Ultimate November Maintenance Checklist: Prepare Your Home and Garden for Winter

With colder weather on the way and Daylight Saving Time ending (Sunday, November 3, 2024, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to Sunday, November 3, 2024, 1:00:00 am local standard time), it’s the perfect moment to tackle essential maintenance tasks around your home and yard. Taking care of these now will keep things running smoothly during winter and make spring cleanup much easier. Here’s your comprehensive November checklist for a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained home.

Indoor Maintenance

1. Smoke & Gas Detector Checks
   Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test each one. This quick task is vital for your family’s safety during the colder months.

2. Mattress Rotation
   Rotate or flip your mattresses to help them wear evenly, extending their lifespan and improving sleep quality.

3. Filter Replacements

   • Fridge Water Filter: If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, replace the filter to ensure fresh drinking water.
   • Reverse Osmosis System: If you have an under-sink reverse osmosis filter, replace those filters for optimal water quality.
   • Furnace Filter: A fresh furnace filter improves heating efficiency and helps maintain good indoor air quality. Plan to check it monthly during winter.

4. Ceiling Fan Adjustment
   Set your indoor ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This helps push warm air down, keeping rooms cozy without additional heating.

5. Windows and Doors
   Inspect and replace weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent drafts. This simple step can lower heating bills and make your home more comfortable.

6. Dryer Vent Cleaning
   Clean out the dryer vent and exhaust duct to prevent lint buildup, which can become a fire hazard and reduce dryer efficiency.

7. Water Heater Maintenance
   Drain a few gallons from your water heater to flush out sediment buildup. This improves efficiency and extends the heater’s lifespan.

8. Basement and Attic Checks
   Inspect these areas for leaks, insulation gaps, and drafts. Addressing these now can prevent high heating costs and moisture issues.

9. Inspect Your Sump Pump
   If you have a sump pump, test it to ensure it’s working properly, especially if you live in an area with frequent winter thaw cycles. A quick test now can prevent basement flooding later.

10. Programmable Thermostat Settings
    If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to a lower temperature for when you’re asleep or away from home to save on heating costs during the winter.

11. Inspect Your Chimney and Fireplace
    If you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, consider a professional inspection to ensure it’s safe throughout the season. Clean out any ash or debris for a cleaner, more efficient burn.

Outdoor Maintenance

1. Garden Cleanup
   Remove fallen leaves and dead plants from your garden beds to reduce the risk of rot and disease. For perennials, trim back dead growth, leaving some foliage to insulate roots. Add mulch to help retain soil warmth.

2. Lawn Prep
   Mow your lawn one last time, setting the mower to a lower height to reduce the risk of snow mold. Rake up excess leaves to keep your lawn healthy through winter.

3. Gutter Cleaning
   Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and ice dams, which can damage your roof. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

4. Outdoor Spigots
   Turn off inside valves to outdoor water taps, and drain any remaining water. This prevents pipes from freezing and cracking in low temperatures.

5. Outdoor Ceiling Fans
   Turn off outdoor ceiling fans to protect them from winter weather conditions.

6. Landscape Lighting
   Check and replace burnt-out bulbs in outdoor lighting to keep your pathways safe and visible during the dark months.

7. Patio Furniture and Equipment
   Clean, cover, or store outdoor furniture, grills, and equipment to protect them from winter weather. If you have a BBQ, disconnect and store the propane tank safely.

8. Deck and Driveway Inspection
   Inspect your deck, driveway, and walkways for cracks or other damage. Repairing these now prevents them from worsening in freezing temperatures.

9. Tree and Shrub Care
   Trim any dead or overhanging branches, especially those that could break under snow or ice and potentially cause damage.

10. Fence and Gate Checks
    Inspect fences and gates for loose boards or hinges. Secure any loose areas to prevent winter weather from causing further damage.

11. Drain and Store Garden Hoses
    Disconnect, drain, and store garden hoses to prevent them from freezing and cracking. Store them in a shed or garage to prolong their life.

12. Check Snow Removal Equipment
    If you have a snow blower, ensure it’s in working order and ready. Stock up on snow melt or sand to keep walkways safe throughout winter.

13. Inspect Roof and Flashing
    Look over your roof for loose or missing shingles, and check flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights. Securing these areas now can prevent leaks as ice and snow build-up.

14. Protect Shrubs and Young Trees
    Wrap shrubs, small trees, or delicate plants with burlap to shield them from wind, ice, and salt damage. Consider adding stakes around young trees to protect them from heavy snow.

These tasks prepare you for winter, ensuring a safe, cozy home and a healthy landscape.

Need outdoor help?

If you live in the Waterloo Region, Soares Landscaping can help you prepare for winter with our professional garden maintenance services.

From garden cleanup and landscape lighting adjustments to hardscape repairs and plant care for shrubs and young trees, our team is ready to ensure your outdoor spaces stay beautiful and protected all season.

Contact us to learn more!