Winterize Your Home – Do It Today and Then Enjoy The Season!

Winter maintenance can prevent severe damage to your home and can make your home more energy-efficient, saving you money over the long term. Take the time to make sure the interior and exterior of your home is ready for any harsh winter weather ahead, including freezing temperatures as well as snow and ice storms.

Here’s a helpful list to help you winterize your home. Put in the effort today and start creating a to-do list. Some items are simple DIY tasks and others may require a professional.

Doors, Windows & Attic

Most of these tasks are simple DIY projects that help keep your home toasty and warm without having to crank up the heat and raise the energy bills. If you have an older home, these are must-do items for you.

Add or replace weather-stripping around doors and windows to keep out drafts.

Caulk around windows where cold airs gets in.

Switch out summer screens and install storm windows if you have them.

Get a good storm door for your entrance.

Consider getting plastic shields to protect basement window wells.

Close the curtains or shades during the wintertime to help keep rooms warm while you’re away from home.

Insulate your attic and consider the benefits of cellulose insulation over fiberglass.

Chimney

Before you sit by the fire, you’ll want to double check the list below. You don’t want to have any nasty surprises or dangerous safety hazards.

Hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney and fireplace whether you use gas logs or have a wood-burning unit. Both should be inspected annually.

Close the damper when not in use, but don’t forget to open it before lighting a fire.

Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.

Stock up on firewood but be sure to store if away from the exterior of your home. Many creatures like to make woodpiles their winter home.

Consider getting a gas fireplace if you have a gas line. They great and are easy to switch on and off.

Furnace, Ducts & AC Units

No one wants to wake up in a bitter cold home. Take care of these tasks now so you can relax over the winter months or before head out of town.

Hire an HVAC professional to inspect and clean your furnace. Better yet, have a contract with a company that you can contact in case of an emergency.

Stock up on furnace filters and change them according to manufacturer recommendations. Can’t make it to a local hardware store or buy in bulk at Costco?  Order these online to be delivered to your door. Better yet, set the delivery to coincide with recommended time to change.

Drain air conditioning pipes and turn off the shut-off valve if you have one.

Hire a professional to inspect ducts for leaks in their joints and have them cleaned if necessary.

Ducts in cold spaces such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces should be insulated.

Remove and store window AC units.

Thermostat

These easy tasks can go a long way in saving energy and convenience.

Buy a programmable thermostat that allows you to set temperatures lower when you’re not at home or sleeping. There are so many smart technology options out there when it comes to thermostats so shop around.

To prevent pipes from bursting, never set your thermostat below 55 degrees.

Outdoor/Home Exterior

The outside of your home is where harsh winter storms and cold weather can do damage. Get these outside tasks done today!

Ensure that gutters and downspouts are thoroughly cleaned out of leaves and debris. Water can freeze causing them to detach from your home. This can also cause major water damage to your home!

Trim tree branches that hang too close to your home or electrical wires to avoid power outages.

Drain garden hoses, roll them up, and store them inside

Drain outdoor faucets and winterize in-ground watering systems so you don’t get burst pipes inside your walls. Your plumber can show you how.

Cover outdoor furniture or store it inside. Do the same with sensitive potted plants.

Seal foundation cracks to prevent mice sneaking in.

Sometimes eco-friendly composite decks and stairs can be more slick and hazardous when ice forms. Be careful since it might not be obvious!

Stock up on pet-friendly salt or de-icing treatments for your sidewalks, driveway, and porch to prevent slipping.

Locate your driveway shovel and car window scraper so you’ll know where they are when you need them. Louisville weather has a way of sneaking up on us!

Power Failures & Severe Weather

When a storm hits, many neighborhoods lose power. Be ready with these tips.

Store flashlights, a first-aid kit, and extra batteries in easy-to-reach locations. Consider getting some battery-operated candles instead of real candles to prevent any fire risk.

Make sure your cell phone is charged if a storm is forecasted.

Keep extra water bottles, nonperishable food (for babies and pets too), blankets and necessary medications on hand.

Check that you have a shovel and ice-melt (remember pet friendly brands!) so you’re ready to clear the driveway and walkway when snow and ice appear.

Consider getting a generator if your home or neighborhood loses power annually. It could be worth the money and might be needed if you have small children or older adults. Place the generator at least 20 feet from your house.

Find the phone numbers and website of your utility companies. Post it somewhere for easy access.

Fire/CO Safety

Make sure your home doesn’t have any unsuspecting hazards. We’ve already mentioned cleaning your chimney and getting your heating units inspected but there are other steps to include on your list.

Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly. Replace batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and fall. Do it now if you didn’t get to it then.

Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas, which causes headaches, nausea, and disorientation. These are inexpensive and worth every penny. Check batteries monthly.

Be careful with space heaters. Make sure you don’t leave them on and don’t use extension cords to power them on.

Keep grills, camp stoves and generators out of the house, basement, and garage.

Never run or warm-up a car or truck inside an attached garage unless the garage door is open for ventilation.

I hope you’ve found these tips a helpful way to enjoy a safe, cozy, and happy winter. Enjoy the holiday season and the beauty that comes with the winter season.