09/11/2026
🏠 NEW HOMEOWNER?
Before you turn the heat on this fall… read this.
One of the things I wish every first-time homeowner was given after closing is a “Now What?” checklist.
Because owning the house is one thing. Knowing how to take care of it is another. 😂
As we head into fall and winter, here are a few things I’d put on your list:
🔥 Have your heating system serviced
Especially if you have a gas or oil furnace, boiler, fireplace, or other fuel-burning appliance.
🚨 Test your smoke & CO alarms
CO is colorless and odorless, so you don’t want to find out there’s a problem the hard way.
🧹 Check your vents
Make sure exterior furnace, fireplace, dryer and other vents aren’t blocked by leaves, snow or debris.
🪵 Have your chimney/fireplace checked
If you use it regularly, don’t assume it’s fine just because it worked last winter.
⚡ Be smart with space heaters
Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn and plug them directly into the wall — not an extension cord or power strip.
💧 Know where your main water shutoff is
This one isn’t heating-related, but trust me… you want to know BEFORE a pipe decides to burst at 2 AM. 😅
🔦 Keep a few emergency basics on hand
Flashlights, batteries, a fire extinguisher, extra filters and other small items can make a big difference when you’re suddenly without heat or power.
Buying a house comes with a lot more than a mortgage. It comes with learning how your house works. ❤️
I put together an Amazon list of some of my favorite practical “new homeowner” heating & winter safety items so you can knock a few things off the list before the temperatures drop.
Save this post now — your January self will thank you. 😉