November Home Maintenance Checklist for a Healthier Home

By Sheila Alston

It’s that time of year again—when the weather turns crisp, the windows stay shut, and you start spending more time inside your home than outside. But here’s the thing: while you’re cozying up indoors, your home could be quietly brewing stale air, hidden moisture, and creeping cold spots that affect your health and energy bills. Most home maintenance checklists focus on what’s visible, but the real impact often lies in the things you don’t see.

If you're ready to go beyond the basics, here are smart, overlooked maintenance tips that help your home support better breathing, better comfort, and fewer surprises this winter.

November is a strange month—it’s not quite the deep freeze of winter, but it’s definitely the beginning of “let’s hibernate inside” season. That’s exactly why it’s the perfect time to check your home for hidden issues that affect your health and comfort.

This isn’t your typical “change your filters and rake your leaves” list. Let’s go deeper. These are smart, lesser-known maintenance moves that make your home feel better, breathe better, and perform better all winter long.

Humidity: Not Too Dry, Not Too Damp

Ever wake up with dry eyes, itchy skin, or a scratchy throat once the heat kicks on? That’s your home’s air crying for help.

Use a hygrometer (you can get one for $10) and check humidity in multiple rooms—especially bedrooms and the basement.

Ideal humidity in colder months is 30–50%. If it’s too dry, a portable humidifier can help—but don’t go overboard or you’ll invite mold.

Too humid? That’s common in basements. Consider a low-temperature dehumidifier made for cold spaces. Moisture control isn’t just about comfort—it stops mold and dust mites in their tracks.

Find Your Home’s Microclimates

Every house has spots that don’t behave like the rest—closets that are colder, corners that always feel damp, stairs that creak from expansion. These are your “microclimates.”

Use a thermal camera attachment (or borrow one from your local library or utility) to spot weird cold zones or air leaks.

Then go explore. Feel for drafts, moisture, or even smell for mildew.

Seal or insulate accordingly. These zones are often where mold, pests, and long-term damage quietly start.

Don’t Just Change the Filter—Go Deep on HVAC

Changing your HVAC filter is great—but it’s just the beginning.

Open up the return air vent covers and vacuum the inside. You’ll be shocked what’s lurking there.

Take a peek into the blower compartment (turn off power first!) and clean out dust bunnies.

Book a combustion analysis if you have a gas furnace. It checks for carbon monoxide and flue issues—way more important than just heat output.

Bonus: Sealing return ductwork from the inside can improve both air quality and efficiency.

Your Attic Is the Real MVP

Attics are unsung heroes—or villains. They can make or break your home’s ability to stay warm and dry.

Inspect insulation for gaps—especially near edges and around light fixtures.

Check your attic’s ventilation. Are soffit vents blocked? Is the ridge vent functioning?

Look for frost buildup, wet spots, or mold. These are signs your attic’s not breathing right.

Fixes here can cut energy bills and make your air cleaner.

Drainage Isn’t Just a Spring Thing

Just because it’s not raining doesn’t mean your foundation isn’t under stress.

Test your sump pump—pour a bucket of water into the pit and watch it activate. Make sure the backup battery works too.

Check exterior drains and downspouts—are they clogged with leaves? Do they slope away from your home?

In the basement or crawlspace, look for tiny puddles, efflorescence (white chalky residue), or musty smells.

These clues point to poor drainage—and the fix can stop mold, radon, and cold floors.

Kitchen Vent = Indoor Air Lifesaver

When windows are shut and cooking ramps up for the holidays, air quality in the kitchen takes a hit.

If your range hood just recirculates air, consider upgrading to one that vents outside.

Clean the grease traps and ductwork—they’re often full of gunk and reduce airflow.

Install a timer so your fan runs after you’re done cooking. This helps clear lingering pollutants and moisture.

Smart Sensors for Indoor Air

Yes, we love smart thermostats—but go further.

Get a CO2 monitor. High levels (over 1,000 ppm) mean your home needs more fresh air.

Look for IAQ sensors that track VOCs, humidity, and even particulate matter. Some integrate with smart systems to turn on exhaust fans or alert you.

This is next-level home health tracking—and it helps prevent stale air, sleep issues, and winter headaches.

Create a Maintenance Log

Here’s a habit that pays off: keep a simple maintenance journal.

Log every check you do—HVAC, insulation, moisture, air quality. Include photos and dates.

Not only does it help you keep track, but if you ever sell your home, this shows serious care and attention to detail.

Plus, you’ll never have to guess when you last cleaned the attic or inspected your foundation.

Spending just a bit of time in November tackling these lesser-known maintenance tasks can save you a lot of discomfort, health risks, and costly repairs in the months ahead. You’ll breathe easier, sleep better, and enjoy a home that’s not just warmer—but truly healthier. Plus, when your home is performing at its best behind the scenes, it simply feels better to live in.

By Sheila Alston

Founder of HealthyHOME Media Host of Wellness Real Estate TV and the WellLIFE PODCAST