Swab the deck. If you've been itching to clean the mold and mildew from the surface of your deck, get started. You might have it done by the time the weather is right for restaining and waterproofing.
Remove mildew with a commercial cleaner or bleach diluted with water. You can scrub, but sometimes that raises the wood grain. Resink or replace any deck screws that might have come loose.
Hit the bricks. Past freeze/thaw cycles may have resulted in "spalling" - mortar cracking and deteriorating in joints between bricks and stone on your walls, chimney, and other areas. You'll need to hire a mason to determine the extent of the deterioration and how much repointing will be necessary.
If the mortar isn't sealed, water gets into the joints. When water freezes, it expands and forces the mortar out of the joints. Eventually, they will be undermined, and water will leak inside.
Check the chimney. Have it inspected and cleaned. Creosote builds up every time you use a fireplace; it must be removed periodically to prevent fires.
If you don't use your fireplace frequently, buy a chimney cap, which will prevent branches, leaves, debris, and wildlife (birds and squirrels) from getting inside.
Focus on the furnace. Though the days and nights are still relatively cold, determine whether your furnace remains up to the task.
Look at last year's heating bills for January and, if possible, February and compare with this year's. If you are using more gas, electricity, or oil this year despite the warmer temperatures, it's time to determine whether you should be looking into something more efficient.
The sooner you determine whether there is a problem, the more time you'll have for research and comparison-shopping before next winter.
