Here in Orange County, we’ve already felt those first freezing temperatures, and winter has officially settled in. As we head into early 2026, a little preparation now can save a lot of stress later. Think of this as a seasonal reset for your home—practical, preventative, and well worth the effort.

Keep the Heat Working for You: With colder weather, your heating system becomes the heart of the home. Furnaces and heat pumps should be running efficiently, which starts with something as simple as changing filters regularly—especially important for heat pumps that rely on steady airflow. Outdoor units should be kept clear of leaves and debris, and it’s a good idea to confirm that auxiliary or emergency heat is working properly for those extra-cold nights.

If you use a fireplace or wood stove, winter is the time to be especially mindful. Virginia’s humid summers can accelerate creosote buildup, making an annual chimney cleaning essential. When the fireplace isn’t in use, keeping the damper closed helps prevent heat loss.

Seal the Drafts Before They Drain Your Wallet: Weatherproofing is one of those small efforts that pays off quickly. Sealing gaps around windows and doors can dramatically reduce drafts, particularly in older homes. Door sweeps are an easy upgrade if you feel cold air near thresholds.

Pipes deserve special attention this time of year, especially those in crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls, or under sinks. When temperatures dip into the teens, allowing faucets to drip slightly can help prevent freezing. Crawl space vents should be closed during winter to keep cold air from chilling floors and threatening pipes—while also helping reduce condensation issues later in warmer months.

Protect the Outside From Winter Damage: Winter maintenance outdoors is all about managing moisture and preventing storm damage. December is a crucial time to clean gutters, especially since oaks and maples tend to drop leaves late. Clear gutters help prevent water from backing up and freezing along the roofline. While you’re outside, inspect the roof for missing shingles or loose flashing.

Prepare for Ice, Storms, and Power Outages: Ice and winter storms bring their own challenges. Outdoor hoses should be disconnected, and if your home has interior shutoff valves for exterior spigots, now is the time to use them. Insulated faucet covers add an extra layer of protection.

Tree maintenance is also important in our area, where ice storms are common. Trimming branches that hang over the house, driveway, or vehicles can prevent costly damage.

Don’t Overlook Moisture Control: Winter rain combined with our clay-heavy soil can lead to moisture problems. If your home has a sump pump, test it before heavy rainstorms and make sure the discharge pipe is clear and directing water away from the foundation. Basements and crawl spaces should be checked after big rains for signs of dampness or seepage so small issues don’t turn into major repairs.

Make Indoor Safety Part of the Routine: During winter, we rely more heavily on heating systems and keep windows closed—making indoor safety especially important. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested now, with batteries replaced as needed. Dryer vents also deserve attention, as lint buildup is a leading cause of winter house fires. For a simple energy-saving trick, reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise on a low setting to push warm air back down.

Give Your Yard a Little Winter Care: Finally, don’t forget about your yard and garden. Mulching garden beds helps protect plant roots from damaging freeze–thaw cycles. Watering shrubs before an overnight freeze can actually help them tolerate frost better, since hydrated plants are more resilient.

Pat Licata

Pat Licata of The Licata Group/eXp Realty has been a Realtor since 2010. She and her husband, John, also a Realtor, lead a team of professional agents who service the region.