The Ultimate December Home Comfort Checklist
December in the Finger Lakes brings cozy nights, holiday hosting, as well as some of the coldest weather of the year. As temperatures dip even further, your home works overtime to stay warm, safe, and comfortable.
Before winter reaches its peak, now is the perfect time to make sure everything in your home is ready for the months ahead. Use this practical, homeowner-friendly checklist to keep your space running smoothly all season long.
1. Make Sure Your Heating System Is Ready
Your furnace or heat pump is the heart of your home’s comfort during winter. A little attention now can prevent breakdowns later.
Change your air filter
A clogged filter makes your system work harder—which limits heat, drives up bills, and shortens equipment lifespan.
Check your thermostat settings
Ensure your schedule is updated for colder weather. If you have a smart thermostat, activate eco or winter efficiency modes.
Inspect furnace vents and outdoor components
High-efficiency furnaces have exterior PVC vents that can get blocked by snow, ice, or debris. Keep the area clear.
Listen for unusual noises
Bang, rattle, whistle, or grind? Those sounds are early warnings worth checking out before they escalate.
2. Seal Drafts and Boost Insulation
Even small drafts can quickly pull warm air out of your home—and pull money out of your wallet.
Check windows and doors
Look for gaps or cold air leaks. Add weatherstripping or simple draft stoppers where needed.
Inspect attic insulation
If the attic floor isn’t fully covered or you can see joists, you’re losing heat. Additional insulation can make a massive difference.
Seal gaps around penetrations
Openings around electrical outlets, plumbing lines, or attic hatches often leak air. A little caulk or foam can fix a lot.
3. Prep Your Plumbing for Extreme Cold
December is prime time for frozen pipes - especially during overnight lows.
Insulate exposed pipes
Focus on unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics.
Know where your main water shutoff is
If a pipe freezes or bursts, quick action can prevent major damage.
Disconnect outdoor hoses
This prevents ice from creeping into interior pipes.
4. Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Closed windows + holiday gatherings + pets + dry winter air = stuffy rooms and irritated sinuses.
Replace HVAC filters regularly
This is the simplest way to improve IAQ year-round.
Consider a whole-home humidifier
It reduces dry air, static electricity, cracked skin, and even helps your system run more efficiently.
Schedule duct cleaning if it’s been years
Dusty or contaminated ductwork circulates allergens through your home.
5. Make Sure Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors Are Working
Winter is peak season for heating equipment, and unfortunately, for CO incidents.
Test all detectors
Replace batteries and confirm alarms are functioning.
Replace units older than 7–10 years
Detectors have a lifespan, and expired ones may not protect you.
Place CO detectors near bedrooms
Especially if you have a gas furnace, fireplace, or appliances.
6. Prepare for Snow, Ice, and Power Outages
Winter weather in upstate New York changes quickly and storms can blow in fast.
Stock up on essentials
Flashlights, extra blankets, backup chargers, and bottled water.
Clear around outdoor HVAC units
Heat pumps need airflow and should never sit buried in snow.
Have a plan for sump pumps
If your home relies on one, consider a battery backup.
7. Make Your Home Comfortable for Holiday Guests
If you’re hosting visitors, a few small touches can go a long way.
Adjust thermostat schedules
More people = more heat. Keep things balanced.
Check guest rooms for airflow
Open vents, clear furniture away from registers, and make sure rooms feel warm before visitors arrive.
Stock extra blankets and cozy essentials
Comfort isn’t just temperature—it’s the experience.
8. Schedule Seasonal HVAC Maintenance
If you skipped your fall tune-up, December is still a great time to get it done.
A professional maintenance visit can:
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Catch small issues before they cause a breakdown
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Improve efficiency during the coldest months
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Extend the lifespan of your system
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Give you peace of mind during the holidays
Stay Comfortable All Winter Long
A little preparation goes a long way toward avoiding chilly surprises, high energy bills, and emergency repairs. By following this December home comfort checklist, you can keep your home cozy, safe, and efficient during even the harshest Finger Lakes weather.
Need help getting your heating system winter-ready?
Finger Lakes Comfort is just a call away - we’re here to make sure your home stays warm all season long: https://fingerlakescomfort.com/