Buzz
Winter’s icy grip can arrive suddenly, bringing freezing temperatures in just a matter of hours. To avoid being caught off guard, it’s crucial to get your home ready for the cold season well in advance.
Though the thought of winter might seem distant, taking steps to winterize your home today can prevent chilly crises later. Discover the essential steps to prepare your home thoroughly, both indoors and outdoors.
Indoor Winterization Tips for Your Home
Inspect and Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
Why is attic insulation so crucial? Consider how professionals advise layering breathable, thermal clothing under your winter coat. Michael DiMartino, SVP of project services at Power Home Remodeling, explains that this concept also applies to your home. While many focus on exterior preparations for winter (and we’ll cover those later), he emphasizes that the most effective approach is to winterize your home from the inside out.
For instance, you’ll likely crank up your heating system during winter, but your home must be equipped to hold in that warmth. “Before the cold sets in, make sure your attic has adequate insulation. This helps enhance airflow throughout your home and stops warm air from escaping outside,” DiMartino advises.
“When selecting insulation, pay attention to the ‘R-value’—the higher it is, the more energy-efficient the insulation,” he notes. “The ideal R-value varies by region, but exterior walls typically require R-13 to R-23, while attics and ceilings often need R-30, R-38, or R-49.” Staying within these ranges can keep your home warmer and reduce energy costs. However, if you’re not experienced with attic insulation, it’s wise to consult a professional.
Inspect and Seal Air Leaks
Warm air doesn’t just escape through the attic. If your home isn’t tightly sealed, it can also leak from other areas. “Before winter arrives, inspect all windows, doors, and their frames for cracks or gaps where outside light seeps in,” DiMartino suggests. If you spot any gaps, it means air can pass through, so sealing these openings is essential.
“Ensure you weatherstrip or seal any areas prone to air leaks to stop air transfer and potential drafts,” DiMartino advises, noting that this is a simple DIY task. He also mentions that it can keep pests from entering your home. While sealant may already be present around windows and doors, DiMartino suggests a method to check if more is needed. “Hold a lit candle near areas where you suspect air leaks. If the flame flickers, it’s a sign that air is escaping.”
Don’t forget to inspect behind your dryer and stove for air leaks. “These areas often develop cracks or gaps, but weather-stripping or caulk can easily solve the problem,” he adds.
Another approach is to hire a professional for a building pressurization test. “They’ll lower the indoor pressure to identify air leaks more accurately,” DiMartino explains. “This is usually done with a blower door, a high-powered fan that removes air from the house.” With windows, doors, chimneys, skylights, and other exterior connections closed, locating leaks becomes much simpler.
Examine and Clean Your Dryer Vents
Regularly cleaning your dryer vents is essential, and it’s especially important during winterization. “As the weather cools, we use more blankets and heavier clothes, leading to increased dryer use,” says Mike Bidwell, CEO of Neighborly. A clogged vent filled with lint, dust, or debris restricts airflow and forces the dryer to overwork. “Additionally, secure your dryer vents and air intakes to stop pests and animals from turning your home into their habitat,” Bidwell adds.
Test Your Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors should be inspected at least biannually, with one check ideally before winter. “In colder months, we rely heavily on heating systems, space heaters, festive lighting, and increased cooking,” DiMartino explains. Cooking and heating are leading causes of residential fires. “A simple yet crucial step for a worry-free season is to test your smoke detectors, replace their batteries, and ensure they’re functioning correctly,” he advises.
Replace Your HVAC System Filters
Another straightforward winter preparation task is replacing your HVAC filters. “Before your furnace operates at full capacity, install a fresh filter to ensure unobstructed airflow and optimal efficiency,” Bidwell recommends. This not only enhances comfort but also helps reduce energy costs.
Insulate Your Pipes
A burst pipe can cause significant damage, flooding your home and resulting in costly repairs. “Many pipes aren’t insulated or designed to withstand freezing temperatures, making them vulnerable during winter,” DiMartino cautions. “Fortunately, adding foam insulation around pipes, particularly those on exterior walls, can prevent water inside from freezing and building up dangerous pressure.”
Add Rugs to Your Floors
The perfect rug not only enhances your room’s decor but also boosts energy efficiency. “Rugs provide an additional insulation layer, trapping cold air beneath them and offering a warm surface for your feet,” DiMartino explains. He notes that larger rugs are especially effective at reducing the chill from bare floors.
Use Window Treatments
If you prefer uncovered windows, it’s worth reconsidering as winter approaches. “When replacing windows isn’t feasible, installing curtains or drapes can help retain heat,” DiMartino suggests. Keep them open during the day to let sunlight warm your rooms. “Closing them at night acts as a barrier against cold air, with thicker curtains offering better insulation,” he adds.
Outdoor Winterization Tips for Your Home
Clear Your Gutters
While it’s not the most enjoyable task, cleaning your gutters is essential before winter arrives. “Gutters play a crucial role in directing water away from your home to prevent leaks and water damage,” DiMartino explains. He suggests removing leaves, sticks, and debris that have gathered during the warmer months. (Even with gutter guards, a thorough cleaning is still necessary.) “If you’re uncomfortable on a ladder or your gutters are hard to reach, hiring a professional is the safest choice.”
Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Water Sources
It’s also wise to prepare all exterior water systems. “I advise winterizing outdoor irrigation systems, draining and shutting off outdoor water lines, and storing garden hoses to avoid freezing and damage,” Bidwell recommends. “Properly draining and shutting off these systems minimizes the risk of pipes bursting in freezing temperatures.” Additionally, storing hoses properly ensures their longevity and functionality.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Homes often feature numerous windows, which can be a major source of air leaks. “This is particularly true for older windows, usually made of wood with single-pane glass, though some homes have storm windows that act as an extra layer to improve energy efficiency.”
Even newer homes might have outdated builder-grade windows or suffer from seal issues. “Switching to energy-efficient windows helps retain heat during winter,” DiMartino notes. “These windows are often constructed from synthetic materials like vinyl, featuring double or triple panes filled with argon gas for enhanced insulation.”
A trusted professional can assist in selecting the best windows for your home, including custom options if desired.
Organize Your Patio or Outdoor Spaces
Store outdoor furniture in your garage or protect it with weatherproof covers, and move indoor any outdoor plants once nighttime temperatures drop to 50 degrees. Additionally, clear weeds, sweep, and pressure wash decks or flooring before the first frost arrives.
Insulate Your Garage Door
If your home includes a garage, Bidwell recommends insulating the garage door. “This can reduce electricity and gas costs, particularly if the garage is connected to your home,” he explains. “An insulated garage also offers the advantage of creating extra space for a home gym or office.”
Prepare Air Conditioning Units for Winter
For those with window AC units, it’s best to remove and store them in a dry place. “Window units can cause drafts because they lack tight seals. Cold air can seep in around the unit and side flaps, making it difficult to keep rooms warm,” Bidwell notes. He suggests removing these units by mid to late September, depending on your region. While this task can be done by homeowners, it often requires two people.
Inspect Your Roof and Chimney
Your roof safeguards everything beneath it, so it’s wise to have it professionally inspected before winter. “A thorough roof inspection should assess its age, check for compromised or outdated materials like curling shingles, and identify any stains,” DiMartino suggests. “Flat, three-tab shingles may indicate an older roof, while modern replacements use architectural shingles.”
Beyond shingles, the entire roof system should be in top condition. “A well-functioning roof system includes ice and water shields, drip edges, ridge and intake vents, and a breathable vapor barrier—not felt paper,” DiMartino adds.
He also advises hiring professionals to inspect chimneys for damaged masonry or areas requiring repointing.
Gather Essential Tools and Supplies
The last winter preparation step involves ensuring you have all necessary supplies to last through the season. If you’ve been putting off buying items like a new shovel or de-icing salt, now is the time to stock up to avoid crowded stores and shortages. “Before winter arrives, ensure you have the proper tools and materials to maintain your home’s exterior,” DiMartino advises. “This includes shovels, de-icing salt for driveways and steps, snow roof rakes, ice scrapers, soft-bristle brushes, and more.”
