Winter Home Maintenance: How to Prepare Your House for a Saint Louis Winter
Saint Louis homeowners know what’s coming: icy mornings, unpredictable snow, and plenty of time spent indoors. November is the perfect month to get ahead of the cold by tackling a few key maintenance tasks that protect your home all winter long. From preventing frozen pipes to keeping your furnace running efficiently, here’s how to make sure your home is cozy, safe, and stress-free this season. Relax and enjoy your holidays and the extra family time—UPKEEP’s got your back.
1. Give Your Heating System Some TLC
Your furnace obviously works hardest during the coldest months, so a quick tune-up now can prevent costly breakdowns later. Replace your air filter, test your thermostat, and listen for any strange noises when the system kicks on. If you notice weak airflow, uneven heating, or rising energy bills, it may be time for a professional inspection.
With a home warranty from UPKEEP, covered repairs or replacements for heating components can save you thousands of dollars and keep your home warm when it matters most. Our four annual maintenance visits make sure we stop problems before they start!
2. Prevent Frozen Pipes Before They Burst
Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and expensive) winter home disasters. To avoid them:
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
- Shut off outdoor water valves if your home has them.
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages, crawl spaces, and basements.
If temperatures drop suddenly, open cabinet doors under sinks and let a small trickle of water flow through your faucets overnight. A few drops now can save you from a major plumbing repair later. (If you do need some plumbing help, we highly recommend our trusted partners at Mister Fix-It.)
3. Seal Out Drafts and Heat Loss
Cold air can sneak into your home through small cracks and gaps around windows and doors. In November, take a walk around your house and check for chilly drafts.
- Apply fresh weatherstripping or caulk where needed.
- Add door sweeps to exterior doors.
- Consider thermal curtains to help retain warmth indoors.
Small steps like these can lower your energy bill and make your home more comfortable through the long Saint Louis winter.
4. Protect Your Roof and Gutters
Falling leaves might look pretty, but they can clog your gutters and downspouts. This can lead to ice dams and roof damage when temperatures dip. Clear out debris now to help melting snow and rain drain properly.
While you’re at it, inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Catching issues early can prevent leaks and costly water damage once snow and ice arrive.
5. Test Safety Devices
As you prepare to spend more time indoors, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace batteries and test each unit. Heating systems, fireplaces, and space heaters all increase carbon monoxide risk in the winter months, so this simple check could be lifesaving.
6. Protect Your Peace of Mind with a Home Warranty
Even with the best preparation, unexpected breakdowns can still happen—especially when your furnace, water heater, or plumbing are under extra strain. That’s where UPKEEP comes in.
A home warranty offers 24/7 protection against sudden system and appliance failures, so you don’t have to scramble to find a repair company in the middle of a cold snap. Instead, you’ll have peace of mind knowing help is just a call away.
Keep Your Home Cozy, Protected, and Prepared
Winter in the Midwest can be unpredictable, but your comfort doesn’t have to be. By tackling these November maintenance tasks and trusting UPKEEP to handle the rest, you’ll stay warm and safe all season long (and your wallet will thank you, too!).
Ready to protect your home before winter hits?
Contact UPKEEP today to learn how a home warranty can keep your house running smoothly all winter. Check out our FAQ or visit www.upkeepstl.com to learn more today!