The holidays are gearing up, the new year is around the corner, and your home is probably giving you some not-so-subtle hints that it needs a little attention. You know the signs: that gutter that’s been sagging since September, the furnace making that “interesting” noise, or the weatherstripping around your front door that’s seen better days.
December is actually the perfect time to tackle those end-of-year home maintenance tasks. Not only will you start 2026 with peace of mind, but you’ll also catch small issues before they become expensive problems. So grab a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa—we don’t judge), and let’s walk through your year-end home maintenance checklist!
Why Year-End Home Maintenance Matters
Think of year-end home maintenance like getting your car serviced before a road trip. Sure, you could skip it and hope for the best, but is that really the gamble you want to take? A little preventive care now can save you from emergency repair bills when temperatures drop or storms roll in.
Plus, tackling these tasks before the new year means you’re not scrambling in January when everyone else suddenly remembers they need help with frozen pipes or heating issues.
Your Complete Year-End Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite task—gutters! (Okay, nobody’s favorite, but definitely important.) Those leaves and debris aren’t just unsightly; they can cause water damage, ice dams, and foundation issues.
What to do:
- Clear out all leaves, twigs, and debris
- Check for sagging or loose sections
- Ensure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation
- Look for any leaks or holes
Pro tip: If climbing ladders isn’t your thing (and honestly, who can blame you?), give Cransten a call. We’ve got the ladders, the experience, and the insurance to handle it safely.
2. Check Your Heating System
Nothing kills the holiday spirit faster than a furnace dying on the coldest night of the year. Whether you’re in Northern Utah, the Denver area, or the Carolinas, a reliable heating system is essential.
What to do:
- Replace or clean furnace filters (do this monthly during heating season!)
- Test your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly
- Listen for unusual noises or smells
- Schedule a professional HVAC inspection if you haven’t had one this year
- Check that all vents are open and unobstructed
Warning signs to watch for: Strange odors, uneven heating, constantly running system, or unusual noises. These could indicate it’s time for professional attention.
3. Seal Up Air Leaks
Your heated air is expensive—don’t let it sneak out through cracks and gaps! Air leaks around windows and doors can increase your heating bills by 10-20%.
What to do:
- Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows
- Check for drafts using the “candle test” (hold a lit candle near edges—if it flickers, you’ve got a leak)
- Apply caulk to seal gaps and cracks
- Consider door sweeps for exterior doors
- Don’t forget the attic hatch and basement windows
Money-saving bonus: Proper sealing can significantly reduce your energy bills throughout the winter months.
4. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. A small issue now can become a major (and expensive) problem if left unchecked.
What to do:
- Look for missing, damaged, or curling shingles
- Check flashing around chimneys and vents
- Inspect for signs of water damage in your attic
- Clear any debris from the roof surface
- Look for daylight coming through roof boards (a big red flag!)
Safety note: Roof inspections can be dangerous, especially in winter conditions. If you’re not comfortable up there, let the professionals at Cransten handle it.
5. Test Safety Devices
This isn’t the most exciting task, but it’s definitely one of the most important on your home maintenance checklist.
What to do:
- Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Replace batteries (even if they seem fine)
- Check fire extinguisher pressure gauges
- Review your family emergency plan
- Replace any detectors older than 10 years
Life-saving reminder: Smoke detectors should be on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.
6. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers
Frozen pipes are no joke—they can burst and cause thousands of dollars in water damage. A little prevention goes a long way.
What to do:
- Drain and shut off outdoor faucets
- Disconnect and store garden hoses
- Blow out sprinkler systems (or hire a pro)
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is located
Regional tip: This is especially critical in Northern Utah and the Denver area where temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
7. Clean and Inspect Your Chimney
If you’ve been enjoying cozy fires all fall, your chimney probably needs some attention before you keep using it through winter.
What to do:
- Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected
- Check for creosote buildup (fire hazard!)
- Inspect the chimney cap and crown for damage
- Test your fireplace damper
- Stock up on quality firewood if you use a wood-burning fireplace
Safety first: The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney inspections. It’s worth it for peace of mind.
8. Service Your Water Heater
Your water heater works overtime during winter months. Show it some love with a little maintenance.
What to do:
- Drain a few gallons from the tank to remove sediment
- Test the pressure relief valve
- Check for leaks or corrosion
- Insulate older water heaters with an insulating blanket
- Set temperature to 120°F for optimal efficiency and safety
Lifespan tip: Most water heaters last 8-12 years. If yours is getting up there in age, consider budgeting for a replacement.
9. Check Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors don’t just waste energy—they make your home uncomfortable and force your heating system to work harder.
What to do:
- Inspect all window and door frames for gaps
- Replace worn weatherstripping
- Consider storm windows for older single-pane windows
- Lubricate door hinges and locks
- Check that doors close and latch properly
Energy savings: According to Energy.gov, you could save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs by properly sealing your home.
10. Prepare for Winter Storms
Whether you’re in the mountains of Utah, the Denver metro, or dealing with winter weather in the Carolinas, being prepared is essential.
What to do:
- Stock emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food)
- Have backup heating sources ready (and safe to use!)
- Keep rock salt or sand on hand for icy walkways
- Trim trees near your home to prevent storm damage
- Know how to shut off utilities in an emergency
Generator reminder: If you have a backup generator, test it now—not during a power outage!
11. Deep Clean and Organize
Okay, this one’s not exactly “maintenance,” but starting the new year with a clean, organized home just feels right.
What to do:
- Clean out the garage (finally!)
- Organize storage areas
- Donate items you no longer need
- Deep clean carpets and upholstery
- Tackle those “I’ll get to it later” projects
Bonus benefit: You might discover maintenance issues you didn’t know existed when you finally clear out that corner of the basement!
12. Review Your Home’s Exterior
Walk around your property and look at it with fresh eyes. What do you see?
What to do:
- Check siding for damage or loose sections
- Inspect foundation for cracks
- Look at walkways and driveways for trip hazards
- Test outdoor lighting
- Ensure proper drainage away from your home
Curb appeal counts: Even in winter, your home’s exterior should look well-maintained.
Don’t Want to DIY? We’ve Got You Covered!
Let’s be honest—some of these tasks are time-consuming, require special tools, or involve climbing on ladders (nobody’s favorite activity). That’s where Cransten Handyman and Remodeling comes in.
We serve homeowners throughout Northern Utah, the Denver metro area, and communities across South Carolina and North Carolina. From routine maintenance to major repairs and remodeling projects, our experienced team handles it all so you don’t have to.
Why choose Cransten?
- Experienced, reliable professionals
- Comprehensive home maintenance services
- Multi-project discounts available
- Serving multiple markets across the country
- Quality work with attention to detail
Starting 2026 with confidence in your home’s condition is priceless. Let us handle your year-end maintenance checklist so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying time with family and friends.
Ready to Check Off Your Home Maintenance Checklist?
Don’t let year-end home maintenance tasks stress you out or pile up into the new year. Whether you need help with one item on this checklist or want us to handle everything, Cransten is here to help.
Contact Cransten today to schedule your year-end home maintenance services. Let’s make sure your home is ready for whatever 2026 brings!