Winter home maintenance checklist

Check the filter every month during heavy heating use. Clean a reusable filter or replace a disposable one when it looks dirty, using the size and type listed by the equipment manufacturer.

EPA identifies 30 to 50 percent relative humidity as a general indoor target. Lower the setting if condensation appears on windows, walls, or pipes, and clean a portable humidifier according to its instructions.

During prolonged cold, open sink cabinets on exterior walls so room air reaches the plumbing. Let cold water trickle from a faucet served by an exposed pipe, keep garage doors closed, and follow local guidance for the conditions.

Inspect for leaks or corrosion and review the maintenance schedule in the water heater manual. Many homes use a 120°F setting, but equipment, health, and local-code needs differ. Use a plumber for relief-valve or draining work if you are unsure.

Watch from the ground for ice ridges, icicles, or water entering near exterior walls. Keep people away from falling ice and call a qualified contractor for removal. Long-term prevention focuses on attic air sealing, insulation, and ventilation.

After a heavy storm, inspect from the ground and inside for new sagging, cracking, leaks, or unusual sounds. Do not use a universal snow-depth threshold or climb onto a loaded roof. Leave the area and contact a qualified professional if the structure appears to move.

Proper attic insulation keeps heat inside your living space and prevents the roof warming that causes ice dams. Check that insulation is evenly distributed and hasn't been displaced by pests. Ensure soffit vents are clear so cold air can circulate under the roof deck.

Inspect for visible gaps, damaged weather stripping, or daylight around windows and doors. Use caulk on fixed joints and weather stripping on moving parts. A home energy assessment can locate leaks that are not visible.

Fuel-burning furnaces, fireplaces, heaters, and generators can produce carbon monoxide. Test CO alarms monthly, replace removable batteries at least yearly, and follow the manufacturer's placement and replacement instructions.

Check each extinguisher's gauge, condition, location, and service date against its instructions. Review the household emergency kit for water, food, lights, batteries, medications, blankets, and other needs during an outage.

Clear walking surfaces and keep appliance intake and exhaust openings at the clearance required by the equipment manufacturer. Choose traction or deicing products that are approved for the surface and safe around nearby plants, pets, and drainage.

From a safe distance, look for damaged gutters, siding, downspouts, and tree limbs after an ice storm. Keep clear of hanging branches and power lines. Contact the utility or a qualified line-clearance arborist for limbs near electrical conductors.