Winter in Sonoma means cooler temperatures, early sunsets, and the return of much-needed rain. While we don’t deal with snow or freezing storms, our homes still benefit from a little seasonal upkeep. Here’s a simple checklist to help protect your home through the winter months.
1. Clean Gutters & Check Drainage
With our oak and eucalyptus trees, gutters fill quickly.
A clean drainage system helps prevent:
- Overflow during heavy rain
- Water pooling around foundations
- Dampness or leaks near the roof edges
Tip: Confirm that downspouts direct water away from the home, especially in homes close to creeks or low-lying areas.
2. Inspect Your Roof & Exterior
A quick visual check can go a long way:
- Loose or lifted shingles
- Moss buildup
- Damaged flashing
- Soft spots or sagging edges
After our dry summers, the first rains often reveal roof weak points. Catching them early helps avoid mid-winter repairs.
3. Service Your Heating System & Fireplaces
Cooler evenings mean more fireplace nights and heater use.
- Replace HVAC filters
- Schedule routine furnace service
- Clean out wood-burning fireplaces
- Check gas fireplaces for proper ignition
Tip: If your home has an older furnace or pellet stove, a pre-season check ensures efficiency and safety.
4. Prepare for Winter Power Outages
Living in wine country means occasional winter winds and outages.
Consider:
- Fresh batteries for flashlights
- Surge protection for electronics
- Charging portable battery packs
- Knowing where your manual garage release is located
- For rural or wooded areas, a basic emergency kit is beneficial.
5. Protect Outdoor Areas
Mild winters allow us to enjoy outdoor spaces year-round, but a little prep keeps them in good shape:
- Cover or store outdoor furniture
- Brush leaves off decks to prevent moisture damage
- Trim branches away from the home
- Clean moss-prone walkways for safety
Garden note: If you plant winter vegetables, check soil drainage during heavy rain.
6. Seal Doors & Windows
To help prevent heat loss:
- Add weatherstripping
- Check for gaps or drafts
- Use door sweeps if needed
This is one of the easiest and most effective winter prep steps.
7. Inspect Plumbing in Cooler Areas
While freezing pipes are rare, homes with exposed plumbing or unheated outbuildings can be vulnerable during cold snaps. Good to check:
-
Outdoor spigots
-
Workshop or garage sinks
-
Irrigation backflow systems
Insulating a single exposed pipe is quick and inexpensive.
A little winter prep helps keep Sonoma Valley homes comfortable, efficient, and protected throughout the season. If you’re exploring Sonoma real estate or preparing your Sonoma Valley home for the new year, our Sonoma realtors are here to help with trusted local insight and support.
AI-assisted tools were used to support the drafting of this blog.
