Getting your house ready for winter

How to Winterize Your House for the Upcoming Winter Months

As temperatures begin to drop, preparing your home for winter becomes essential for comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Winterizing your house helps prevent costly damage, keeps heating expenses under control, and ensures your home stays warm and cozy throughout the colder months. Below are key steps to prepare your home for winter.

1. Inspect & Maintain Your Heating System

Your heating system is your most important line of defense against the cold.

✅ Schedule an HVAC or boiler inspection
Have a qualified technician inspect your furnace or boiler to make sure it's functioning properly and efficiently. This simple step can help prevent mid-winter breakdowns.

✅ Replace or clean filters
Dirty filters reduce airflow and force your heating system to work harder, increasing energy bills. Clean or replace filters monthly during peak use.

2. Protect Your Plumbing

Frozen pipes can burst and cause expensive water damage.

✅ Turn off the main water supply if traveling
If you’ll be away for an extended time, shut off the water and drain pipes and fixtures.

✅ Insulate exposed pipes
Focus on basements, crawl spaces, and garage plumbing. Pipe insulation or heat tape can be lifesavers in freezing weather.

3. Seal Drafts & Improve Insulation

Stop warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.

✅ Apply weatherstripping
Seal gaps around doors and windows to reduce heat loss and improve comfort.

✅ Add insulation where needed
Make sure your attic and basement are well-insulated. For unused rooms, use fiberglass insulation around windows and doors to prevent cold drafts.

4. Prepare Your Home’s Exterior

Winter weather can be harsh on your home's exterior.

✅ Clean gutters & downspouts
Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams that cause roof and wall damage.

✅ Protect landscaping
Tie branches loosely and wrap fragile shrubs in burlap to protect them from snow and wind.

5. Store Outdoor Equipment

Cold weather can damage outdoor gear if not stored properly.

✅ Clean and store your grill
Ensure it's properly covered and stored away from the elements.

✅ Drain & store garden hoses
Disconnect hoses and drain water to avoid freezing and cracking.

6. Boost Home Security

Shorter days sometimes lead to increased security risks.

✅ Use light timers if you leave town
Create the illusion that your home is occupied.
✅ Ask a neighbor to check in
A trusted neighbor can help keep your home safe while you're away.

7. Final Winter Prep Essentials

Finish strong with these last-minute safety checks.

✅ Inspect your fireplace and chimney
A professional cleaning helps ensure safe and efficient burning all winter long.

✅ Stock up on winter essentials
Keep items like ice melt, firewood, flashlights, batteries, and a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand for winter storms or emergencies.

✅ Get Winter-Ready

By taking the time to winterize your home now, you’ll enjoy lower heating bills, fewer maintenance headaches, and peace of mind knowing your home is ready for whatever winter brings. Cozy blankets and hot cocoa optional—but highly recommended!