Holiday Stress? Not at Home. Here’s How to Keep Your House Running Smoothly All Season Long.
The holiday season is busy enough—hosting family, planning meals, wrapping gifts, and juggling schedules. The last thing anyone needs is a surprise home repair right in the middle of it all. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your home comfortable, safe, and ready for the festivities.
Here are a few simple, high-impact checks you can do to make sure your home is running smoothly all season long.
1. Give Your
Heating System
a Once-Over
Washington winters are damp and chilly, and your heating system does a lot of work this time of year.
A quick tune-up (or even just a filter change) helps:
Improve airflow
Reduce energy costs
Prevent mid-season breakdowns
If your system has been making strange noises or heating unevenly, now is the time to schedule an inspection.
2. Check Weatherstripping
and Draft Points
Cold air likes to find
its way in—and
warm air loves to escape.
Look over:
Doors
Windows
Sliding glass tracks
Attic access panels
Fresh weatherstripping or a quick bead of caulk can make the whole home feel more comfortable and help your heating system work less.
3. Clear Gutters
and Downspouts
Heavy rain + clogged gutters = roof leaks, siding damage, and foundation issues.
Even if you’ve already cleared them once this season, a quick check after big storms can save you from dealing with water intrusion during the holidays.
4. Inspect Outdoor
Walkways and Decks
Guests coming over? Make sure outdoor areas are safe:
Remove moss or slippery buildup
Check for loose deck boards
Add lighting along pathways
Salt icy areas when temperatures drop
A few minutes of attention can prevent holiday slips and falls.
5. Test Smoke
& Carbon
Monoxide Detectors
With heaters running, candles burning, and ovens working overtime, now is the perfect moment to press that “test” button.
Replace old batteries and make sure each floor has working detectors.
6. Tidy Up
High-Traffic Areas
The holidays mean more foot traffic—both inside and out. Early prepping helps things run smoothly:
Secure loose rugs
Tighten door handles
Touch-up caulk around sinks
Check for loose stair railings
These are quick fixes that make a noticeable difference.
7. Prepare for
Power Outages
Winter storms can hit out of nowhere. Keep essentials handy:
Flashlights
Extra charging cables
Space for a generator (if you have one)
Easy access to your electrical panel
A little preparation keeps a blackout from turning into a crisis.
8. Don’t Ignore
Odd Noises or New Leaks
Hear a drip? Notice a soft spot in the flooring? Feel a draft?
Small problems don’t take holidays off—and they often get worse with winter weather. Addressing issues early keeps repair costs down and your home safe.
A Smooth
Home = A Stress-Free
Holiday
Whether you're hosting or just enjoying the season quietly, a well-maintained home makes everything easier. If you discover something that needs a little more attention, Jesfield Construction is always here to help with repairs, maintenance, and bigger projects you’ve been putting off.