10 Crucial Tips for Winterizing Your House

The most wonderful time of the year becomes even less so when you’re hit with an unexpected plumbing disaster. Before the first frost hits, it’s time to prepare your home for cold weather like a pro.

Here’s a 10-step checklist to help you winterize your home, whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or just someone tired of waking up to drafts and expensive heating bills.

1. Make sure your insulation is up to snuff.
2. Stamp every draft you can find.
3. Get good curtains.
4. Reverse your ceiling fans.
5. Maintain your oven.
6. Protect your pipes.
7. Clean your gutters.
8. Set up (or plug in) your heater.
9. Take care of your roof.
10. Stock up for the winter storm season.

Make sure your insulation is up to snuff.

If home energy efficiency were a sport, insulation would be the MVP. It’s the best way to keep your home warm (and your energy bills cool).

Start in the attic, because that’s where most of the heat escapes. Add more insulation if ceiling joists are visible; You want at least a foot of coverage. Then move into the crawl space or basement, making sure no air can seep in from below.

And you may not know this, but good insulation Keeps things cooler In the summer too. So you’re really doing yourself a favor throughout the year.

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Stamp every draft you can find.

Think of drafts like small money leaks. Air seeping in through the cracks around the doors, WindowsOr outlets can make your heating system work overtime.

Get a caulking gun for window frames, use weather strippers on doors, and don’t forget the outlets on the exterior walls; Things like foam pads or even child-safe plastic plugs can keep out surprising amounts of cold air.

If your windows are exposed to drafts but you still need to open them occasionally, replace old weather strips instead of using shrink film. It’s a one-time fix and still lets you get some fresh air.

Get good curtains.

If your home is exposed to drafts even after it’s closed, give your windows a winter wardrobe. Thermal curtains or blackout curtains can help trap heat. Keep them open during the day on sunny windows to let in warmth and close them at night to prevent them from escaping.

And if you have single pane windows, consider upgrading or adding storm windows in the future. It’s a big investment, but your future self (and heating bill) will thank you.

Reverse your ceiling fans.

Most ceiling fans have a small switch that changes the direction of the blade. In winter, set it to rotate clockwise at low speed. Which It pushes warm air (which rises naturally) goes back into the room instead of being left hanging uselessly near the ceiling.

Maintain your oven.

for you oven He’s about to become your best friend for the next few months. Treat her gently.

At a minimum, replace your air filter every 90 days, as this helps air flow and prevents dust from getting into your lungs. If it’s been more than a year since your last tune-up, call a professional to make sure it’s operating safely and efficiently — and be suspicious of “furnace tune-ups” performed by sketchy companies. A simple checkup and filter change is usually all you need.

Protect your pipes.

Frozen pipes are a common (and potentially expensive) plumbing emergency in cold weather. To keep your home protected, wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation, especially in unheated areas like basements or garages. Disconnect any garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets before the first freeze.

If you’re leaving on vacation, don’t turn down your temperature From 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything colder, and the pipes might burst in your absence.

Clean your gutters.

Clogged gutters trap melting snow and Creating ice damswhich are thick sheets of ice that can push water under your roof onto the roof. Once the last leaves have fallen, grab a sturdy ladder and remove them. You can also consider installing gutter guards, they will keep out most of the debris and save you some future hassle.

Set up (or plug in) your heater.

If you have a fireplace, now is a good time to clean it. Soot or animal nests can turn cozy fires into safety hazards. Schedule a chimney cleaning or use a flexible brush set if you’re a DIYer.

But if you rarely use your heater, it’s basically a giant hole for the heat to escape. Purchase an inflatable chimney plug to prevent drafts when not in use; It will pay for itself in one winter.

Take care of your roof.

Before the first snowfall, take a quick look Your roof (Or ask a professional to do it.)

Watch for things like cracked shingles, loose flashing, or clogged valleys. Trim overhanging branches while you’re at it, as snow-laden limbs can fall and cause serious damage.

If you live where there is heavy snow, consider installing heat cables along edges to prevent ice dams. A roof torch is also useful for safely pulling snow before it freezes.

Stock up for the winter storm season.

Winter storms don’t wait for you to prepare. Keep a small stash of essentials on hand so you’re ready before someone hits you:

• Flashlights and batteries
• Melt ice or sand for walkways
• Extra blankets and pet food
• A few days of non-perishable snacks (granola bars, canned soup, trail mix)
• Emergency car kit, if you need to drive in bad weather

While you’re in setup mode, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as they’re your first line of defense against oven or fireplace accidents.