Winterizing Your Home: A Complete Guide for a Cozy, Safe Winter
In winter, home becomes a haven from the chill, a place to huddle under warmth. To sustain such blissful comfort with energy efficiency during the season, winterization must become the priority. With proper winterization, you can stave off all those pesky repairs and armor your home against whatever the season may hurl at it. Whether you decide to take on the task as a DIYer or hire professionals, winter preparation is always a good idea.
There are certain things about winterizing your house that simply must be done. This checklist considers everything from basic inspections to tasks requiring a bit more elbow grease. The good part? This list can be done in just some days, and you will be ready for whatever winter can throw at you.
- Seal the Cold Out: Windows & Doors
Windows and doors are prime culprits when it comes to heat loss. Air leaks around them could cost a fortune in heating, so those gaps should be sealed.
Verify the weatherstripping of the windows and doors first. Small gaps are effectively sealed by foam tape or caulking. For drafty windows, insulated curtains or the plastic film kits can provide cheap, effective temporary fixes. Long-term energy efficiency would encourage you to invest in replacement windows if you have old, poorly maintained windows.
Check for air leaks around a door’s frame and replace the missing weatherstripping using the correct type. You might also consider buying a storm door because it gives that added layer of protection from a drafty entry door.
Roof and Gutters: Keep the Weight of Snow from Damaging Them.
Another area you need to inspect is the roof, since ice dams and blocked gutters lead to plenty of roofing leaks or even roof damage. A thorough roof inspection will save you a lot from trouble in the future.
Inspect your shingles for damage; cracks or even missing shingles need to be replaced. Look into the flashing surrounding chimneys, vents, and skylights ensuring that there are no gaps wherein water might seep into. Clear gutters full of leaves and twigs. When gutted up, these can lead to ice dams, which could lead to costly water damage if not treated. - Heating System: Sure the Furnace is Ready
One important home appliance you should check before winter is the heating system. Start with a test of your furnace or heating system a month or more prior to when you expect the winter chill to set in. You will then have some time to sort out any problems before you need it fully operational. Once you’ve assured that your furnace will be able to keep your home warm, check on your propane or other supplies, just to be sure you have enough to last the entire season.
Air filters should be replaced and the vents cleaned out. You might want to also check your carbon monoxide detectors for that unnoticed small leak in the heating system that can become dangerous.
Have fun with winter preparation: Toys & equipment.
Winter should be good time to clean and service summer appliances such as lawnmowers, string trimmers or even dirt bikes. Be sure everything is in working order so it’s ready come spring.
Winter such as snowmobiles or snow blower, ice augers, also will need care. There too will be a check for the issues and a safe keep so you’re not taken off guard when snowfall comes. - Protect your pipes, prevent frozen pipes:
Frozen or burst pipes are among the most dreaded winter disasters at home. If pipes are exposed to cold air–such as those in attics, basements, or crawlspaces–insulate them to protect against freezing. Also, use electrical tape or foam pipe insulation for further security.
Close the water supply to the outside faucets and drain them to avoid freezing. Also, remember to store the garden hoses somewhere that will not be hazardous to them. - Outdoor furniture: Protect Your Gear
Definitely-the patio furniture, the grills, and finally the swings-all potential damage and destruction. Cover with a tarp or take them indoors-if they are out in the cold, into an attic or a garage. Protecting your outdoor gear also gives it a better chance at living longer while looking amazing next season. - Winterizing Your Conditioner
The air conditioning system is inactive in winter but needs some care. Clean it from debris like leaves and twigs by spraying water and letting it dry. After it is dry, wrap the unit with a tarp to safeguard it from the freezing temperature.
If it is a window air conditioner, it might be good to remove it or tarp it down against drafts. - Chimney and Museum: Ready for Warm Fires
Before the first fire of winter is lit, check for danger areas in the chimney and fireplaces. Check the damper; make sure it opens and closes without any hassle. Birds and small animals often use a chimney as a good nesting place, so it might be cleaned out if an audience is desired. Always leave the inspection process to a professional chimney sweep when you don’t know what the right thing is to do. - Equipment Check for Winter
If snowmobiles, snowblowers, or other winter-related equipment are relied upon, give them a once-over before the season’s first snow. Nothing would be more frustrating than waking up in the snow and finding out that the machine won’t turn on during the major storm! Check for fuel, spark plugs, and any other moving parts. Tasks like the ones above are much easier when taken care of beforehand and not while parts hunting in the middle of the storm. - Winterize Your Vehicle: Prepare For The Road
Winterization of a car is as important as winterization of a home. Snow tires are needed for traction, and leaks or other issues should be checked. A winter emergency kit should be in your car that includes a blanket, an ice scraper, a tow rope, and a flashlight for those times when you are stranded in bad weather.
Further Emergency Tips: Be Prepared For The Weather Maybe
The winter weather may not hold many surprises, so it is best to have one. Stock up on some non-perishables, bottled water, and extra blankets. Also, pack a flashlight and extra batteries in case the power goes out.
This list will assure you that the house is all set for the winter months. Winterizing keeps your house warm and prevents costly damages. Thus, with a few days of preparation, you can just relax knowing that your house is as comfortable and secure as possible for the entire season.
If this winter you are contemplating any upgrades to your windows, doors, or gutters, please do not hesitate to call us for expert advice and quality products. For other seasonal home maintenance tips, check out our blog. Stay warm, stay safe!
