As fall turns crisp and the nights grow longer, Westchester homeowners know what’s coming next: winter. Before the first snow falls, a smart round of pre-winter home maintenance can help prevent costly repairs, protect your investment, and keep your home cozy and energy-efficient. Whether you live in Chappaqua, Pleasantville, Armonk, or Briarcliff Manor, here’s your go-to checklist to get your home ready for the cold season.
1. Service Your Heating System Early
Before the first truly cold night arrives, schedule a professional tune-up for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. A licensed HVAC technician will:
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Clean and inspect burners and filters
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Check safety switches and calibrate thermostats
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Test for leaks or carbon monoxide issues
A quick tune-up now can save you from an expensive emergency call in January and keep your heating bills lower all season. Learn more about winter HVAC maintenance at Home Depot.
Pro Tip: If you have hot-water radiators, bleed them to remove trapped air for better heat circulation.
2. Seal Drafts and Insulate Windows & Doors
Even small air leaks can lead to big energy losses. Walk around your home and inspect for gaps near windows, doors, and baseboards. Apply fresh caulk where needed and replace worn-out weather-stripping. Consider installing window insulation kits or adding storm windows for an extra layer of protection.
DIY window film kits are inexpensive and can make a major difference in comfort and efficiency. You can find them at Lowe’s Winter Preparedness Guide.
3. Clean Gutters and Inspect Your Roof
When gutters clog with leaves and debris, melting snow has nowhere to go—and that can cause dangerous ice dams. Before freezing temperatures arrive:
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Clear gutters and downspouts
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Check for leaks or sagging sections
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Ensure water drains several feet from your foundation
Also inspect your roof for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or soft spots. Addressing issues now can prevent leaks during heavy snow or ice storms. For a detailed checklist, visit Better Homes & Gardens’ fall maintenance guide.
4. Protect Pipes and Plumbing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter emergencies in Westchester homes. To protect your plumbing:
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Add foam insulation to exposed pipes in basements or crawl spaces
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Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
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Shut off exterior faucets and cover them with insulated caps
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During severe cold snaps, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving
For detailed guidance, see American Home Shield’s winter tips.
Local Tip: Homes in Chappaqua and Armonk often have older basements or stone foundations—extra insulation around exterior walls can make a big difference.
5. Reverse Ceiling Fans and Adjust Thermostats
Most ceiling fans have a small switch that reverses the blade direction. Set it to rotate clockwise on low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling. Pair that with a smart or programmable thermostat so you can lower temperatures when you’re away—without sacrificing comfort.
Learn more at Lowe’s energy efficiency checklist.
6. Inspect Fireplaces, Chimneys & Vents
If you plan to use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, schedule a chimney inspection before lighting the first fire. A professional cleaning removes creosote buildup and ensures vents are clear. Check that your flue damper opens, closes, and seals properly.
Adding a chimney cap keeps snow, leaves, and small animals out. This Old House has a great overview of what to look for.
7. Test Safety Systems & Emergency Gear
Safety should always be part of your maintenance plan. Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, replacing batteries as needed. If you have a backup generator, run it to ensure it’s working properly—and always operate it outdoors and away from windows.
Stock up on flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and blankets in case of power outages. If your home has a sump pump, pour in water to verify it activates properly.
8. Prepare Your Yard and Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor maintenance matters just as much as indoor prep:
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Trim branches that hang near your roof or power lines
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Store hoses, planters, and patio furniture
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Rake leaves and clear drains
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Add fresh mulch around shrubs and trees to insulate roots
Westchester’s mix of wooded lots and sloped driveways means drainage and branch management can make a major difference during winter storms.
9. Walk-Through and Winter Readiness Recap
Once you’ve tackled the main areas, do a final inspection of your property. Walk around your home’s exterior to spot any remaining gaps, peeling paint, or cracks in siding. Check basement windows, outdoor lighting, and garage seals.
If repairs are beyond your DIY comfort zone, schedule a professional before freezing weather arrives. Remember—contractors book up quickly once winter hits.
Final Thoughts
A little preparation now can prevent major headaches later. Pre-winter home maintenance is about more than comfort—it’s about protecting your largest investment.
If you’re considering selling your home this winter or early spring, completing these tasks can also boost your curb appeal and show buyers that your home has been well-cared for.
For personalized advice or a free home valuation, contact us anytime at NestEdge Realty — your local real estate experts specializing in Westchester homes, Chappaqua real estate, and Briarcliff Manor listings.
