A Handymans guide to caring for your home
Let us help ensure you have a care free winter
As the chill of Oregon’s winter approaches, homeowners in Eugene start to notice the small signs of the season — cooler mornings, leaf clogged gutters, and the first hint of frost on the windows. It’s also the perfect time to get your home ready for colder weather.
At The Handyman Eugene, we’ve seen how a few smart maintenance steps can prevent expensive repairs and keep your home cozy all season long.
Why Winter Home Maintenance Matters
Winter brings unique challenges to homes in the Pacific Northwest. Between the heavy rains, freezing temperatures, and occasional snow, moisture and cold can take a toll on your property. Preparing your home now helps prevent drafts, leaks, and damage — saving you money, energy, and stress down the road.
1. Check and Seal Windows and Doors
One of the simplest ways to improve comfort and reduce heating costs is by sealing air leaks. Walk around your home and feel for drafts near windows and doors. Replace worn weatherstripping, use caulk to seal gaps, and consider adding door sweeps for extra insulation. A properly sealed home keeps the heat in and the cold out — and can reduce your energy bill significantly.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are a leading cause of roof leaks and water damage during the rainy season. Make sure to clean out leaves and debris before the first major storm. Check that downspouts are directing water away from your foundation. If climbing ladders isn’t your thing, The Handyman Eugene can safely take care of gutter cleaning and ensure proper drainage.
3. Inspect Your Roof and Attic
Winter storms can reveal roof weaknesses you didn’t even know existed. Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or signs of leaks in the attic. Poor insulation or ventilation in the attic can also lead to ice dams or mold. A quick inspection before winter can save you from major headaches later
4. Protect Exterior Faucets and Pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst — leading to costly water damage. Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and install insulated faucet covers. If you have exposed plumbing in crawl spaces or garages, wrap them with pipe insulation for extra protection.
5. Service Your Heating System
There’s nothing worse than turning on your furnace in November and realizing it doesn’t work. Schedule a tune-up before the cold sets in to ensure your heating system runs efficiently and safely. Replace filters regularly to maintain airflow and improve indoor air quality.
6. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As homes become more sealed for winter, air circulation decreases, increasing the risk of indoor air hazards. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace old batteries, and make sure every floor of your home has working alarms. This simple step can save lives
Action Plan: Get Your Home Winter-Ready
- Seal drafts around windows and doors
- Clean gutters and inspect the roof
- Insulate and protect exposed pipes
- Service your furnace or heat pump
- Check detectors and safety devices
Don’t wait until a cold snap to discover a problem. Taking care of these small details now ensures your home stays warm, safe, and efficient all winter long.
Need Help? Call The Handyman Eugene
From gutter cleaning and caulking to furnace filter replacements and weatherproofing, The Handyman Eugene is here to make winter prep easy. We offer reliable, local handyman services across Eugene and surrounding areas. Give us a call today and let’s get your home ready for the season. (541) 952-3599
Stay warm, stay safe, and let your home be the cozy retreat it was meant to be.