Ready for winter.
Before the first frost, three things protect your home: shut off the outdoor water, service the heating, and seal the air leaks. The rest makes winter more comfortable and less costly. Here is the full list.
Updated July 10, 2026
Our winters do not forgive much. A forgotten hose, a clogged gutter or a cracked seal all cost you by spring. The good news is that one morning of fall prep prevents most of the nasty surprises.
Here is the list I keep for my own home, and share with my clients. Work through it before the first frost.
What actually protects the home from freezing?
Two moves prevent the most expensive damage. Shut off and drain the outdoor taps, and disconnect the hoses: water that freezes in a pipe bursts it. And know where your main water valve is, just in case.
How do I prepare the heating?
Service the furnace or heat pump before you really need it, change the filter, and test the thermostat. A clean system heats better, costs less and fails less often at the worst moment.
Where does the heat escape?
Through air leaks. Worn weatherstripping around a door, cracked caulking around a window: those are drafts and a higher heating bill. A few dollars of materials fix most of them.
And safety?
You heat more and keep the windows shut: this is detector season. Test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, change the batteries, and make sure your shovel and salt are ready before the first snowfall.
Printable checklist
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Frequently asked questions
When should I do this work?
Ideally in October, before the first serious frost. The most urgent item, shutting off the outdoor water, should happen as soon as nights drop near zero.
Can I do it all myself?
Most of it, yes. Servicing the furnace and a roof inspection are often worth a professional, especially if you are not comfortable on a ladder. The rest is within a morning's reach.
Does any of this matter if I am planning to sell?
Yes. A well kept home sells better, and an inspector spots the opposite immediately: clogged gutters, split caulking, a furnace that has never been serviced. Each one becomes a negotiating point in the buyer's favour. If a sale is anywhere in your plans for the next year, work through this list and keep the receipts.
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This guide is general information to help you make sense of things, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and every situation is different, so confirm anything that affects a decision with the right professional, a notary, lawyer, accountant, or mortgage broker, or reach out and I'll point you the right way.
