🦃 november 🌾 midwest

November Maintenance - Midwest

Winter is here. Final outdoor tasks and indoor focus.

November in the Midwest means winter has arrived or is about to. Outdoor work is wrapping up, and your focus shifts to indoor systems and preparing for the cold months ahead.

This Month’s Focus

1. Final Leaf Cleanup

Get those last leaves off the lawn before snow covers them. Leaving them causes dead spots in spring.

Difficulty: 🔧 | Time: 1-2 hours

2. Test Your Heating System

It should be running by now. Pay attention to how it’s performing.

  • Even heat throughout the house?
  • Any strange noises?
  • Unusual smells when it first kicks on?

Something off? Diagnose HVAC issues →

3. Check for Drafts

On a cold day, feel around windows and doors for cold air.

  • Use weatherstripping for gaps
  • Consider window insulation film for single-pane windows
  • Check electrical outlets on exterior walls (they can leak air)

Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 1-2 hours

4. Prevent Ice Dams (Attic Check)

Ice dams form when heat escapes into the attic, melting snow that refreezes at the eaves.

  • Check attic insulation
  • Ensure attic ventilation is working
  • Make sure bathroom and dryer vents don’t exhaust into attic

Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 30 minutes inspection

5. Service Your Humidifier

If you have a whole-house humidifier:

  • Replace or clean the water panel/pad
  • Clean the reservoir
  • Check the water supply line

Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 30 minutes

6. Protect Pipes in Unheated Spaces

Crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls.

  • Insulate exposed pipes
  • Consider heat tape for vulnerable areas
  • Know where main shutoff is in case of emergency

Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 1-2 hours

Need a plumber? Find one locally →

7. Clean Range Hood Filter

Holiday cooking is coming. Make sure your ventilation is working.

Difficulty: 🔧 | Time: 15 minutes

8. Stock Emergency Supplies

Power outages happen. Be ready.

  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Blankets
  • Battery-powered radio

Difficulty: 🔧 | Time: Shopping trip

The Bottom Line

November is about settling in for winter. Your outdoor work is done—now it’s about keeping warm, staying safe, and making sure your systems are running well.