Keep Your Home Safe, Warm, and Holiday-Ready with These Must-Do December Upkeep Tips
December is a whirlwind of planning, but with cold weather and heavy kitchen use, a few essential home tasks are critical. Use this checklist to efficiently tackle what your home needs most this month!
Your Comprehensive December Home Maintenance List
1. Replace Your Furnace/HVAC Filters
Your heater is running constantly. A clean filter is paramount for efficiency, air quality, and preventing system breakdowns. Check and replace filters at least monthly during the heavy-use winter season.
2. Test Smoke and CO Alarms
With windows closed and holiday cooking/fireplaces in use, safety is key. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace any old batteries or expired units.
3. Disconnect, Drain, and Store Outdoor Hoses
This is crucial to prevent burst pipes. Turn off the water supply to exterior spigots at the interior shutoff valve. Then, disconnect and drain all hoses and store them inside for the winter.
4. Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Drafts waste energy. Use caulk to seal gaps around window trim and apply fresh weatherstripping to doors to block cold air, ensuring your home stays cozy and your heating bill stays manageable.
5. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
Clear any remaining autumn leaves and debris. Clogged gutters prevent proper drainage and can lead to ice dams on your roof, causing significant damage.
6. Deep Clean and Service Your Oven
Before the holiday feasts, run your oven's self-cleaning cycle and check the door seals for cracks. A clean oven is safer, more efficient, and prevents odors from burned grease.
7. Degrease Your Range Hood and Filters
Remove the mesh filters from your range hood and soak them in hot, soapy water to remove accumulated grease. Wipe down the range hood exterior and backsplash while you're at it.
8. Sharpen All Kitchen Knives
Make holiday meal prep easier and safer. Take the time to sharpen your kitchen knives, either at home or by using a local professional service.
9. Deep Dust Forgotten High Areas
Prepare for holiday guests by tackling the spots you usually miss: molding, baseboards, the tops of door frames, and picture frames.
10. Reverse the Direction of Ceiling Fans
Flip the switch on your ceiling fan to reverse the blade direction (clockwise). This pushes warm air that rises near the ceiling back down into the room, helping to circulate heat.
11. Clean Up Landscaping and Trimmings
If you're hanging outdoor lights, tidy up the yard first. Trim any stray branches, as this helps your plants focus their energy during the colder months.
12. Wash Your Shower Curtains and Mats
Give your bathrooms a quick refresh. Most fabric and vinyl shower curtains can be tossed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Wash or refresh all floor mats as well, as winter weather brings in extra dirt.
