December Maintenance - Midwest
Deep winter. Focus on safety, efficiency, and surviving the cold.
December in the Midwest is survival mode. It’s cold, it’s dark, and your house is working hard to keep you warm. This month is about safety, efficiency, and handling issues before they become emergencies.
This Month’s Focus
1. Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Heating season is when CO risks are highest. Test every detector.
- Press test button on each unit
- Replace batteries if needed
- Replace any detector over 5-7 years old
- Have one on every level, especially near bedrooms
Difficulty: 🔧 | Time: 15 minutes
2. Monitor Heating Bills
If bills spike unexpectedly, something might be wrong.
- Compare to last year
- Check for drafts you missed
- Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture
- Consider a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one
3. Prevent Frozen Pipes
During extreme cold snaps:
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- Let faucets drip during extremely cold nights
- Keep garage doors closed if pipes run through there
- Maintain at least 55°F if leaving home
Pipes freeze? Diagnose plumbing emergencies →
4. Clear Snow from Vents
Snowdrifts can block:
- Furnace exhaust vents
- Dryer vents
- Foundation vents
Blocked exhaust vents are dangerous. Check after every major snow.
Difficulty: 🔧 | Time: 10 minutes after each snow
5. Check Fire Extinguishers
Holiday cooking and candles increase fire risk.
- Make sure you have one (kitchen minimum)
- Check pressure gauge (needle in green zone)
- Know how to use it (PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
Difficulty: 🔧 | Time: 5 minutes
6. Holiday Safety
- Don’t overload electrical circuits with decorations
- Turn off tree lights when sleeping or away
- Keep tree watered (dry trees are fire hazards)
- Keep candles away from decorations
7. Shovel Smart
Snow removal is part of home maintenance.
- Clear walkways for safety
- Don’t pile snow against the house (causes moisture issues)
- Use ice melt sparingly (can damage concrete)
- Check on elderly neighbors
Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: Varies with snowfall
8. Plan Next Year
December is a good time to:
- Note what needs attention in spring
- Budget for upcoming projects
- Research contractors for bigger jobs
The Bottom Line
December is about staying warm, staying safe, and getting through the coldest part of winter. Don’t neglect safety basics—CO detectors and fire extinguishers save lives. And keep an eye on those pipes during cold snaps.