Homeownership Seasonal Checklist

Montana’s seasonal extremes can play havoc with a home’s roof, plumbing, siding, and more. You can protect your investment with this seasonal checklist designed for Montana’s intense temperatures and weather.

WINTER

• Prepare HVAC systems. This includes turning off the A/C and removing leaves and other debris from the outside unit. Additionally, if you have a heat pump or other system that supplies heat, be sure to remove snow from the unit as needed all season long.
• Check the furnace. If your home has a furnace, give it a test run before you need it to ensure it’s working properly before the first freeze.
• Check fireplaces and chimneys for cracks. While you’re at it, also look for abandoned nests and other debris. Remove any obstacles that may interfere with escaping smoke or gasses.
• Winterize pipes. Insulate pipes that aren’t in a protected or heated area.
• Reverse ceiling fans. This will circulate the hot air and help keep your home comfortable.
• Buy de-icer. Stock up now instead of scrambling later.
• Close foundation vents. This can help reduce drafts and avoid frozen pipes.

For seasonal Montanans

If you don’t spend winters in Montana, be 100% certain your water is turned off and all exposed pipes and faucets are covered before leaving for the season. Otherwise, you could return to some serious water damage in the spring.

SPRING

• Create a wildfire-defensible barrier (rural, farmland, and mountain homes). This means removing several feet of vegetation around your home and other structures. The more room you have between you and possible wildfires, the more likely your home will be spared in the event of a disaster. Maintain that barrier until late fall. FireSafe Montana provides homeowners with information about wildfire mitigation.
• Do an exterior inspection. Grab a cup of coffee and take a spin around the exterior of your home. Look for cracks or damage to roofing, siding, and foundation. If you find anything, address it before it becomes a bigger issue.
• Check the pipes and outdoor faucets. If there are no leaks, cracks, or splits, turn on the water and uncover the outside faucets.
• Clean out the gutters. There might not be much debris in there, but removing it now can make things easier in the fall.
• Clean windows. Remove debris from the window wells and clean as needed.

SUMMER

• Open crawl spaces. This helps improve circulation and move air around under your home.
• Switch ceiling fans. Ensure they are blowing down. This will circulate the colder air and help keep your home comfortable.
• Repair decks, porches, and driveways. Look for cracks, protruding nails, as well as rough areas that need paint or stain.
• Repair siding. Replace wood that has suffered dry rot. Add paint to any bare wood.
• Check door and window seals. This will keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency, be sure to check out our Energy Efficiency loan.
• Add insulation where necessary. Adding insulation to your basement, walls, attic, and crawl space can help keep winter weather out of your home. The Department of Energy recommends R-49 in attics and R-19 in walls and crawl spaces.
• Maintain a defensible barrier. Summer carries the highest risk for wildfires. Be sure to maintain your defensible barrier throughout the summer and trim trees and vegetation near your home.
• Get your heating system inspected. Before winter arrives, schedule time with a professional. Along with an energy-saving cleaning, they may recommend added insulation. If your system is outdated, consider upgrading to energy-efficient options to save on heating costs. Some updates may include tax incentives (see a qualified tax professional). If you need help financing upgrades, check out our Energy Efficiency loan.

FALL

• Shut off outside water supplies. To avoid frozen pipes, shut off all outside water supplies.
• Winterize exterior plumbing. When you’re done using your outside faucet, remove the hoses, get all water out of them, and store them in a garage or other outbuilding.
• Clean gutters. Remove all debris and ensure downspouts are unclogged.
• Check nearby trees. Look for disease and any potential for falling limbs or whole trees. If they’re near your home, have them removed before winter arrives.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and whole units, as necessary.

Following these seasonal tips can help you make your family safer, make your home more comfortable, and avoid costly repairs.