There’s a short window every year between “still warm enough to leave the windows open” and “the first hard freeze catches you off guard.” In New Jersey, that window is usually September through early November and it’s the best time to get ahead of the repairs that turn into emergencies once the temperature drops.
Here’s what to knock out before winter arrives.
1. Gutters and downspouts
Falling leaves clog gutters fast, and clogged gutters send water where it shouldn’t go – under shingles, behind siding or into your foundation.
– Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
– Check that downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation
– Look for sagging sections or loose brackets
2. Furnace and heating system
Nothing ruins a November morning like a furnace that won’t turn on.
– Schedule a professional furnace tune-up before you need the heat
– Replace or clean air filters
– Test your thermostat, and consider a programmable or smart thermostat if you haven’t already
– Bleed radiators if you have a steam or hot water system
3. Chimney and fireplace
If you’re planning to use your fireplace this winter, don’t skip this one! It’s a safety issue, not just a maintenance one.
– Have your chimney inspected and swept if it’s been used in the last year
– Check the damper for a proper seal
– Clear any debris or nests from the flue
4. Roof and exterior
– Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles
– Check flashing around chimneys and vents for gaps
– Inspect exterior caulking around windows and doors, and reseal where needed
5. Windows and doors
Drafts don’t just make your home colder. They make your heating bill higher.
– Check weatherstripping around doors and windows
– Add or replace door sweeps
– Consider storm windows if you’re in an older home
6. Outdoor plumbing
– Disconnect and drain garden hoses
– Shut off and drain exterior spigots to prevent freezing pipes
– Have your sprinkler system blown out and winterized if you have one
7. Yard and landscaping
– Aerate and reseed the lawn while there’s still time for grass to establish
– Trim back tree branches that hang near the roof or power lines
– Clear out garden beds and mulch perennials for winter
Don’t wait for the cold to remind you
Every item on this list is easier, cheaper, and less stressful to handle in October than in the middle of a January cold snap when every contractor in your county is booked solid and your options narrow fast.
That’s exactly the kind of thing your Homeowners Hub property advocate handles for you. One text, and we match you with a vetted local pro for whatever’s on your list; gutters, furnace, chimney, all of it. And you don’t pay until you’re satisfied with the work.
Get your home ready for winter. Contact your advocate today: https://www.hubyourhome.com/order-a-service/
We built Homeowners Hub around a different rule: you don’t pay in full until you’re satisfied.
Why the standard model works against homeowners
When payment happens before quality is confirmed, the incentives are backwards. The contractor has already been paid (or mostly paid), so there’s less urgency to fix something that’s not quite right. You’re left chasing a callback, disputing a charge, or just living with a repair that doesn’t sit well with you.
It also puts homeowners in a position they shouldn’t have to be in – vetting a stranger’s work with money already out the door.
How it works at Homeowners Hub
– You text your property advocate with what you need
– We match you with a vetted tradesperson from our network
– You approve the quote and pay a deposit
– The work gets done
– You review it and only then does the balance get paid
If something isn’t right, we handle it. That’s on us, not something you have to fight for.
Compare Homeowners Hub subscriptions to see which one is right for you.
Become a Hubster and get a FREE Home Energy Audit!
