Winterize house checklist

14 jobs, timed for cold winters. Tick them off as you go.

1. September

   • Book a heating tune-up before the coldIf you have: Furnace
   • Book a heat pump service visitIf you have: Heat pump
   • Run the sump pump by pouring water into the pitIf you have: Sump pump
   • Close the pool for winterIf you have: Pool
   • Check window and door seals for drafts
   • Seal gaps where pests get in before cold nights

2. October

   • Replace the furnace or air handler filterIf you have: Furnace
   • Replace or wash the heat pump filterIf you have: Heat pump
   • Flush sediment from the water heater (or book it)If you have: Tank water heater
   • Look over the well cap and the ground around itIf you have: Well
   • Clean the gutters and downspoutsIf you have: Gutters
   • Shut off and drain the sprinklersIf you have: Sprinklers
   • Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets

3. November

   • Clear leaves and snow away from the outdoor unitIf you have: Heat pump

4. December

   • Nothing due this month.

Lines marked "If you have" apply only to houses with that feature. The free planner on the home page drops them for you and saves a calendar file that repeats every year.