WINTER HOME MAINTENANCE PLAN -
2 tasks per month
December – Year-End Home Check
1. Inspect Holiday Lights & Outlets
Why? Prevents electrical hazards.
DIY Steps:
Why? Prevents electrical hazards.
DIY Steps:
Check cords for fraying.
Use surge protectors.
Avoid overloading circuits.
Professional Help: Hire an electrician or holiday light installer.
Use surge protectors.
Avoid overloading circuits.
Professional Help: Hire an electrician or holiday light installer.
2. Declutter & Organize
Why? Prepares for the new year.
DIY Steps:
Why? Prepares for the new year.
DIY Steps:
Sort and donate unused items.
Store holiday decor efficiently.
Clean and reorganize living spaces.
Professional Help: Contact a professional organizer.
Store holiday decor efficiently.
Clean and reorganize living spaces.
Professional Help: Contact a professional organizer.
January – Start the Year Right
1. Replace HVAC Filters
Why? Dirty filters reduce efficiency and air quality.
DIY Steps:
Why? Dirty filters reduce efficiency and air quality.
DIY Steps:
Turn off your HVAC system.
Remove the old filter and check its size.
Insert the new filter with arrows pointing in the airflow direction.
Turn the system back on.
Professional Help: Contact an HVAC specialist for a full system check.
Remove the old filter and check its size.
Insert the new filter with arrows pointing in the airflow direction.
Turn the system back on.
Professional Help: Contact an HVAC specialist for a full system check.
2. Educate Your Family on Household Emergencies
Why? If an unfortunate situation such as a water line break occurs, knowing how to shutoff the water to the home can save thousands!
Why? If an unfortunate situation such as a water line break occurs, knowing how to shutoff the water to the home can save thousands!
DIY Steps:
Show all family members where the main shutoff valve is located and have them each turn it off to demonstrate. Also, place a visible tag on the valve.
Professional Help: Call a plumber or the City emergency line
Professional Help: Call a plumber or the City emergency line
February – Safety First
1. Test Smoke & CO Detectors
Why? These devices save lives.
DIY Steps:
DIY Steps:
Press the test button on each detector.
Replace batteries if necessary.
Install new detectors if expired (typically every 10 years).
Replace batteries if necessary.
Install new detectors if expired (typically every 10 years).
Recent changes in Illinois Law require smoke and CO detectors be interconnected - either hardwired together, or wireless mesh units can solve this problem.
Professional Help: Hire an electrician for a whole-home check.
Professional Help: Hire an electrician for a whole-home check.
2. Winter home safety requires preventing frozen pipes by insulating them, keeping thermostats set to at least 63∘F inside.
DIY Steps:
DIY Steps:
Pipe insulation can be purchased at any home improvement store - just get the correct size with adhesive ends for easy placement. Additionally, in extreme cold temps, be sure to drip water slightly at sinks to keep water moving in the system. Another tip is to leave under-sink cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate to the copper piping.
Professional Help: Contact a handyman for professional help.
DIY VIDEOS FOR WINTER HOME MAINTENANCE
Check out our video resources to learn more about these winter home maintenance recommendations