Winter in Minneapolis shows up fast. One minute it’s a crisp fall day, and the next, snow is coming down, and you’re wondering if your home is ready. Cold weather can bring all kinds of problems if you don’t stay ahead of it. But the good news? A little bit of home maintenance in the fall can go a long way. You don’t need to do anything extreme—just a few smart checks and fixes can help you stay warm, safe, and stress-free all season.
Here are six important tasks to tackle before winter rolls in.
1. Check Your Heating System
Your furnace has likely been sitting idle for months. Before winter really hits, test it to make sure it turns on and heats your home evenly. Set your thermostat to heat and see how the system responds. Do you hear strange noises? Smell anything unusual? Those could be signs that something needs attention.
Change your furnace filter, too. A dirty filter makes the system work harder than it should, and that can lead to higher energy bills or even breakdowns. Most filters should be replaced every one to three months, depending on usage and air quality.
Also, check your thermostat settings and make sure everything switches over to heat mode without any issues. That’s something people often forget.
2. Prep Your Fireplace and Chimney
If your home has a fireplace, now’s the time to make sure it’s ready to use. That warm glow on a freezing night is great—until smoke backs up or the fire doesn’t burn right. A dirty or blocked chimney is often the reason why. Over time, creosote builds up inside, animals might nest, or debris can collect from storms.
There are plenty of chimney cleaning benefits in Minneapolis, MN, especially before the cold sets in. A proper cleaning helps your fireplace run more efficiently, reduces the risk of chimney fires, and improves indoor air quality. It also gives professionals a chance to catch any damage—like cracks or loose bricks—before it becomes a costly repair. Booking early in the season means you avoid long wait times and get peace of mind before you start lighting fires regularly.
Don’t wait until something smells off or smoke fills your living room. A quick cleaning and inspection now will help you enjoy your fireplace all winter without stress.
3. Seal Up Drafts
Nobody wants to pay more to heat their home just because cold air is sneaking in. Drafts around windows and doors are common in older homes and are easy to fix.
Walk through each room and feel around windows and doors for cold air. You can use weatherstripping around frames or add caulk to small gaps. For doors, use a simple draft stopper or door sweep to block air from coming in under the bottom edge.
If your windows are especially drafty, pick up a plastic film insulation kit. These are affordable and can make a noticeable difference in how warm a room feels. It doesn’t take long, and you’ll feel the change right away.
Even small gaps can lead to big heat loss over time. Sealing them up keeps your house warmer and your energy bill lower.
4. Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts
Leaves might look nice when they’re falling, but they don’t belong in your gutters. Clogged gutters trap water, which can freeze and cause ice dams. These put stress on your roof, loosen shingles, and lead to leaks inside your home.
Once most of the leaves are down, take time to clean your gutters. Scoop out all the debris, then flush the gutters with a hose to make sure water flows freely. Don’t forget to check the downspouts. They should direct water at least five feet away from your foundation.
If your roofline is tough to reach, consider hiring a local service to do it safely for you. Falling off a ladder isn’t worth the risk.
You can also install gutter guards if you want to reduce how often you clean them. Still, even with guards, it’s smart to inspect everything at least once a season.
5. Shut Off Outdoor Water Lines
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter disasters, especially when it comes to outdoor faucets. When water inside these lines freezes, it expands, and that can lead to a burst pipe and major water damage.
Start by disconnecting any garden hoses and draining them completely. Then, turn off the water valves that control your outdoor spigots. These are usually located in the basement or utility area. Once you’ve shut off the valve, open the outdoor faucet to let any leftover water drain out.
If you have a sprinkler system, don’t forget to schedule a blowout. This clears water from the underground lines and keeps them from freezing and cracking over winter. It’s a simple step that can save you from a costly plumbing repair later on.
Even if your home is newer and has frost-free faucets, it’s still worth taking this precaution. A few minutes of prep now can prevent a big headache later.
6. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
When your house is closed up tight for winter and the heat is running full-time, you need to make sure your detectors are working properly. This includes smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Go around and press the test button on each one. If nothing happens or the sound is weak, replace the batteries. It’s also a good time to check the age of the units. Smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years, and CO detectors typically last around seven years.
Put one on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. If you use gas heating or have a fireplace or wood stove, having a working carbon monoxide detector is especially important.
It only takes a few minutes to test everything, and it could save your life in an emergency. Don’t skip this step.
Getting your home ready for winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These six tasks are simple, quick, and make a real difference. They help you stay safe, save money, and avoid major problems when the weather turns harsh.
Take a weekend to get it done. You’ll thank yourself later when your house feels warm, your bills stay low, and you’re not calling emergency repair services in the middle of a snowstorm.
And don’t forget—a well-prepped home is a safer one.
