Before the first hard frost
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
- Shut off the inside valve to outdoor taps, then open the tap outside to drain the line. Even frost-free taps can burst if a hose is left on.
- Blow out or drain underground sprinkler lines.
- Store or cover patio furniture and the barbecue.
Eavestroughs and drainage
- Clean the eavestroughs once the leaves have fallen.
- Check that downspouts drain away from the house.
- Clear leaves out of window wells, and add covers if you have them.
Heating
- Book a furnace service, especially if it hasn't been checked in a year or two.
- Put in a new furnace filter, and keep a few spares.
- If you have a humidifier on the furnace, change the pad and turn it on.
- Have a wood-burning fireplace or chimney cleaned and inspected before you use it.
Seal up drafts
- Check the weatherstripping on doors, including the door from the garage.
- Look for gaps around windows, pipes and vents, and seal them.
- Check the garage door's bottom seal.
Get ready for snow
- Have your shovel, ice melt and snow blower ready. Service the snow blower.
- Mark the edges of the driveway if you'll be clearing near a lawn or garden.
- Check your vehicle's block heater cord and the outlet you'll plug it into.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Yard
- Rake leaves off the lawn so it doesn't get mouldy under the snow.
- Aerate and fertilize, if you do that.
- Trim branches that could break under heavy snow onto the house, power lines or the garage.
Next up: my winter checklist.
General guidance only. For roof, gas or electrical work, call a licensed pro.