Home maintenance checklist for winter preparation

As temperatures decrease, homeowners are advised to perform seasonal maintenance to prevent costly repairs and ensure safety during winter. Key steps include cleaning gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water damage to foundations.

For heating systems, experts recommend inspecting outdoor HVAC equipment for debris, replacing air filters every one to three months to maintain airflow, and scheduling professional annual tune-ups before the first cold weather arrives. Additionally, testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replacing batteries is critical as heating systems are used more frequently.