How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

❄️ How to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Keep Your Home Cozy, Safe, and Efficient This Season

As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to dip, it's time to shift our focus from pumpkin spice to pipe insulation. Winter weather can be tough on homes, but with a little preparation, you can protect your property, stay warm, and even save on energy costs.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you get your home winter-ready before the first snowfall hits!

🧰 1. Check and Service Your Heating System

Before your furnace is working overtime, make sure it’s ready to handle the job.

• Schedule a professional HVAC inspection

• Replace filters to improve efficiency and air quality

• Test your thermostat (consider upgrading to a smart version)

💡 Bonus Tip: If you have a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned and inspected before lighting the first fire of the season.

🚿 2. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can burst and cause major damage. Avoid this cold-weather headache by:

• Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas (basement, attic, garage)

• Disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses

• Shutting off exterior water lines if possible

• Letting faucets drip slightly on extra-cold nights

🌬️ 3. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks

Cold air loves to sneak in through the tiniest gaps. Keep the heat inside where it belongs by:

• Replacing worn-out weather stripping around doors and windows

• Sealing gaps with caulk or foam

• Adding door sweeps to exterior doors

This small effort can lead to big savings on your energy bill!

🍂 4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves and debris can clog your gutters, leading to ice dams and water damage when the snow melts.

• Clean gutters thoroughly

• Make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation

• Consider adding gutter guards if you have a lot of trees nearby

🧹 5. Winterize Your Yard and Exterior

Don’t forget the outside of your home!

• Rake up leaves and debris

• Trim tree limbs that hang near your house or power lines

• Store patio furniture, grills, and garden hoses

• Cover or winterize outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems

🔦 6. Prepare for Storms and Power Outages

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to be prepared just in case.

• Stock up on essentials like flashlights, batteries, and blankets

• Have an emergency kit ready (water, canned food, first aid)

• Consider a backup generator if you live in a rural or outage-prone area

🏠 7. Schedule a Home Safety Check

Before winter fully sets in, it's a great time to review your home’s safety features:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Make sure fire extinguishers are fully charged

• Review your homeowner’s insurance coverage

Thinking About Selling This Winter?

A well-maintained, winter-ready home is more appealing to buyers—and can help you stand out in the market. If you’re planning to sell this winter or early spring, I’d be happy to walk through your home and give personalized recommendations to get it market-ready.

Need help finding reliable local service providers?
From chimney sweeps to HVAC pros, I’ve got a list of trusted contacts who can help you check off this winter prep list with ease.

Stay warm, stay safe—and as always, reach out if you need anything!