New Year’s Maintenance and Safety Checklist for Homeowners

The ringing in of the New Year is the perfect time to work on those home maintenance tasks you’ve been putting off. Home upkeep can keep your home in good condition, save money on repairs and help you if you have to file a home insurance claim, as losses due to neglect or lack of maintenance typically aren’t covered.

Read on to learn more about what to consider including in your New Year home maintenance checklist.

On This Page

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  1. Update Your Home Inventory List

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  2. Change Filters

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  3. Check for Ice Dams

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  4. Ensure Your Gutters Are Clear and Working Properly

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  5. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

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  6. Remove Heavy Snow From Tree Branches

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  7. Take Down Holiday Decorations and Store Them Properly

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  8. Flush Your Water Heater

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  9. Fix Your Wobbly Toilet

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  10. Give Your Plants Proper Care

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  11. Clean Your Fireplace

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  12. Declutter Your Kitchen and Test Your Smoke Alarms

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  13. Clean Porch Lights, Pathways and Security Cameras

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  14. Clear Out Drains

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  15. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

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  16. Check for Pests

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  17. Inspect for Mold

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  18. Cover Your Air Conditioning Unit if Needed

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  19. Restock on Sidewalk Salt and Ice Melt

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  20. Shop Around for Home Insurance

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  FAQs

1. Update Your Home Inventory List

A home inventory list is a comprehensive record of all the items in your home, including furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing and other personal belongings. This list can be physical or electronic and is invaluable in the event of a natural disaster, fire or theft, as it can help you document your losses for insurance purposes.

You should update your home inventory list at least once a year or whenever you make a significant purchase or dispose of something.

2. Change Filters

Water, HVAC, vacuum and other filters are crucial for keeping your home clean and comfortable. Regularly changing or cleaning these filters ensures they work effectively. Below are recommendations on when you should change each type of filter:

• HVAC filters: Every 30 days^[1]
• Vacuum filters: Every three to six months, depending on the type of filter^[2]
• Refrigerator water filters: Twice per year or per the manufacturer’s recommendation^[3]

3. Check for Ice Dams

Ice dams occur when water flows down the roof and then refreezes at the eaves, creating a dam that prevents melting snow from draining properly. This can cause water to back up and leak through your roof, damaging your walls and ceilings.

If you notice an ice dam forming, you can remove it yourself with an ice dam steamer or hire a professional.^[4] Additionally, you can take steps to prevent ice dams by regularly raking snow off your roof.

In addition, if you notice that your roof shingles are missing, broken, warped or there is hail damage, you may need to hire a professional to repair or replace your roof.

4. Ensure Your Gutters Are Clear and Working Properly

Clogged gutters won’t effectively channel rainwater away from your roof and foundation, which can cause water to pool and lead to water damage and foundation problems. You can clean your gutters yourself using a ladder and a pair of gloves. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to clear them for you.

5. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

When water freezes inside your pipes, it can cause them to burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. Unfortunately, your insurer may deny a home insurance claim for a burst frozen pipe if you did not take the proper steps to prevent it.^[5] To protect pipes from freezing when temperatures drop, there are several steps you can take:

• Insulate your pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with insulation, particularly those in your attic, basement or crawl space.
• Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature: Even when you're not home, keep it set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent your pipes from freezing.^[6]
• Keep your garage door closed: If you have pipes in your garage, keep the door closed to protect them from the cold.
• Open your cabinets: If you have pipes under your sinks, open the cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around them.

6. Remove Heavy Snow From Tree Branches

While tree damage is a covered loss under some circumstances, you may not be covered if you did not take steps to trim your tree and remove excessive snow buildup that can lead to branches snapping. Tree damage can be costly if a heavy branch or even the tree itself falls on your roof, siding or through a window.

To remove heavy snow from tree branches, gently shake the branches to dislodge the snow or use a tool such as a shovel or broom. If the job is too dangerous or the branch is too inaccessible, it may be worth hiring a professional to remove the snow.

7. Take Down Holiday Decorations and Store Them Properly

Consider taking down your Christmas tree and decorative lights as soon as you can to reduce the fire hazard — electrical distribution or lighting equipment accounted for 40% of Christmas tree fires.^[7] In addition, use the tips below to declutter and safely store your other holiday decor:

• Discard broken or damaged items, and consider donating any items that you no longer want.
• Avoid using cardboard boxes for storage, which can easily become damp or damaged.
• Instead, use sturdy, sealed storage containers to protect your decorations from dust and damage,and store them in a dry, cool place.
• Label your containers so you can easily find your holiday decorations next year.

8. Flush Your Water Heater

Flushing your water heater at the beginning of the year is an often-overlooked yet crucial step in home maintenance. Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing the efficiency of your heater and potentially causing damage.

Regular flushing helps remove this sediment, ensuring that your water heater operates more efficiently and prolongs its lifespan, Aaron Miranda, a certified master inspector and the president of California-based Vecino Home Inspection, told SmartFinancial in a message.

“Water heaters are typically expected to last from nine to 12 years,” Miranda said. “But with proper maintenance, you can extend the water heater's life by another estimated three years or so.”

9. Fix Your Wobbly Toilet

A toilet that moves when you sit on it may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can indicate that the mounting bolts need tightening or the wax seal is failing. If ignored for too long, this minor inconvenience can escalate into a more serious and costly plumbing concern.

“Water escapes from the base of the toilet from slight movements every chance it gets, and over that period of time, the water deteriorates the flooring underneath,” Miranda said. “[This] can cause a bigger issue to the surrounding area."

To fix a wobbly toilet, first, try tightening the bolts at the base. If the toilet continues to move, it may be necessary to replace the wax ring, which involves removing the toilet and reinstalling it. Removing the wax ring can be a more involved job that may require a professional.

10. Give Your Plants Proper Care

Depending on the type of plant, the conditions in your home and your local weather, you may need to water your plants more or less frequently. Be sure to check the soil moisture regularly and water your plants as needed.

To help your plants grow and thrive, consider using a fertilizer suited to the type of plant you have. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results.

In addition, pruning your plants can help encourage new growth and remove dead or damaged branches. Be sure to use sharp, clean tools and follow the proper pruning techniques for your specific plant type. Trees that are sick, dying or dead should be removed, as they could become uprooted and fall if left to rot, damaging your property.

11. Clean Your Fireplace

Cleaning your fireplace is an integral part of home maintenance, especially if you use it regularly during the colder months. If you see excessive buildup of creosote and soot, hire a professional chimney cleaner or follow the steps below to clean it yourself:

• Remove ash or debris buildup: While wearing a dust mask and protective gloves, use a fireplace shovel or broom to remove accumulated ash or debris.
• Clean the inside of the fireplace: Use a fireplace brush or scraper to scrub the interior and remove any soot or creosote. You can also use a fireplace cleaner to help loosen stubborn debris.
• Clean the exterior of the fireplace: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior and remove dirt and grime. Be sure to dry it off thoroughly to prevent any water damage. Also, keep flammable sources away from the fireplace while it is in use.

12. Declutter Your Kitchen and Test Your Smoke Alarms

To declutter your kitchen, start by taking everything out of your cabinets and pantry to make wiping down and disinfecting the shelves easier. Sort through your items and get rid of anything outdated, expired or no longer helpful. Consider donating any items you don’t need anymore that are still in good condition.

Take some time to reorganize your items so that everything is easy to find and access. You can use storage containers, bins or shelves to help keep everything organized.

You’ll want to check that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working — replacing their batteries every six months to a year. Most devices will let out chirps or beeps when their batteries get low, but you may need to manually inspect some devices just to be sure. Detectors and alarms wear down over time and will need to be swapped for new devices — roughly 10 years for smoke detectors and five years for carbon monoxide detectors.^[8][9][10]

13. Clean Porch Lights, Pathways and Security Cameras

Clean your porch lights with a damp cloth or sponge, removing caked-on dirt or grime. While you’re at it, replace any bulbs that have gone out. Also, use a broom or shovel to clear any leaves, snow or debris from your pathways.

If you have security cameras installed around your home, clean them regularly to ensure they function correctly. Not only are security cameras good deterrents against break-ins and helpful in capturing evidence, but they can even qualify you for a smart home discount with your insurance company.

A well-illuminated pathway and porch with surveillance can help prevent liability claims related to tripping, as well as property damage or theft claims.

14. Clear Out Drains

Clearing drains helps prevent blockages and keeps your plumbing running smoothly. For minor to moderate blockages, you can use a plunger, a drain snake or a chemical cleaner to clear the obstruction. For more serious drainage problems, you will likely need to hire a professional plumber.

15. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Your ceiling fan can help distribute cool or warm air, depending on its rotation direction. Setting your fan to spin counterclockwise can help cool down a room, which is ideal if it’s already warming up where you live. Alternatively, a fan that spins clockwise can help circulate warm air if you’re still experiencing winter chill.^[11]

16. Check for Pests

Pests like termites, rodents and insects often find refuge in homes during the colder months, making early detection crucial to prevent significant damage. Begin by inspecting areas where pests are most likely to hide, such as basements, attics and crawl spaces. Look for signs such as droppings, gnawed wires or wood and unusual noises within walls. Also, check the mattress folds for bed bugs.

In addition, check the exterior of your home and seal cracks or holes that can otherwise serve as entry points. Finally, consider consulting with a professional pest control service, especially if you notice any red flags.

17. Inspect for Mold

Mold growth isn’t just a concern during the warmer, wetter months; it can be a hidden winter problem as well. Winter mold is hazardous because it often goes unnoticed until it has already spread.^[12]

To keep your home safe, inspect areas prone to moisture, such as windows, walls, basements and attics, for signs of mold.

Condensation, driven by the temperature difference between warm indoor air and cold outdoor air, is a common cause of winter mold, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Pay close attention to spaces that are less frequently used during the winter months, such as basements and attics.^[12]

18. Cover Your Air Conditioning Unit if Needed

While your air conditioning unit is designed to withstand harsh weather, it’s essential to know when and how to protect it adequately. A common misconception is that covering the entire unit during the winter will keep it safe from snow and moisture.

In reality, this can trap moisture, leading to mold, rust and damage to internal components. One exception might be if your unit is in an area surrounded by trees, where falling leaves, twigs and other debris can clog the system and create maintenance issues.^[13]

If you live in an area with heavy icicle formation, add a sturdy top cover or piece of wood to shield the unit from falling ice. Mesh covers can also be a good option as they allow airflow while providing some protection from debris.

19. Restock on Sidewalk Salt and Ice Melt

With winter in full swing, it’s a good time to check your supply of sidewalk salt and ice melt. Icy walkways and steps can be a serious slip-and-fall hazard. Worse, if a guest slips on your property, it could lead to a liability insurance claim — something every homeowner wants to avoid. Keeping icy surfaces treated is not only a safety measure but also a smart way to protect yourself financially.

If you’re running low on sidewalk salt or ice melt, restock now. Look for ice melt options that suit your needs, such as pet-friendly formulas or products designed to minimize damage to concrete or landscaping.

20. Shop Around for Home Insurance

Your home insurance should evolve with your home, offering protection that aligns with your current needs and secures your peace of mind for the year ahead. To secure the best price for the most comprehensive home insurance policy, it's advisable to compare quotes from several insurers, which may require details such as your home's age, roof condition, address and occupancy.

This task can be streamlined by using an insurance marketplace like SmartFinancial. By completing one simple questionnaire about your coverage requirements and budget, SmartFinancial connects you with local home insurance agents, making the process easier. Click here for your free home insurance quotes today!