Winter Home Maintenance Checklist - How to Prepare for Winter in Alabama

Winter in Alabama may not bring snow-covered streets or frozen lakes, but that doesn’t mean homeowners can skip seasonal maintenance. While our southern winters are milder, they can still bring chilly nights, heavy rains, and the occasional hard freeze — all of which can affect your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Preparing your home now can help you avoid costly repairs, lower energy bills, and ensure a warm, stress-free season. Use this Alabama winter home maintenance checklist to protect your home and keep it in great shape all winter long.

1. Inspect the Exterior

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can cause water overflow, leading to roof and foundation damage. Clear out leaves, twigs, and debris so water can flow freely.
Tip: Use a gutter cleaning attachment or hire a professional if your home has multiple stories.

Check the Roof

Walk around your home or use binoculars to look for missing shingles or cracked flashing. Repair small issues before cold rain and wind make them worse.

Protect Outdoor Plumbing

Disconnect and drain hoses, then cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers. Wrap exposed pipes in foam insulation to prevent freezing.

2. Prepare Your Yard and Outdoor Spaces

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Cut back branches near your roof, driveway, and power lines. Alabama’s winter storms can cause branches to break, leading to costly damage.

Winterize Your Lawn and Garden

Even in the South, your lawn benefits from winter care. Apply a winter fertilizer designed for Alabama grass types like Bermuda or Zoysia. Add mulch around plants to protect roots from sudden temperature drops.

Store Outdoor Furniture and Tools

Clean, cover, and store patio furniture in a dry space. Drain and store lawn tools or hoses to prevent rust and cracking.

3. Focus on Interior Maintenance

Service Your Heating System

Your HVAC system works hardest in winter. Schedule a professional tune-up to ensure your heater runs efficiently and safely. Replace air filters monthly for best performance.

Seal Windows and Doors

Check for drafts by holding a lit candle near windows or door frames. If the flame flickers, seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. This simple step can lower your heating bill by up to 15%.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With more heating and fireplace use in winter, this is a must. Replace batteries and check that alarms are working properly.

4. Insulate and Protect Plumbing

Insulate Pipes in Unheated Areas

Pipes in attics, garages, or crawl spaces are most at risk. Use foam insulation sleeves or heating tape to prevent freezing.

Check Attic and Crawl Space Insulation

Proper insulation helps retain heat and control energy costs. Look for areas where insulation is compressed or missing.

5. Safety and Energy Efficiency

Inspect Fireplaces and Chimneys

Before lighting your first fire, have your chimney cleaned by a certified professional to remove soot and debris. This reduces fire hazards and improves airflow.

Review Energy Usage

Install a programmable thermostat to better manage heating costs. Set it to lower temperatures when you’re away and warm up before you return.

Prepare for Power Outages

Alabama weather can be unpredictable. Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, and bottled water in an easy-to-access spot. Consider investing in a backup power source if your area experiences frequent outages.

6. Alabama-Specific Winter Tips

Alabama’s weather can swing from sunny to freezing overnight. Here’s how to stay ready:

Keep an eye on local freeze warnings from NOAA’s Alabama Weather Service.
Check car antifreeze levels and tire pressure.
Leave cabinet doors open during extreme cold to let warm air reach plumbing.

Maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 55°F in vacant or rental properties to prevent frozen pipes.