December Maintenance - Southwest
Great weather continues. Stay productive with outdoor projects.
December in the Southwest: Keep Going
December in the Southwest continues the trend of great weather. Temperatures typically range from the 50s to 70s—cool enough to be comfortable, warm enough to work outside. While much of the country is shoveling snow, you’re enjoying some of the best weather of the year.
Don’t hibernate. This is productive time. Continue outdoor projects, make repairs, and take advantage of conditions that most of the country can only dream of in December.
This Month’s Tasks
1. Continue Outdoor Projects 🔧🔧
Time: Make the most of it
The weather is still good. Keep working.
Paint, repair, and improve while conditions allow. December in the Southwest is prime project time. Don’t waste it.
2. Roof and Exterior Work 🔧🔧
Time: 2-4 hours
Cooler temperatures are ideal for roof work and exterior repairs.
Inspect roofing for damage. Check seals and flashing. Make any needed repairs. The mild weather makes this work comfortable.
The Southwest sun is less intense in winter—take advantage.
3. Water Heater Service 🔧🔧
Time: 1-2 hours
December is a good time for annual water heater maintenance.
Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. Check the anode rod and replace if deteriorated. Inspect for leaks or corrosion. Verify temperature settings.
Regular maintenance extends water heater life and efficiency.
4. Weatherstripping Check 🔧
Time: 30 minutes
Even in the Southwest, nights can be cool. Seal drafts.
Check weatherstripping around doors and windows. Replace any that’s worn. Seal gaps around penetrations. A tight home is more comfortable and efficient.
5. Holiday Safety 🔧
Time: Ongoing
Holiday decorations need attention even in mild weather.
Inspect lights and cords. Don’t overload circuits. Keep decorations away from heat sources. Use candles safely. Have fire extinguishers accessible.
Holiday safety is universal, regardless of climate.
6. Landscape Winter Care 🔧🔧
Time: 2-4 hours
The Southwest landscape needs winter attention too.
Protect frost-sensitive plants on cold nights. Continue to water—winter is dry in the Southwest. Adjust irrigation for cooler temperatures. Prune dormant plants.
Winter is a good time for many landscape tasks.
7. Plan Next Year’s Projects 🔧
Time: 1-2 hours
As the year ends, look ahead.
What major projects are on your list? What contractors will you need? What’s the priority order? Get organized for the year ahead.
Planning now means hitting the ground running in January.
8. Annual Home Assessment 🔧
Time: 2-3 hours
The end of the year is a good time for a comprehensive home assessment.
Walk through and around your home. Note what needs attention. Prioritize repairs and improvements. Create a budget and timeline for the year ahead.
A little planning prevents reactive, expensive fixes later.
The Bottom Line
December in the Southwest is a gift. Great weather, productive conditions, and no excuse for hibernating. Continue outdoor projects, service your water heater, and take care of your landscape. Plan for the year ahead while you have the time. This is one of the best months for Southwest homeowners—make it count.