Preparing Your Home for Winter

Winter is hard on houses. Heating systems run for months, pipes risk freezing, and small leaks can become big problems under snow and ice. A few hours of preparation in the fall can prevent the most common cold-weather repairs and keep your home comfortable.

Get your heating system ready

Your heating system will do most of the work this season, so start there.

1. Schedule a tune-up. A technician can clean and inspect your furnace, boiler or heat pump, check safety controls, and spot worn parts before they fail.
2. Replace the furnace filter. A clean filter helps airflow and efficiency. Check it monthly during heavy use.
3. Test the thermostat. Switch to heat and make sure the system responds. Replace batteries if your thermostat uses them.
4. Clear around equipment. Keep storage away from the furnace, water heater and vents.
5. Check vents and registers. Make sure furniture and rugs aren't blocking them.

Our page on heating coverage explains which parts many home warranties include.

Protect your pipes

Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious water damage.

• Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, attics and along exterior walls.
• Disconnect garden hoses and drain them.
• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets if they aren't frost-free. Many homes have an indoor shutoff valve for each outdoor spigot.
• Know where your main water shutoff is. Make sure it turns easily.
• Seal drafts near pipes, such as gaps around dryer vents or sill plates.

During very cold snaps, opening cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls and letting a faucet drip can help.

Check your water heater

Your water heater works harder when incoming water is colder. Before winter:

• Look for rust, moisture or leaks around the base.
• Listen for popping or rumbling, which can signal sediment buildup.
• Consider flushing the tank, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Make sure the area around a gas water heater is clear.

See water heater coverage for what many plans include.

Roof, gutters and drainage

• Clean gutters and downspouts after leaves fall so melting snow can drain.
• Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Look for damaged or missing shingles from the ground, or have a roofer check.
• Check attic insulation and ventilation. Poor insulation can contribute to ice dams.

Safety checks

Heating season raises some safety risks.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed.
• Have chimneys and flues inspected if you use a fireplace or wood stove.
• Keep space heaters away from anything flammable and plug them directly into the wall.
• Keep a flashlight and batteries handy in case of outages.

Outdoor equipment

• Drain fuel or add stabilizer to gas-powered lawn equipment.
• Service your snow blower and test it before the first storm.
• Cover or store patio furniture.
• Winterize your pool or spa according to the manufacturer's directions if you have one.

If you're traveling this winter, don't turn the heat off. Set the thermostat to a safe temperature, ask someone to check on the house, and consider shutting off the main water supply if you'll be gone a while. Some smart thermostats and leak sensors can alert you to problems remotely, which gives you a chance to call for help before a small issue turns into a flooded basement.

How home warranties fit in

A home warranty doesn't replace maintenance, and many plans can deny claims for damage caused by lack of upkeep. Plans also typically cover repair of systems and appliances, not water damage to floors or walls, which is usually a homeowners insurance question. Learn more in our overview of how home warranties work.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help homeowners compare home warranty plans from independent third-party providers and explain what each plan covers for heating, plumbing and water heaters before you buy. Request a free quote at get a quote.