Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for PEI Homeowners

Complete these tasks in late October or early November before the first major snowfall and freezing temperatures arrive.

Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of winter home damage on PEI. Leaves, pine needles, and debris prevent proper drainage, causing water to overflow and freeze along your roof edge, creating ice dams that can force water under shingles and into your attic.

What to do: • Remove all leaves and debris from gutters • Flush downspouts with a garden hose to ensure proper flow • Check that downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from foundation • Repair any sagging or damaged sections • Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future maintenance

Why it matters: Ice dams can cause thousands of dollars in roof and interior water damage. Clean gutters allow melting snow to drain properly, preventing these destructive ice formations.

Weatherstripping around doors and windows deteriorates over time, creating gaps that allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape. This increases heating costs and creates uncomfortable drafts.

What to do: • Check all exterior doors for gaps by holding a lighter or incense near the edges—movement indicates air leakage • Replace worn weatherstripping with new foam or rubber strips • Check window seals and apply rope caulk where needed • Install door sweeps on exterior doors if missing or worn • Consider plastic window insulation kits for older, drafty windows

Why it matters: Air leaks can increase heating bills by 20-30%. Replacing weatherstripping is inexpensive (under $50 for most homes) but can save hundreds on energy costs.

Your furnace or heat pump works hardest during PEI winters. Professional servicing ensures efficient operation, prevents breakdowns, and can identify carbon monoxide safety issues.

What to do: • Schedule professional furnace or heat pump servicing before November • Change furnace filters monthly during heating season • Test your thermostat to ensure accurate temperature control • Bleed air from hot water radiators if you have a boiler system • Clean heat pump outdoor unit and ensure proper airflow

Why it matters: Furnace failures typically occur on the coldest days when repair services are backed up. A well-maintained system runs 15-20% more efficiently and rarely fails unexpectedly.

Frozen pipes are a common winter disaster on PEI, causing water damage costing $5,000-$20,000 when pipes burst.

What to do: • Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas (basement, crawl spaces, garage) with foam pipe insulation • Pay special attention to pipes on exterior walls • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and faucets • Install frost-free hose bibs or insulated faucet covers • Know where your main water shutoff valve is located • During extreme cold, leave cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls and allow a small trickle from faucets

Why it matters: A single burst pipe can cause tens of thousands in damage and make your home unlivable while repairs are completed.

Heavy snow and ice can cause tree branches to break and fall on your roof, causing significant damage.

What to do: • Trim any branches hanging over or touching your roof • Remove dead or damaged branches that could fall in winter storms • Keep branches at least 6 feet away from power lines (or call utility company for near-power-line trimming) • Consider hiring a professional arborist for large trees or high branches

Why it matters: Ice storms are common on PEI. A large branch can puncture a roof, and emergency roof repairs in winter are expensive and difficult.

These tasks should be performed regularly throughout the winter months to prevent damage and maintain comfort.

Strategic snow removal prevents carbon monoxide poisoning, roof damage, and HVAC problems.

What to do: • Clear snow away from furnace exhaust vents and fresh air intakes (typically white PVC pipes on exterior walls) • Remove snow from heat pump outdoor units and maintain 2 feet clearance on all sides • Clear snow from dryer vents • Remove heavy snow buildup from roof edges to prevent ice dams • Keep a path to fuel oil fill and emergency exits clear

Why it matters: Blocked exhaust vents can cause deadly carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Blocked air intakes reduce furnace efficiency and can cause shutdowns.

Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, melting snow that refreezes at the eaves, trapping water that backs up under shingles.

What to do: • Watch for icicles forming along roof edges—they indicate ice dam formation • If ice dams develop, use a roof rake to carefully remove snow from the first 3-4 feet of roof edge • Never chip at ice dams with tools—you'll damage shingles • Improve attic insulation and ventilation before next winter to prevent recurrence • Consider installing heat cables on problem areas

Why it matters: Ice dams cause water to leak into attics and walls, damaging insulation, drywall, and creating mold conditions.

During peak heating season, furnace filters become dirty quickly, reducing efficiency and air quality.

What to do: • Check filters on the first of each month November through March • Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones • Use the correct size and type for your system • Consider upgrading to MERV 8-11 filters for better air quality • Keep extra filters on hand so you're never without one

Why it matters: Dirty filters force your furnace to work harder, increasing energy bills by 15% and potentially causing system damage.

Most people don't think about their sump pump in winter, but it's critical during the spring thaw when snowmelt can overwhelm basement drainage.

What to do: • Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates • Listen for unusual noises that might indicate problems • Check that discharge hose directs water away from foundation • Consider a battery backup system for power outage protection • Clear any ice from the discharge area outside

Why it matters: Sump pump failure during spring melt causes basement flooding. Testing in February or March gives you time to repair or replace before the critical season.

PEI can experience significant snow accumulation, and some roofs need snow removal to prevent structural damage.

What to do: • Monitor snow depth on your roof (use a roof rake from the ground) • Most modern roofs handle 2-3 feet of snow without issue • Older or flat roofs may need snow removal at lower depths • Look for signs of stress: sagging ceiling, cracking sounds, doors that suddenly stick • Hire professional snow removal for steep or high roofs—falls kill several homeowners every winter in Canada

Why it matters: Roof collapses, while rare, do occur during heavy snow years. Even without collapse, excessive weight can cause structural damage.