🏡 December Home Maintenance Checklist

Keep Your Home Cozy, Safe & Winter-Ready

December may be the season of twinkling lights, warm gatherings, and holiday magic—but it’s also a crucial time to protect your home from the toughest winter months ahead. While we’re busy decorating and hosting, your home is quietly working overtime to keep you comfortable. A little maintenance now can prevent costly repairs later and help you enjoy a stress-free holiday season.

Here’s your comprehensive December Home Maintenance Checklist to keep everything running smoothly.

1. Guard Your Pipes Against Freezing:

When temperatures dip, pipes become vulnerable.

• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages

• On extremely cold nights, keep cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate

• Let faucets drip slowly to prevent pressure build-up

2. Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With fireplaces roaring and heating systems running nonstop, safety becomes even more important.

• Test all alarms

• Replace batteries

• Add detectors if you're missing them on key levels of your home

3. Seal Drafts and Heat Loss

Cold air loves to sneak in through small gaps.

• Inspect weatherstripping

• Caulk around windows

• Use draft stoppers for older doors

Small fixes can make a big impact on your heating bill.

4. Give Your Heating System Some Love

Your furnace carries the team all winter long.

• Replace your furnace filter (monthly is ideal during heavy use)

• If it’s been more than a year, book a professional service call

• Make sure vents are clear of furniture and décor

5. Prepare for Snow & Ice Season

Before the first big snowfall hits:

• Restock salt or ice melt

• Ensure shovels and snowblowers are working

• Mark driveway and walkway edges if needed for visibility

6. Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof

Ice dams can cause expensive water damage.

• Clear out late-season debris from gutters

• Ensure proper attic ventilation

• Check insulation to prevent heat loss

7. Reverse Ceiling Fans

A quick switch to clockwise pushes warm air down—an easy way to save on heating costs.

8. Fireplace & Chimney Safety

If your fireplace is part of your holiday traditions:

• Clean out ashes

• Check the damper

• Schedule a chimney sweep if you haven’t yet this year

9. Winterize Your Outdoor Spaces

Your backyard deserves some hibernation prep, too.

• Store patio furniture

• Remove hoses

• Shut off and drain exterior spigots

10. Deep Clean Before Guests Arrive

Get ahead of holiday hosting with a few key refreshes:

• Steam clean carpets

• Wash linens

• Dust vents, baseboards, and ceiling fans

11. Refresh Your Emergency Kit

Winter storms happen. Make sure you’re prepared:

• Flashlights & batteries

• Blankets

• Bottled water

• A stocked first-aid kit

12. Review Your Home Insurance

New holiday purchases or seasonal risks might require updated coverage. A quick review now can prevent headaches later.

A Cozy, Well-Prepared Home All Season Long

A little maintenance goes a long way—especially in December. Whether you’re gearing up for holiday gatherings or simply settling in for a quieter winter, these steps will keep your home safe, warm, and winter-ready.

If you ever need expert advice on homeownership, neighbourhood trends, or preparing your property for the market, our team is always here to help!