13 Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Home Against Cold Weather and Winter Storms

Yes, winter is on its way—and with it comes chilly weather, festive holidays, and unpredictable storms. Just as you wouldn’t head out into the cold without a warm coat and sturdy boots, it’s equally important to shield your home from the freezing cold and harsh conditions to ensure a cozy, comfortable season indoors.

Autumn is the ideal time to get these essential tasks done and prepare your home for the winter chill—because no one wants to be unclogging gutters when temperatures plummet into the teens.

Perform a Comprehensive Home Inspection

Examine the exterior of your house, both inside and outside, for any potential issues, like gaps in the caulking, signs of squirrels or other animals taking refuge in your roofline, indications of roof leaks, or cold and drafty spots inside your home.

Keep track of any problems you come across as you inspect, so nothing gets overlooked when it’s time to fix things.

Clear Your Gutters

During the fall, fallen leaves can clog up your gutters, leading to potential blockages. If they aren’t cleaned out before winter, you risk creating an ice dam, which can freeze the water and cause serious damage to your gutters, siding, and even your roof.

Make sure to clear your gutters before the snow starts falling, so that you can prevent any potential winter weather from causing damage to your home.

Replace Caulk and Weatherstripping

Exterior caulk typically lasts up to a decade, so it’s not uncommon to find it cracked or missing in some places. When caulk or weatherstripping is compromised, it can lead to pest invasions and create openings for cold air, causing drafts and higher energy bills.

Luckily, this is an easy DIY project that you can handle yourself, offering the benefit of a warmer home and reduced energy costs.

Check Pipe Insulation

Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your home, and you’ll also lose access to water. Pipes along exterior walls are the first to freeze since they’re exposed to the cold. Wrapping foam insulation around your pipes, or even applying heat tape to those most prone to freezing, will help ensure that your water continues flowing.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

You might associate ceiling fans with cooling your home, but running them in winter (with the blades spinning clockwise) can help circulate warm air back down, keeping your home cozy without causing a spike in your energy bills.

Swap Out Your Curtains

Swap out light sheers for heavier materials like velvet or other thick curtain fabrics that will help block chilly drafts coming through your windows and reduce heat loss. Simply keeping your curtains closed at night and in rooms that get little sunlight can cut down on heat loss by up to 10%, according to the Department of Energy.

Turn Off Water to Exterior Faucets

If you live in a region where temperatures consistently drop below freezing during the winter, it's crucial to turn off the water supply to any outdoor faucets to prevent plumbing issues. (Frozen pipes can cause major leaks both inside and outside your home.)

Give Your Furnace a Checkup

Before you start heating your home, ensure that your furnace is working properly and has fresh air filters. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, it's best to hire a heating and cooling expert to take care of the job for you.

Examine Your Fireplace

If you're planning for cozy evenings by the fire, now's the time to get everything in order. Open the flue and inspect the chimney for any creosote buildup—a flammable residue from burning wood that can reduce airflow. It’s wise to hire a chimney professional to thoroughly inspect and clean the chimney.

Ensure Your Shovels and Ice Melt Are Ready

Inspect your shovels for any damage and replace them as needed—don’t forget to stock up on ice melt to keep your walkways and steps safe and clear during the winter.

Test Your Snowblower

If you live in an area that experiences consistent winter snowfall, the last thing you want is to discover your snowblower won’t start when you're buried under fresh snow. Be sure to check it for any signs of damage or wear before the first snowstorm arrives. If you have a gas-powered snowblower, change the oil and refill it with fresh gas. Finally, give it a quick start to confirm that everything is functioning correctly.

Inspect Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It’s crucial to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when the clocks change during daylight savings time to ensure your safety. This is especially important in winter, when appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, and ovens can be sources of dangerous carbon monoxide levels in the home.

Prepare for a Power Outage

Power outages during the winter can lead to rapid heat loss, putting your home and safety at risk. It’s important to have a plan in place for handling a power outage that lasts more than a few hours. Here are a few things to consider preparing in case of an outage:

• Ensure your flashlights and other emergency light sources are fully charged and ready to use.
• Bundle up in plenty of warm layers and snuggle under blankets for extra warmth.
• Seal door gaps and windows using draft stoppers, towels, or other heavy materials to help conserve heat.
• Open under-sink cabinets to allow heat to circulate around the pipes, and let the water run at a slow trickle to prevent freezing.
• If you’re using a generator for backup power, always run it outside your home for safety.