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Winter prep for your house — checklist indoors and out
Updated 1 June 2026
Swedish winters stress roofs, drains, heat, and ventilation. Most work can be done in autumn — before darkness, frost, and first snow make jobs harder and more expensive. This guide gives a clear timeline for outdoor work, indoor checks, and making sure heat holds when you really need it. Treat winter prep as an annual routine, not panic when the first snow falls. The same checklist each autumn saves time and trouble — and reduces the risk of missing something costly in January. The guide applies to houses, townhouses, and holiday homes. The difference is usually how much ongoing work you need through winter — not which basic checks belong before cold weather.
Timeline: autumn to winter
September and October: clean roof and gutters, check seals around chimneys and penetrations, shut outdoor taps and drain irrigation. Good time to review lighting and anti-slip at entrances. November: test heating before cold hits, replace or clean filters, visit the crawl space if you have one. December to March: watch roof snow load where relevant, indoor humidity, and that crawl space vents are not blocked by snow. Put recurring dates in calendar or a maintenance app so autumn does not surprise you next year. Whether you live there full time or on weekends affects how often you need to clear snow and ventilate — but the basic pre-winter check is the same. A short visit each month through winter often catches issues early.
Outdoors — roof, water, and snow
Winter problems often start on the roof. Leaves in gutters cause ice and misdirected water — sometimes into the facade. Check tiles, flashing, and seals around penetrations. Ensure ground drains well and trim trees that might drop branches on the house. Shut and drain outdoor water — including the tap you «rarely use». Mark tap locations so you know what applies at early frost. Prepare snow clearing and grit at entrances; slips on steps are both dangerous and avoidable when planned ahead. Check outdoor lighting works — dark entrances increase accident risk in winter. If you have heat cable in roof or gutters, test that it starts before the first heavy snowfall.
Indoors — moisture, drafts, and ventilation
When the house is tight and heated, condensation risk rises if ventilation lags. Ventilate briefly but effectively — especially after showers and cooking. Watch humidity in basements and cold corners. Check windows and doors for drafts; simple sealing saves heat and discomfort. In newer airtight homes, HR ventilation filters matter extra — dirty filters mean worse air and worse efficiency. Note if a room suddenly feels colder; it may be the first sign something in the heating system needs attention. If you see condensation on windows day after day, humidity may be too high or air circulation too low. A simple hygrometer in basement and bedroom helps you spot patterns before mould forms.
Heat and backup — before the first cold snap
Test boiler, heat pump, or radiators before you truly need them. Start the system, listen for unusual noise, and check thermostats respond. If you have wood, pellets, or backup heat — ensure it works and you know how to switch if the main system fails. Book heat pump or boiler service if more than a year has passed, or if the manufacturer requires annual checks for warranty. Save dates and reports. Mid-January cold is the worst time to discover the pump needs topping up or a filter is completely blocked. After startup, check radiators and underfloor heat warm evenly — air in radiators or wrong settings show up more clearly before it gets truly cold outside.
Checklist: winter preparation
Clean roof, gutters, and surface drainage of leaves and debris.
Shut off and drain outdoor taps and irrigation.
Test heating and backup heat — before frost.
Replace or clean filters on heating and HR ventilation.
Check seals on windows, doors, and penetrations.
Visit crawl space — ventilation, moisture, no standing water.
Plan snow clearing, grit, and lighting at entrances.
Check roof can handle snow where snow load is high.
Monitor indoor humidity — especially in basements.
Document autumn work so next season is easier.
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