10 Things to Check Around Your Home Before Winter in Illinois

Fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for the colder months ahead. For homeowners in Lockport, Homer Glen, Lemont, Mokena, New Lenox, Tinley Park, Orland Park, and throughout the Chicagoland suburbs, a little seasonal maintenance can help prevent bigger problems once temperatures drop.

Before winter arrives, add these 10 items to your home maintenance checklist.

1. Check Your Furnace and Heating System

Have your furnace inspected and make sure it's operating properly before you need it regularly. Replace the HVAC filter if needed and make sure vents and registers aren't blocked by furniture or other items.

If your heating system hasn't been serviced recently, fall is a good time to schedule maintenance.

2. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves and debris can quickly build up in gutters during the fall. Clean them out and make sure downspouts are directing water away from your home's foundation.

Blocked gutters can contribute to water buildup, ice-related issues, and potential foundation problems during the colder months.

3. Inspect Your Roof

Take a look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles and check areas around vents, flashing, and chimneys. If you notice anything concerning, consider having the roof inspected by a qualified professional.

Catching a small issue before winter weather arrives can help prevent a much bigger problem later.

4. Check Doors and Windows for Drafts

Walk around your home and check for noticeable drafts around windows and exterior doors. Inspect weatherstripping and caulking for areas that may need attention.

Sealing gaps can help keep cold air outside and make your home more comfortable during an Illinois winter.

5. Protect Your Outdoor Water Sources

Disconnect garden hoses and store them before freezing temperatures arrive. If your home has exterior faucets, make sure they're properly shut off and drained according to your home's setup.

Frozen water in exterior plumbing can lead to costly damage.

6. Inspect Your Home's Exterior

Walk around the outside of your home and look for cracks, loose siding, damaged trim, or areas where water could enter.

Pay particular attention to areas around windows, doors, the foundation, and other exterior openings.

7. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fall is a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Replace batteries as needed and make sure you have working detectors on every required level of your home.

Because homes are more tightly closed during winter, properly functioning carbon monoxide detectors are especially important.

8. Look at Your Attic and Insulation

Check your attic for signs of moisture, drafts, or inadequate insulation. Proper insulation can help your home retain heat and may improve energy efficiency during the colder months.

If you're unsure whether your attic insulation is adequate, a professional home energy assessment can help identify potential issues.

9. Prepare Your Yard and Trees

Remove dead branches and clear leaves away from areas where they could create drainage problems. If you have trees close to your home, look for branches that could potentially become hazardous during heavy snow or ice.

Fall is also a good time to put away outdoor furniture and other seasonal items before winter weather arrives.

10. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

If a pipe ever freezes or bursts, knowing how to quickly shut off your home's main water supply can help limit damage.

If you're not sure where your shutoff valve is located, find it before you need it.

Get Your Home Winter-Ready

Winter in the Chicagoland area can bring freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and plenty of unpredictable weather. Taking care of these maintenance items in the fall can help you head into winter with fewer surprises.

And if you're thinking beyond maintenance and wondering what your home could be worth, whether it's the right time to sell, or what your next move could look like, our team is here to help!