03 Dec Before the Freeze: What Homeowners Forget Every December
7 HVAC Items Homeowners Forget Every December
When December rolls in, most homeowners are focused on gifts, gatherings, and getting through the holidays. But as temperatures dip and winter settles in, this is also the month when small home maintenance tasks – often forgotten – turn into expensive, inconvenient emergencies.
Before the true freeze hits, here are the top things homeowners tend to overlook (and how to stay ahead of them).
1. Skipping the HVAC Check Right Before the Coldest Weeks
By mid-December, most heating systems have already been running for a few weeks. That’s exactly why this is the moment problems start showing up: dirty filters, failing components, sluggish heat pumps, clogged burners, or units straining to keep up.
A quick checkup or filter change now prevents your system from failing on the coldest night of the year – because that’s always when it happens.
Quick Reminder:
- Change air filters
- Clear debris around outdoor units
- Listen for “new” sounds from your system
Schedule service if it’s been 6–12 months.
2. Forgetting to Protect Outdoor Faucets & Pipes
December freeze warnings can hit with little notice. Homeowners often remember to drip faucets—but forget the basics like:
- Insulating outdoor spigots
- Disconnecting hoses
- Wrapping exposed pipes
Taking 10 minutes to winterize exterior plumbing can save thousands in repair costs and water damage.
3. Overlooking Drafts and Air Leaks
Those cold spots around windows, doors, and attic openings? They don’t just make your home uncomfortable – they force your heating system to work harder.
Homeowners often put off sealing gaps, but December is the perfect time to quickly:
- Add weatherstripping
- Caulk window frames
- Check attic insulation levels
Even minor air sealing can create major improvements in comfort and save on energy costs.
4. Ignoring the Thermostat Until It’s “Acting Up”
Thermostats start to reveal their age in the winter. Poor calibration, dead batteries, and bad sensors can keep your home from heating right and keeping your home warm.
Before temperatures bottom out, double-check or inspect the following:
- Replace batteries
- Verify programmed schedules
- Confirm the thermostat is reading accurately
If your thermostat is older or inconsistent, upgrading to a smart thermostat ensures steady comfort all winter.
5. Forgetting About Your Water Heater
Cold weather forces water heaters to work overtime. Sediment buildup, failing elements, and older units are much more likely to fail in December and January.
Basic preventative steps include:
- Flushing the tank
- Checking temperature settings
- Insulating hot water lines
- Inspecting older systems for wear
A quick tune-up keeps hot water flowing and avoids holiday surprises.
6. Letting the Airflow in Your Home Get Stuffy
In winter, we close windows and spend more time indoors. This traps dust, allergens, and stale air, which can strain HVAC systems and worsen indoor comfort.
Don’t forget to:
- Clean return vents
- Dust ceiling fans
- Replace filters sooner than usual during heavy use
- Consider IAQ products like humidifiers or air purifiers
Good airflow = better heat and fewer winter sniffles.
7. Forgetting Emergency Prep
December is often when homeowners realize their winter prep is incomplete:
- No backup heat source
- No plan for outages
- No insulated pipe covers on hand
- No salt for icy steps
A small emergency kit goes a long way during winter storms.
Final Thought: Get Ahead Before the Deep Freeze Arrives
December moves fast with holiday schedules, colder nights, and busy weekends make it easy to forget the little things. But taking a few preventive steps before the freeze sets in will keep your home running smoothly, safely, and comfortably.
If you need help with a system check, HVAC maintenance, or winter preparation, our team is here to make sure your home is ready for whatever winter brings.