As we slide into December, it’s easy to lull ourselves into a kind of winter hibernation. In an effort to keep our homes warm and our spirits bright as we brave the cold, dark days of winter, we light fires or turn up the thermostat a few degrees, sip hot cocoa and binge on episodes of our favourite Netflix series.

But believe it or not, December is about more than vegetating and the holidays. It’s also the perfect time to check up on your home’s winter maintenance. Let’s take a look at some DIY tasks around the home that are best left to that final month of the year.

Furnace air filter

Yes, they need replacing, perhaps more often than you are currently doing. In fact, home maintenance experts claim they should be replaced somewhere between every one and three months to keep a clean flow of air in your house. Try to replace them with a high-quality filter as they will do a better job of removing mold, pollen and other particles from your indoor air.

Fire & Gas

Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. This is the time of year when the most house fires occur due to people spending more time inside their homes. They’re looking for warmth from their fireplaces and ambiance from Christmas tree lights and candles but if not properly used, these items can pose a risk. Also ensure that your fire extinguishers are fully charged and still valid.

Insulate your attic

This is a mind-numbingly tedious job but super important to your comfort and wallet when trying to prevent warm air from escaping your home. Most homes should be outfitted with attic insulation of some kind. And it is possible to simply add more if you think yours is not doing the job. Before doing so make sure your current insulation is not damaged due to mold, water or unwelcome critters. If so, it should be replaced.

Drain garden hoses

Before the GTA descends into a deep freeze, now is a good time to disconnect all garden hoses. Water inside a hose naturally expands when frozen and can split your hose. While you’re at it, it’s also wise to drain and protect outdoor water taps to prevent them from freezing as well.

Sources: www.todayshomeowner.com, www.lowes.ca,