Purchasing and stacking firewood is one of the many ways to prepare for the winter days ahead.

In mid-November, as the temperatures start to drop and the geese arrive in earnest, I start to notice the holes. Across the yard, throughout the woods, these little mounds hide acorns, beechnuts, and any other little seeds the squirrels have stashed away. They’re getting ready for the cold months. It’s a reminder that despite the warm days and cool nights, a blustery winter is on its way. The squirrels and their mounds always remind me to start hunkering down by making improvements on my home. Doors and windows are checked for drafts and sealed. Summer porch furniture is packed away for next spring, and we stock several cords of firewood for our woodstove.

Though the Chesapeake’s winters are usually mild, some snow and ice is to be expected. Use the checklist below to help you batten down the hatches as you prepare for the cold, beautiful months on the Eastern Shore.

During winter, views of an icy Chesapeake waterfront are welcome—as long as you can enjoy them from inside a warm, cozy home.

Inside the Home

A warm, functional home means a healthy, cozy family all winter long. Especially when the windows are closed in the winter months, air quality is crucial. The tips below can help you ensure your house is ready for cooler temps.

Clean air ducts to ensure HVAC system's efficiency and to reduce dust and other particles in the air
Check toilet(s) for leaks (check the water feed and tank bottom), ensure the drain is clear, and check the base seal
Replace the filter in your furnace
If you live in an area that has had a lot of smoke due to wildfires, consider hiring a professional HVAC specialist to ensure optimal performance and to clean your air ducts

The Chesapeake region can regularly get a dusting of snow (or more) in the winter months, making some efforts to get your home’s exterior ship-shape for cold weather especially important.

Outside the Home

Ensuring your home is prepared for cooler weather on the outside is just as important as the inside. Use the tips below as a guide for how to prepare the exterior of your home for the winter.

Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window/door frames
Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent energy leaks
If it's been a while, reacquaint yourself with the location of your home's water shut-off valve and/or gas shut-off valve
Ensure foundation vent screens are in good order to prevent critters from getting under your home; close or cover foundation vents to prevent moisture buildup below your home
Clean gutters and downspouts – check gutters to ensure they're not leaking

The Chesapeake’s deciduous forests are especially beautiful in fall—but that beauty comes with a bit of extra work for homeowners. Preparing for winter means clearing leaves from gutters, trimming back limbs, and putting everything to bed for the season.

Property Maintenance

Outdoor maintenance is a big part of getting ready for the cooler months. Follow these tips to ensure your yard and home are in tip top shape:

When possible, leave the leaves! Many beneficial insect and animal species native to the Chesapeake overwinter in leaf litter. So if you want bats to control biting insects and luna moths in your yard, ensure some of your leaves are held aside from mowing or mulching
Prune trees, shrubs and perennials
Trim any tree limbs that are close to the house/roof

Icy harbors and snowy weather are to be expected in the Chesapeake. Prep your waterfront property for the extra wind chill and damp weather you may experience.

Regional Maintenance

Winters in the Chesapeake have average daily mid-40 degree temperatures, with drops below freezing at night. Especially for waterfront properties, which can be exposed to additional chill and winds, you’ll have some extra tasks on your plate to prepare for the winter months.

Change out/remove summer door/window screens if you live in an area with freezing temps or snow
Ensure pipes are well insulated for those living in cool climates
Ensure your attic insulation doesn't cover roof vents; to prevent winter ice dams on your roof ensure your attic is properly insulated
If you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, hire a professional to inspect and service the system to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning
Now is a good time to get your chimney cleaned and to test the seal of your fireplace flue

After a busy fall sealing windows, stacking wood, stashing deck furniture and cleaning out the gutters,, it’s a pleasure to watch the geese raft up on our iced-in cove from inside our cozy home. I hope this checklist helps you anticipate the cold months ahead with confidence, and enjoy the solitude, peace and beauty of the Chesapeake winter.