Winter Home Maintenance in Alaska: Your Checklist for a Cozy, Safe Season

Owning a home in Alaska means embracing winter like a pro. Between the snow, ice, and subzero temps, our homes do a lot of heavy lifting to keep us warm and safe. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or have been here for years, a solid winter maintenance routine will help you avoid headaches and keep your home in great shape all season long.

Here’s a breakdown of the most important things to do each winter to keep your Alaska home cozy, efficient, and problem-free.

1. Check and Service Your Heating System

Your heating system works overtime in Alaska’s long winters, so it deserves a little extra care. Have a professional service your furnace or boiler before temperatures dip too low. They’ll clean filters, check the ignition, and make sure your system is running efficiently.

If you heat with oil, monitor your fuel levels and schedule deliveries early, especially before cold snaps. You don’t want to find yourself running low when it’s zero degrees outside.

For homes with radiant floor heating or Toyo stoves, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines and keep vents and filters clean to help the system work efficiently.

2. Keep Gutters and Roofs Clear

Ice dams are one of the biggest culprits of winter home damage. They form when melting snow refreezes at the roof edge, trapping water that can leak into your attic or walls.

To prevent this, clean your gutters before the snow starts to fall and make sure downspouts are clear. If you notice heavy icicles forming, it’s worth checking your attic insulation, warm air escaping through the roof can contribute to the problem.

And if snow really starts to pile up, use a roof rake to remove some of the weight. It’s not just about leaks; Alaska snow can be dense and heavy enough to strain your roof over time.

3. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes can cause major damage and expensive repairs, but with a few precautions, they’re easy to prevent.

Keep garage and crawl space doors closed, wrap exposed pipes with insulation, and let indoor faucets drip slightly during extreme cold spells. If you’re leaving your home for an extended period, don’t turn the heat off completely, keep it around 55°F to prevent freezing.

It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is, just in case you ever need to turn it off quickly.

4. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

Even a small draft can drive up your heating costs and make your home feel colder than it should. Check around windows and doors for cold air leaks. If you feel a draft, try adding weatherstripping or using removable window film.

In older homes, insulated curtains can make a big difference, and a simple door draft stopper can help seal off gaps at floor level.

These small changes add up, they can make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy bill all winter long.

5. Stock Up for Winter Emergencies

Alaska weather can be unpredictable. Power outages and heavy snowstorms happen, so it’s smart to be prepared. Keep an emergency kit stocked with:

• Flashlights or lanterns
• Extra batteries
• A portable phone charger
• Bottled water and nonperishable food
• A backup heat source, like a propane heater or wood stove (used safely, of course)
  

It’s also a good idea to keep a shovel, snow brush, and ice melt near each entrance so you’re never caught off guard.

6. Don’t Forget Outdoor Maintenance

Before deep winter hits, give your yard and exterior a little attention. Drain and store garden hoses, check that exterior vents are clear of debris, and make sure your deck or porch railings are secure for icy days.

If you have a septic system, know where it’s located so you can avoid driving or plowing over it. And if you’re new to Alaska winters, familiarize yourself with your home’s fuel system (oil, propane, or natural gas) so you know how to monitor and refill as needed.

7. Enjoy the Cozy Season

Winter in Alaska is long, but it’s also one of the most beautiful times of year. Once your home is prepped and ready, you can fully enjoy it—light a fire, hang some soft lighting, and make your space as warm and inviting as possible.

A well-cared-for home doesn’t just feel better, it gives you peace of mind knowing you’re ready for whatever the season brings.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Homeownership?

Whether you’re buying your first home, settling into a PCS move, or getting ready to sell in the spring, our team at Selling Alaska + Co is here to help you every step of the way. We know Alaska winters inside and out, and we’re here to make homeownership easier, season after season.