Simple Steps to Winterize Your House

As cold temperatures approach, winterizing your home is a crucial practice for ensuring comfort, minimizing energy bills, and preventing costly damage. By taking proactive steps in the late summer or early fall, you can significantly boost your home’s resilience throughout the season.

A successful winterization plan focuses on three key areas: sealing air leaks, protecting plumbing, and maintaining essential systems.

1. Seal and Insulate Drafts are major energy wasters. Begin by installing weather-stripping around doors and windows to prevent cold air intrusion. For extra protection, apply plastic window film to create an insulating thermal barrier. Next, check the insulation in your attic and walls, adding or upgrading material where necessary to retain indoor heat.

2. Plumbing and Exterior Checks Protect your water systems from freezing. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces. Crucially, drain outdoor hoses and turn off exterior faucets to prevent bursts. Outside, make sure to clean your gutters thoroughly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaging ice dams on your roof, so ensure water can drain properly and check your roof for any loose or missing shingles.

3. System Maintenance and Safety Your heating system is the heart of your winter defense. Schedule an inspection with a professional to ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently and remember to replace your furnace filters. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned to remove creosote buildup, which is a fire hazard. Finally, check your carbon monoxide detectors and assemble an emergency kit with supplies like non-perishable food and blankets.

By following this straightforward guide, you will protect your property and enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient winter.

Learn more about winterizing your home