February in Washington is the heart of winter—cold mornings, constant rain, windstorms, and the kind of damp air that makes everything feel a little heavier. While spring is right around the corner, your home is still working overtime this month to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

The good news? February maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few small checks and quick tasks now can help prevent expensive repairs later—especially in a climate like ours here in Washington.

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Monthly Home Maintenance Tips for February 2026

Practical, realistic upkeep for a safer, warmer, and more efficient home

February in Washington is the heart of winter—cold mornings, constant rain, windstorms, and the kind of damp air that makes everything feel a little heavier. While spring is right around the corner, your home is still working overtime this month to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

The good news? February maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few small checks and quick tasks now can help prevent expensive repairs later—especially in a climate like ours here in Washington.

1) Check Your Roof After Wind + Heavy Rain

Washington winters can be rough on roofing. February is a smart time to look for signs of storm damage.

What to check:

• Missing, lifted, or cracked shingles

• Soft spots (if you can safely inspect from a ladder—never walk on the roof)

• Debris buildup in valleys

• Flashing around chimneys and vents

Pro tip: If you notice granules collecting in gutters, it could be a sign your shingles are aging.

2) Clean and Inspect Gutters + Downspouts

With constant rain, clogged gutters can cause major issues fast—like foundation problems, water intrusion, and siding damage.

February checklist:

• Clear leaves, pine needles, and roof debris

• Make sure downspouts drain away from the home

• Look for sagging, leaks, or separated joints

• Add gutter extenders if water pools near your foundation

3) Watch for Moisture and Mold (WA’s Winter Classic)

If you live in Washington, you already know: moisture is always trying to move in.

Where to check:

• Under sinks

• Around windowsills

• Bathroom ceilings and corners

• Behind furniture placed against exterior walls

• Basements and crawlspaces

Easy habit: Run bathroom fans for 20 minutes after showers and crack a window when cooking.

4) Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With heaters running, fireplaces going, and homes sealed tight, February is an important month for safety.

Do this:

• Test every smoke alarm

• Test every CO detector

• Replace batteries if needed

• Check expiration dates (most alarms last 7–10 years)

5) Service Your Heating System (Before It Breaks)

Your furnace, heat pump, or baseboard system has been working hard since fall. A small issue now can turn into an emergency during the next cold snap.

Quick February tasks:

• Replace or clean HVAC filters

• Make sure vents aren’t blocked

• Listen for unusual noises

• Check for uneven heating room to room

If your heat pump is icing over often, it may need service.

6) Inspect Windows and Doors for Drafts

Drafts aren’t just annoying—they drive up your heating bill.

Simple ways to check:

• Feel around window edges and door frames

• Look for condensation between window panes

• Check weather stripping for cracks or gaps

Quick fix: Add peel-and-stick weather stripping or a door sweep.

7) Keep an Eye on Plumbing (Freeze + Leak Season)

While WA isn’t as extreme as some states, we still get freezing nights—and pipes don’t need much cold to cause trouble.

Check:

• Outdoor hose bibs for leaks

• Crawlspace pipes for moisture

• Under-sink plumbing for drips

• Water pressure changes

If you have exposed pipes, foam insulation sleeves are a cheap and effective upgrade.

8) Flush Your Garbage Disposal + Freshen Drains

Winter cooking means more buildup in sinks and disposals.

Simple maintenance:

• Run hot water and a few drops of dish soap

• Grind ice cubes to break up buildup

• Toss in lemon peels for freshness

• Avoid grease, rice, and fibrous foods

9) Fireplace + Chimney Check (If You Use It)

If you’ve been using your fireplace regularly, February is a great time to check for soot buildup.

Do this:

• Clean out ash safely

• Inspect the damper

• Look for smoke stains or odd odors

• Schedule a chimney cleaning if needed

A clean chimney isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about preventing chimney fires.

10) Walk Your Property and Check Drainage

This is one of the most underrated tasks, especially in Washington.

After a heavy rain, walk around your home and look for:

• Pooling water

• Overflowing gutters

• Erosion near downspouts

• Muddy spots near the foundation

If water sits near your home, you may need to re-grade soil or extend downspouts.

11) Clean Dryer Vent and Laundry Area

Dryer lint buildup is a common fire hazard—and winter laundry loads add up fast.

February reminder:

• Clean the lint trap after every load

• Vacuum behind the dryer

• Check the vent hose for kinks

• Make sure outside vent flaps open properly

12) Start Planning Spring Projects Early

February is a perfect “planning month.” Contractors book up quickly in the spring, especially in the Puget Sound area.

Consider getting quotes now for:

• Roof repair

• Exterior paint

• Deck refinishing

• Fence repair

• Landscaping and drainage work

Final Thoughts

February in Washington is all about staying ahead of moisture, protecting your home from storm damage, and keeping your heating system running smoothly. A little maintenance now can save you thousands later and make your home feel more comfortable every day.

👉 Looking for more tips or a personalized checklist for your home? Let’s connect—I’d love to share how homeowners across the Pacific Northwest can prepare for the months ahead.

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