November in Kansas City means one thing: the weather is about to drop quickly. As colder temps, more rain, and the very real possibility of snow approach, it's time to give your home one last pre-winter tune-up. These tasks will help protect your home, wallet, and sanity, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season. Here's your comprehensive checklist for what to accomplish this month:

1. Final Leaf and Gutter Cleanup

Why: Fallen leaves aren't just a lawn eyesore. Left unchecked, these piles can turn into moldy patches that suffocate your grass and clog gutters, causing ice dams, roof damage, and foundation issues.

How to do it:

• Lawn: Mulch, mow, or rake the last round of leaves, then bag them (or compost if your city allows). Do this after most of the trees have dropped their leaves—usually early to mid-November.
• Gutters: Grab gloves and a ladder, scoop out debris and clutter, and then flush the downspouts with a hose to ensure the water flows freely without clogs. If you removed any downspout extenders during the mowing season, ensure they are reattached to prevent melted snow and late rains from accumulating near your home's foundation.

Pro Tip: Do you have underground drain pipes? Run water through them to check for clogs, as getting them cleared now will prevent mid-winter backups when snow begins to melt.

2. Heating System Check-In

Why: Your furnace has officially clocked in. Making sure it's doing its job efficiently and safely will give you the confidence you need to enjoy the cozy indoor heat all winter long.

How to do it:

• Listen to the furnace while it's running for any unusual noises, such as squeals, rumbles, or clicks. These can indicate a problem that needs attention.
• Check each room for consistent heat. Cold spots could mean blocked or closed vents.
• Replace the furnace filter if it has been more than a month.
• If the air feels dry, bump up the humidifier setting slightly. Check windows for condensation, which can indicate if the setting is too high.
• Test all carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed.

Pro Tip: Book your furnace tune-up early before HVAC techs are swamped with emergency calls in December.

3. Check the Attic and Basement for Leaks or Drafts

Why: These areas are hidden problem zones for heat loss and water intrusion throughout the winter.

How to do it:

• Stuck inside on a rainy day? Use it to your advantage! Head up and inspect your attic with a flashlight, looking for damp spots or drips on the roof decking, especially near vents, chimneys, and valleys.
• Seal up any visible gaps with spray foam or caulk.
• In the basement, inspect corners and where walls meet the floor for cracks or gaps, and feel for drafts around basement windows.

Pro Tip: While you're in the basement, eyeball the water heater for signs of corrosion or leaks. If you haven't drained a few gallons from it in the last year, now's a great time to flush sediment and extend its life.

4. Winterize Doors and Entryways

Why: That cold draft sneaking through your front door isn't just annoying: it's money flying out the door.

How to do it:

• Run your hand around the door edges on a chilly day to check the weather stripping. Feel a draft? You've got a leak.
• Adjust or replace the weather stripping and door threshold, then tighten any loose hardware while you're at it.
• If you have a storm door, consider replacing the screen with glass to create a tighter seal and keep the warm air inside.

Pro Tip: Place boot trays and floor mats near entries to protect floors from snow and salt. If you have a drafty sliding door, toss down a draft stopper along the inside track.

5. Holiday and Safety Prep

Why: Between space heaters and candles, overloaded outlets, and your cousin burning the stuffing again, fire risk spikes during the holidays. These simple checks can significantly impact the safety of your home this winter.

How to do it:

• Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wires or cracked bulbs, and use only outdoor-rated cords for outdoor lighting.
• Don't overload circuits! It's generally recommended to plug in no more than three light strands per outlet.
• Live trees are wonderful for creating a holiday feel, but can be hazardous if they're not correctly cared for. Ensure your tree is well-watered and kept away from heat sources!
• Using the fireplace? Make sure the flue is open and clean. Don't burn gift wrap.
• Keep everyone on the same page and review your fire escape plan together.

Pro Tip: Keep an extra fire extinguisher on hand for added peace of mind. You can usually find one at a home improvement store for under $30.

6. Plumbing and Guest-Ready Touches

Why: The added stress of holiday guests and winter weather can mean you're not the only one under pressure. Do these simple tasks to get ready for company and prevent extra strain from causing inconvenient and expensive plumbing repairs.

How to do it:

• Don't dump grease or starchy foods down the drain. Put them in the trash.
• Run hot water and baking soda down your disposal to clear gunk and prevent build-up.
• Stock up on cold-weather essentials: salt or ice melt, snow shovels, and emergency supplies.
• Prep your guest room now: wash linens, check toiletries, and declutter.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen sink drains slowly or your disposal is funky, call a plumber before Thanksgiving. Trust us, you don't want a backup on Brown Friday (yes, that's really what plumbers call it).

7. Check for Radon Gas

Why: Radon (a known carcinogen) levels spike in winter when windows stay closed. Don't worry, it's easy to test for!

How to do it:

• Buy a test kit at your local hardware store for about $20.
• Follow the instructions carefully and test in the lowest level of your home.

Pro Tip: If your results are 4 pCi/L or higher, consider hiring a radon mitigation professional to install a vent system. While this can be an expensive investment, it's a significant and necessary health win.

Final Thoughts

November might be the gateway to cozy season, but skipping these home tasks now will cost you comfort (and cash) when winter truly hits. Knock these out early, then reward yourself with an extra slice of pie and some guilt-free couch time because you earned it!