Essential Winter Home Maintenance Tips for Calhoun County Homeowners

As temperatures drop across Calhoun County, now is the perfect time for homeowners in Oxford, Anniston, Jacksonville, and the surrounding areas to prepare their homes for winter. A little preventative maintenance can protect your investment, reduce energy costs, and help you avoid expensive repairs down the road. Here are the top winter home maintenance tips every homeowner should tackle before the cold weather settles in.

1. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

Even in Alabama, winter nights can dip low enough to freeze pipes—especially in older homes or properties with exposed plumbing.

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, basements, and garages.

• Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior spigots.

• Keep cabinets open during extremely cold nights to let warm air reach pipes.

2. Inspect and Service Your Heating System

Your HVAC system works overtime in the winter.

• Schedule a routine inspection to ensure your unit is running efficiently.

• Change air filters every 30–60 days.

• Seal any gaps around doors or windows to keep warm air inside and energy bills lower.

3. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

Fallen leaves and debris can block water flow, causing damage when winter rain hits.

• Clean gutters thoroughly.

• Ensure downspouts point away from your foundation to prevent water pooling and freezing.

4. Check Your Roof for Potential Issues

Winter rain and icy conditions can make small problems worse.

• Look for missing shingles, soft spots, or debris on the roof.

• Trim branches that hang over the home to prevent storm damage.

5. Seal Cracks & Improve Insulation

Drafts can waste energy and make your home uncomfortable.

• Check windows and doors for air leaks.

• Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps.

• Add insulation to attics, especially in older Calhoun County homes.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Heating systems and fireplaces work harder in winter, increasing the risk of CO buildup.

• Replace batteries.

• Test all alarms.

• Install additional detectors if needed—especially near bedrooms.

7. Prep Your Fireplace (If You Have One)

A cozy fire is great in winter, but safety comes first.

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned.

• Make sure your damper opens and closes properly.

• Store firewood in a dry place away from the home.

8. Protect Outdoor Areas

Keep your exterior ready for changing weather.

• Cover outdoor faucets.

• Store patio furniture.

• Check walkways for cracks that could worsen with freezing temperatures.

Stay Ahead of Winter Weather With These Simple Tips

Whether you’re a longtime Calhoun County homeowner or new to the area, preparing your home for winter is one of the best ways to protect your investment. If you need trusted local vendors for HVAC, roofing, or repairs, or you’re thinking about selling your home this winter, I’m always here to help.

Thinking about selling in 2025? Curious what your home is worth?
Contact Hunter Cain – Housed by Hunter at ERA King Real Estate.