The Holiday Home Care Checklist

Creating comfort, protecting your investment, and keeping your home guest-ready for the season

December brings out everything we love about winter. Fresh snow, cozy evenings, warm kitchens, and moments gathered together inside. It is also the time of year when your home works a little harder to keep you comfortable. Cold temperatures, low humidity, long nights, and constant furnace use can all put extra strain on the most important parts of your home.

A little care now helps protect your home’s longevity, comfort, and overall performance. To support you through the season, we put together The Holiday Home Care Checklist: eleven essential tasks to focus on in December, each connected to a different part of your home.

1. HEATING SYSTEM: REPLACE YOUR FURNACE FILTER
Your furnace works steadily through December.
What to do:
• Replace your furnace filter with a clean, correctly sized filter.
• Make a note to check it again in 1–3 months.
Why it matters:
A clean filter supports airflow and keeps temperatures consistent across the entire home.

2. ROOM COMFORT: OPEN AND BALANCE VENTS IN ALL BEDROOMS
Guest rooms often stay cooler because they are used less during the year.
What to do:
• Ensure every supply vent is open and unobstructed.
• Adjust vents in warmer or cooler rooms as needed.
Why it matters:
Balanced heat keeps every bedroom comfortable, especially when guests arrive.

3. KITCHEN READINESS: CLEAN THE RANGE HOOD FILTER
Holiday meals put your ventilation system to work.
What to do:
• Remove and wash the metal filter in hot, soapy water or run it through the dishwasher.
• Reinstall it once dry.
Why it matters:
A clean filter improves air quality and helps clear steam and cooking smells quickly.

4. FRESH INDOOR AIR: CLEAN HRV FILTERS AND CHECK VENT SCREENS
Your HRV works harder when windows stay closed.
What to do:
• Clean or replace HRV filters.
• Clear snow or debris from exterior vent hoods.
Why it matters:
Healthy airflow keeps your home feeling fresh despite the cold weather.

5. HOME SAFETY: TEST SMOKE AND CO DETECTORS
More cooking and more people indoors make this essential.
What to do:
• Test every detector and replace batteries.
• Check expiry dates and replace any outdated units.
Why it matters:
Working detectors protect your family and guests during the busiest indoor season.

6. ELECTRICAL CHECK: CONFIRM OUTLETS AND APPLIANCES ARE RUNNING PROPERLY
Kitchens and living spaces draw more power during holiday cooking and hosting.
What to do:
• Test commonly used outlets to ensure they hold a steady connection.
• Check cords and plugs on small appliances you plan to use frequently.
Why it matters:
Simple checks prevent interruptions when your kitchen and living spaces are working the hardest.

7. HUMIDITY LEVELS: MAINTAIN HEALTHY INDOOR AIR
Dry winter air affects comfort and finishes.
What to do:
• Aim for 30 to 40 percent indoor humidity.
• Adjust your humidifier or home system accordingly.
Why it matters:
Proper humidity protects woodwork, reduces static, and keeps the air more comfortable for guests.

8. APPLIANCE SAFETY: CLEAN THE DRYER VENT
Holiday hosting usually means more laundry.
What to do:
• Clear the lint trap and vacuum lint from the vent line.
• Check the exterior vent for ice or blockages.
Why it matters:
A clean vent reduces fire risk and keeps the dryer performing well.

9. FIREPLACE PREP: CONFIRM YOUR GAS OR WOOD FIREPLACE IS READY
Fireplaces often see their first real use of the season now.
What to do:
• Test the pilot light and check the glass on gas units.
• Ensure wood-burning fireplaces have clean, safe flues.
Why it matters:
A trouble-free fireplace adds warmth and atmosphere without concerns.

10. DUCTS AND AIR PATHWAYS: CONSIDER A CLEANING IF IT HAS BEEN A WHILE
What to do:
• If several years have passed since your last duct cleaning, book a professional service.
Why it matters:
Cleaner ducts help support airflow and reduce dust during a season when windows remain closed.

11. OUTDOOR SAFETY: CHECK LIGHTING AND WALKWAYS
Short daylight hours call for good exterior visibility.
What to do:
• Replace burnt-out bulbs around entrances and paths.
• Clear ice and snow from porches, steps, and walkways.
Why it matters:
Safe paths protect family, guests, and delivery drivers throughout the winter.

A WARMER, SAFER, MORE COMFORTABLE HOLIDAY SEASON
A little attention now makes your home more inviting, more efficient, and ready for every gathering ahead. These small tasks help protect the long-term health of your home while creating a welcoming space for friends and family.