Winter in New York is no joke. When the snow is already falling and temperatures stay below freezing, your home is working overtime to keep you warm, safe, and comfortable. While many homeowners think maintenance pauses until spring, winter is actually one of the most important times to stay proactive.

At Bespoke Homes, we believe caring for your home is a year-round commitment. That’s why we’ve put together this winter home maintenance checklist that's focused specifically on tasks you can tackle right now, even in the heart of winter, to help prevent costly issues and keep your home running efficiently.

Why Winter Maintenance Still Matters

Once winter sets in, small problems can escalate quickly. Frozen pipes, ice dams, drafts, and inefficient heating systems can all lead to unexpected repairs and higher energy bills.

By checking in on your home throughout the winter, you can:

• Catch issues early before they turn into emergencies

• Improve comfort and energy efficiency during the coldest months

• Protect your home from snow, ice, and freeze-thaw damage

• Stay ahead of repairs that are easier (and cheaper) to address now

Think of winter maintenance as damage prevention, not renovation.

The Checklist:

🏠 Inside the Home

• Check and replace furnace filters every 30 to 60 days during heavy use

• Vacuum floor vents, baseboard heaters, and cold air returns to improve airflow

• Monitor indoor humidity levels (aim for 30–50 percent) to prevent condensation, mold, and wood damage

• Rotate ceiling fans clockwise to push warm air down

• Inspect windows and doors for drafts and use temporary solutions like rope caulk or draft blockers

• Wipe condensation from windows regularly to prevent moisture damage

🔒 Safety Essentials

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms

• Inspect fireplaces and clean out ash if using wood-burning systems

• Store ashes in a metal container outside the home

• Clear snow from exterior vents, including dryer and furnace exhausts

• Check exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages for signs of freezing

❄️ Snow, Ice & Exterior Care

• Use a roof rake to safely remove snow buildup along roof edges

• Clear snow away from your home’s foundation to prevent leaks during thaw cycles

• Remove heavy icicles carefully to reduce gutter stress

• Salt walkways and entry points regularly to prevent slips and falls

• Inspect decks, porches, and railings for movement caused by freeze-thaw conditions

💧 Preventing Frozen Pipes

• Keep cabinet doors open for plumbing located on exterior walls

• Allow faucets to drip slowly during extreme cold snaps

• Maintain consistent heat throughout the home, even in unused rooms

• Know where your main water shutoff is located in case of emergency

🌡️ Energy & Efficiency Boosters

• Close curtains at night to retain heat and open them during sunny winter days

• Use draft blockers on exterior doors and attic access points

• Adjust thermostats when sleeping or away, but avoid dropping below 60 degrees

• Monitor energy bills for unusual spikes that could signal drafts or system inefficiencies

🧰 Mid-Winter Pro Tips

• Stock up on ice melt and salt before major storms hit

• Schedule chimney cleanings during winter when availability is often better

• Avoid chipping ice from concrete surfaces to prevent cracking

• Take photos of winter damage now to plan spring repairs

• Use driveway markers if you have plow service to protect landscaping

Stay Ahead, Even in the Coldest Months

Winter may feel like a season of waiting, but it’s actually a critical time to stay engaged with your home. A few intentional checks throughout the season can help you avoid surprises and keep your home comfortable until spring arrives.

If you ever have questions about your home, upcoming maintenance, or how improvements impact long-term value, the Bespoke Homes team is always here as a trusted resource. Homeownership doesn’t stop when the snow falls, and neither do we.