We keep it short, practical, and effective. Winter in Greater Boston can be a headache — but a few targeted fixes now save you time and money later. Below is the 12‑item checklist we use on every winter prep visit, arranged so you can tackle the highest-risk items first and leave lower-priority tasks for a follow-up visit.
Priority checklist (do these first)
Start here if you only have an hour to spare or if a technician is coming by soon. These items stop emergencies and protect systems that are costly to repair in freezing weather.
- Seal drafts around doors and windows — weatherstrip and caulk where needed. Small gaps mean big heat loss.
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces to prevent freezing and burst pipes.
- Clear gutters and downspouts so melting snow drains away from foundations and doesn’t refreeze at the eaves.
- Schedule a boiler or heating-system tune-up; change filters to keep systems running efficiently.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (replace batteries if needed) — safety checks first.
High-value quick wins
After the priorities are covered, these quick improvements improve comfort and reduce running costs without a major investment.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors to cut drafts and cold air infiltration.
- Exchange incandescent bulbs for LEDs — lower energy use and better light quality for rooms that need it.
- Inspect and re‑caulk bathroom tubs and kitchen sinks to prevent water intrusion when temperatures fluctuate.
- Verify attic insulation levels and add insulation where practical to reduce heat loss.
- Check dryer vent and venting path for lint and blockage — reduces fire risk and improves dryer efficiency.
Protective steps for landlords and remote owners
For landlords and remote owners a bit of documentation and tenant communication goes a long way toward avoiding emergency calls in the middle of the night.
- Leave a winter emergency checklist for tenants (shut-off valve locations, who to call) and encourage prompt reporting of leaks.
- Document appliance models and receipts for warranty-safe repair/replace decisions and keep photos of critical systems on file.
If you’re tackling this yourself, aim to complete the priority items first and schedule the quick wins over a weekend. Prioritize actions that protect systems (pipes, heat) and document everything with photos—this saves time if you need a warranty claim or to show work to a property manager.
If you hire a professional, request a short written report that includes photos, the items completed, and recommended next steps. A one-page punch list makes future maintenance and budgeting straightforward.
Want help? Request a free quote at https://solutionsbysamar.com/book-now/ or call 617-780-5293. We’ll create a prioritized plan, complete the work, and provide photo documentation tailored to your property and timeline.
Here is a suggested resource for you to check out:
- MassSave — https://www.masssave.com/ (energy-saving rebates and local programs).