter comfort and energy use. A little attention before the season starts can help it operate reliably when you need it most.

• Schedule a professional checkup — A qualified technician can inspect the system, check controls and components, and identify potential issues before peak heating season.
• Replace the filter — A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make the system work harder than necessary.
• Test your thermostat — Make sure the heating system responds properly and replace thermostat batteries if needed.
• Check carbon monoxide detectors — Test detectors and replace batteries as recommended.

Routine maintenance can help your system operate efficiently and may reduce the chance of an unexpected heating problem during colder weather.

2. Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors

Small gaps around windows and doors can make rooms feel colder and allow heated air to escape.

Check for drafts, worn weatherstripping, or visible gaps around frames. Depending on what you find, simple fixes may include:

• Replacing worn weatherstripping
• Adding a door sweep
• Sealing appropriate gaps with caulk
• Using temporary window insulation film where helpful

Reducing air leaks can improve comfort and may help lower heating costs by limiting unnecessary heat loss.

3. Clear Gutters and Check Drainage

Fall leaves and debris can quickly clog gutters just when you need them working properly.

Before winter, check that:

• Gutters are clear of leaves and debris
• Downspouts are open and draining properly
• Water is directed away from the foundation
• Gutters are not sagging, loose, or pulling away from the house

Good drainage helps move rain and melting snow away from your home and can reduce the risk of water-related problems and ice buildup.

If cleaning gutters requires working at a height you are not comfortable with, consider hiring a professional.

4. Inspect Your Roof and Exterior

Winter weather can make existing exterior problems worse, so it is worth checking for signs of damage before snow, ice, and freezing temperatures arrive.

From the ground, look for:

• Missing, cracked, curling, or damaged shingles
• Loose siding or trim
• Visible problems around chimneys, vents, or skylights
• Areas where moisture may be able to enter

If something looks concerning, consider having a qualified professional inspect it more closely. Addressing a smaller issue early may help prevent more extensive damage later.

5. Protect Outdoor Faucets and Plumbing

Freezing temperatures can create costly plumbing problems, particularly in exterior or unheated areas.

Before the first hard freeze:

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
• If your home has an interior shutoff valve for exterior faucets, follow the appropriate steps for shutting off and draining those lines.
• Winterize sprinkler or irrigation systems, if applicable.
• Check exposed plumbing in garages, crawl spaces, basements, or other colder areas.

Taking preventive steps can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes, leaks, and water damage.

A Little Planning Now Can Help Later

Not everything you find during a seasonal check will turn into a major project. Some fixes may be quick and relatively inexpensive.

But sometimes a simple inspection uncovers something larger — windows that need replacing, a roofing issue, areas that could benefit from additional insulation, or several projects that have been building up over time.

Finding those issues earlier gives you more time to gather estimates, prioritize the work, compare your options, and plan for the cost.

Have a Home Project on Your List?

Join us for Preparing Your Home for the Season Ahead on Wednesday, September 16 at 6:00 PM ET.

Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected repair, planning a larger improvement, or looking at several projects at once, we’ll explore how project size, timing, available savings, and different financing approaches can shape the way you move forward.

This article is for educational purposes only.