Winter Maintenance Checklist for Your Second Home in Northeast Florida

Dec 29

Heading north after the holidays? Don’t leave your Florida home unprepared.

Winter in Northeast Florida might be mild, but even without snow, your second home still needs attention while you’re away. Use this checklist to make sure your home stays secure, protected, and problem-free — with help from a local home watch service.

Why Winter Maintenance Matters in Florida

While temperatures are generally comfortable, Florida winters can bring sudden cold fronts, damp air, and occasional storms. For vacant homes, those conditions can lead to trouble if no one’s around to monitor things.

Common winter issues include:

Mold or mildew from poor ventilation
Leaky windows or seals allowing in moisture
Malfunctioning HVAC systems
Overgrown landscaping attracting pests
Storm debris or drainage clogs

Having a plan — and a professional — to check on your home regularly makes all the difference.

Your Second-Home Winter Maintenance Checklist

Here’s a winter-ready list for Northeast Florida second homeowners:

✅ HVAC Inspection: Ensure the system is set to a mild temperature and functioning properly
✅ Check for Leaks: Inspect under sinks, near water heaters, and around windows and doors
✅ Flush Toilets & Run Taps: Prevent stale water and potential sediment buildup
✅ Clean Gutters & Downspouts: Remove debris to allow proper drainage during storms
✅ Secure Outdoor Furniture: Prevent wind damage and weather wear
✅ Inspect Roof & Exterior: Look for missing shingles, clogged vents, or cracked seals
✅ Adjust Lighting & Timers: Maintain a lived-in look for security
✅ Test Smoke & CO Detectors: Confirm battery life and function
✅ Pest Prevention: Seal entry points and look for early signs of infestation
✅ Trim Landscaping: Keep bushes and trees away from the house

This checklist is a strong starting point — but keeping up with it remotely isn’t always easy.

Let a Home Watch Professional Handle It

At Home Watch by CrossView Property Management, we don’t just “stop by” — we perform scheduled, documented inspections tailored to seasonal needs. For winter, we look for signs of moisture intrusion, system failures, security issues, and much more.

We serve homeowners in Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and surrounding communities — and act as your trusted local presence while you’re away.

Whether you’re gone for a few weeks or the entire season, we’ll help you: