Seasonal checklists

Winter home maintenance checklist for Australian homes

Prepare heating, hot water, gutters, roof and pipes for winter — including frost-prone areas like Canberra, Tasmania and alpine regions.

By Fixit247 Editorial TeamUpdated 28 September 20265 min read

Key takeaways

Service gas heaters at the interval the manufacturer recommends — many regulators suggest at least every two years.
Hot-water systems work hardest in winter, so small faults show up first.
In frost-prone areas, insulate exposed pipes before the first cold snap.

Heating

Clean reverse-cycle air-conditioner filters, and have gas heaters serviced by a licensed gasfitter. A poorly maintained gas heater can leak carbon monoxide, which you cannot see or smell. Never use outdoor heaters or barbecues indoors.

Hot water

If water takes longer to heat or runs out early, get it checked before the coldest weeks. Note the system's age and model; a licensed assessment can tell you whether repair or replacement makes more sense.

Pipes in cold climates

Canberra, Tasmania, the Southern and Northern Tablelands and alpine Victoria regularly see frosts that can freeze exposed pipes. Lag exposed outdoor pipes, fix dripping taps and know where the main stop tap is in case a frozen pipe splits as it thaws.

Roof, gutters and drainage

Winter rain in southern states finds every weak point. Have gutters cleared of autumn leaves, check for damp patches on ceilings, and make sure stormwater drains away from the house.

Damp and mould

Ventilate bathrooms and laundries, use exhaust fans, and deal with surface mould early. Mould that keeps returning usually points to a leak or ventilation problem that needs fixing at the source.

Smoke alarms

Heater and electric blanket use rises in winter. Test smoke alarms, replace batteries where the alarm uses them, and replace any alarm more than ten years old.

General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy