6 Things You Should Never Leave Outside Over Winter, According to Home Experts

Freezing temperatures, clinging ice, and accumulating snowfall can cause significant damage to items that are left out over the winter months. So it should come as no surprise that damage can occur if you leave furniture, tools, and other items outdoors that are not designed for winter weather.

Additionally, there are some objects that can become hazardous when they are left outdoors and exposed to winter weather conditions. We spoke to home improvement experts to find out what six things you should never leave outside over winter, so you can be sure to move these items indoors or into an insulated space, like the garage or a shed.

Power Tools

Generally, any items that have a motor or moving parts, like your lawnmower, leaf blower, or power tools should be stored in a garage or shed because the moisture can increase the risk of rust and corrosion both inside and on the exterior of the tools.

This is especially true for battery powered devices, since the cold temperatures can cause damage to the batteries, reducing their energy storage potential or even leading to battery leakage.

“Battery powered drills, saws, or other battery powered devices need to be stored in a climate controlled environment,” says Ryan Chastain, Machinist, Shop Supervisor, and Co-Founder of the Waddle and Cluck. “The cold temps are hard on both the tools and the batteries.”

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Patio Furniture, Cushions, and Outdoor Rugs

Cold temperatures can cause patio furniture to freeze and crack, while the ice and snow can contribute to long-term water damage and rot, especially for furniture made of wood. Instead, move these items into the basement, put them in the garage, or find a suitable protective cover that will keep them safe during the winter months.

“Cushions and outdoor rugs should never be left outside,” says Justin Olewack, Real Estate Expert, Construction Professional, and President of BOLT Builders. “Ice and freezing temperatures can destroy the fabric, so those are items you’ll either want to bring inside, store in your garage, or cover.”

Hoses

Part of winterizing your home should include disconnecting and draining your hoses.

“Hoses will get really stiff if left outside in the cold,” Chastain says. “If you need to use your hoses over the winter, keep them stored in a climate controlled environment until you need to use them.”

If you end up leaving the hoses outdoors, then the snow and ice will affect the durability of the hose, and may even cause permanent damage, like tears or pinhole leaks, that you won’t find until you try to use the hose in the spring, so it’s best to find a safe way to store your garden hose for the winter, like putting them in the garage or in a shed.

Extension Cords and Electronics

In general, extension cords and electronics should not remain outside during the winter for extended periods of time.

“Most extension cords, string lights, and other electronics aren’t meant to live through months of ice,” Olewack says. “They crack and can stop working by spring. You can leave them up for the holidays and then take them down, but freezing temperatures can cause the cords and lights to become brittle and crack.”

If you do plan to use an extension cord, string lights, or other electronics outdoors in winter, especially over the holidays, you should find products that are specifically designed with this purpose in mind so that you can be certain that they will be able to withstand the cold, ice, and snow without breaking.

Pneumatic Tools and Air Compressors

Since the cold temperatures during winter affect the air both outside and inside your tools, Chastain says that “air compressors and air tools shouldn’t be left out because the air inside will fluctuate, which is not good for the seals.”

If this occurs, the seals can become permanently damaged, creating air leaks and ruining the operation of your air compressor and pneumatic tools. The moisture from snow and ice can also cause the tools and the compressor to rust both on the interior and exterior, leading to premature wear and forcing you to replace any damage items come the spring.

Grills and Fire Pits

In most cases, fire pits, fire tables, and barbecues won’t be affected by the cold. But the moisture from snow and ice can become a serious problem.

Olewack says that if you do leave these items outside in the late fall or early winter “you will want to turn off the propane tank and cover everything. Propane tanks are tough and they won’t freeze but components connected to them can get damaged in freezing temperatures. Additionally, metal grills and fire pits aren’t damaged by the cold itself but when water freezes, that can cause damage by bending, breaking, or rusting parts.”

Even if you like to sit outside with a fire going in the winter, it’s best to move these items into a garage or shed when they are not in use.