Practical, seasonal, and tailored for Oregon & SW Washington homeowners.
Clear gutters & downspouts
Winter rain arrives early and often. Make sure gutters are free of leaves and downspouts direct water away from your foundation. A quick check now prevents bigger headaches later.
Pro Tip: After clearing, run a quick hose test to confirm everything drains properly, especially if you live near tall trees.
Check the roof for debris & moss
Pine needles and branches accumulate quickly. Gently clear what you can and treat any early moss before it spreads. Regular maintenance keeps shingles in good shape through long wet spells.
Pro Tip: Binoculars work great for a safe ground-level inspection before deciding whether you need a pro.
Prepare pipes for cold snaps
Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses, and know where your main shutoff valve is. The PNW doesn’t freeze often, but when it does, it’s usually sudden, and our many of our homes weren’t built for extreme temps
Pro Tip: Leave cabinet doors open on especially cold nights to help warm air reach under-sink plumbing.
Keep exterior drains clear
Storm drains and driveway channels love to collect leaves this time of year. Clearing them helps prevent pooling, flooding, and slick spots when temperatures dip.
Pro Tip: Mark trouble spots now, the same places clog every season.
Test your sump pump
If you have a basement or lower-level space, make sure your sump pump is working before groundwater rises. It’s a simple step that can prevent a stressful surprise later.
Pro Tip: Pour a bucket of water into the pit to confirm it kicks on instantly, or install a water level alarm
Inspect windows & doors for drafts
A quick walk-through with your hand near the seams can reveal cool air coming in. Weatherstripping or a little insulation film can make a noticeable difference in comfort and efficiency.
Pro Tip: On a cold or windy day, use the back of your hand to feel for subtle drafts.
Replace furnace filters & schedule a tune-up
Clean filters keep your system running smoothly during its busiest season. If it’s been more than a year, a service visit is a good idea for both heat pumps and furnaces.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder to change filters every 90 days, winter air quality improves noticeably.
Reverse ceiling fans
Switching fans to run clockwise helps push warm air down and maintain an even temperature throughout the room.
Pro Tip: While you’re up there, dust the blades, they work more efficiently when clean.
Trim problem branches
Look for limbs hanging over your roof or leaning close to the home. A little pruning now reduces risk during windstorms and heavy rain, but never touch a branch in contact with a power line!
Pro Tip: Check after each major windstorm, as branches can shift and weaken with each winter. .
Refresh your emergency supplies
Gather the basics: flashlights, extra batteries, power banks, blankets, and easy pantry items. Winter storms here are unpredictable, and a small kit goes a long way for comfort.
Pro Tip: Store everything in one clearly labeled bin so it’s easy to grab when the lights go out.
Clear exterior vents
Make sure dryer, bathroom, and furnace vents are free of lint, leaves, or nests. Good airflow matters more during the colder months.
Pro Tip: A soft brush attachment on a vacuum or ideally a shop vac makes this quick work.
Tidy the mudroom or entry area
This is the season of wet jackets and muddy boots. Setting up a space for shoes, umbrellas, and outerwear makes daily life smoother.
Pro Tip: Add a boot tray and a quick-dry mat to contain the mess and simplify cleanup.
Protect decks & outdoor spaces
Sweep leaves, rinse slippery areas, and cover outdoor furniture. Damp weather can be hard on wood, and a quick cleanup helps avoid slick surfaces.
Pro Tip: A small push broom is the fastest way to keep decking from becoming slick.
Have ice melt ready (pet-safe if needed)
A few icy mornings happen every winter. Keeping de-icer on hand ensures you’re ready when the driveway or steps get slick.
Pro Tip: Store a small scoop inside your entry closet so you’re ready before you step outside.
Check crawl spaces for moisture
Take a quick look for standing water, condensation, or sagging insulation. Early detection keeps minor issues from becoming major ones.
Pro Tip: A small flashlight and quick phone photos from the entrypoint help to track changes.
Need a hand? Let’s connect you with one of our trusted contractors and service providers who can help keep your home running smoothly all winter.