Winter-Ready Checklist: Prep Your Home for the Cold Months

Winterize Landscaping

Trim trees and bushes to prevent heavy snow from weighing down branches and causing breakage. Plant cold hardy annuals and mulch flower beds. Disconnect and drain hoses, then store indoors along with potted plants and delicate furniture. Shut off and winterize irrigation systems and backflow valves.

Maintain Gutters

Clear debris from gutters so melting snow can drain freely. Check for leaks and make any gutter repairs before winter. Install gutter guards to prevent future clogs from leaves. Consider heat cable along the roofline to prevent dangerous ice dams in the gutters.

Weatherproof Outdoor Structures

Check for exterior cracks around porches, foundations, doors and windows then caulk and seal thoroughly. Insulate garage doors and sheds. Make roof repairs. Clean debris from window wells and cover with durable plastic covers. Insulate basement window wells too. Apply fresh waterproofing sealant to decks/patios.

Caulk and Weatherstrip

Inspect where different building materials meet and seal with caulk and weatherstripping. Key spots include windows, doors, attic entry points, electrical outlets/switches, dryer vents, and HVAC components. Applying silicone caulk then painting over top looks neat.

Insulate Attics

Check attic insulation levels – most homes need at least R-49 rating. Top off existing insulation or upgrade to spray foam for optimal efficiency. Don’t neglect basement or crawl space insulation too.

Update Windows and Doors

Replace any aging, inefficient windows and doors with newer energy efficient models. Ensure tight seals with weatherstripping. For added insulation, install plastic film window kits over the frames. Close exterior shutters too.

Insulate Pipes

Wrap exposed pipes with specially designed foam pipe insulation. Prioritize areas prone to freezing like unheated basements, crawl spaces, garages and attics. Seal gaps at openings. For extreme cold climates, consider heat tape.

Shut Off and Drain Systems

Shut off and completely drain exterior hose bibs. Shut off and drain any household sprinkler supply lines. Consider shutting supply and draining water lines to unheated outbuildings over winter.

Maintain Water Heater

Inspect your home’s main water heater to ensure optimal performance. Drain any sediment buildup from the tank. Check pressure relief and overflow valves. Replace tank anodes if needed.

Schedule Tune-Ups

Arrange professional tune-ups for the furnace, heat pump, or boiler. Technicians will check for leaks, adjust combustion levels, change filters, and clean parts. Optimize efficiency.

Change Air Filters

Replace furnace filters monthly during winter. Clogged filters reduce airflow and efficiency. Electrostatic pleated filters trap more allergens. Properly sizing your filter improves air quality.

Clean Ductwork

Professionally clean HVAC ducts to remove dust, dander and debris that restricts airflow. Sanitizing ducts improves indoor air quality and reduces strain on your system.

Stock Emergency Supplies

Prepare a winter storm kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, blankets, hand warmers, and backup phone chargers. Maintain at least a 3 day supply.

Maintain Backup Power Sources

Test and fuel generators regularly. Install fresh batteries in battery-powered lighting, radios, and chargers. Have portable chargers fully charged. Maintain chainsaws and fuel for tree removal.

Charge Essential Electronics

Ensure phones, tablets, laptops and backup batteries are fully charged before storms. Unplug electronics to avoid power surge damage when electricity is restored.

Rearrange Furniture

Avoid blocking heating vents with furniture, ensuring warm air can circulate freely. Keep thermostats unobstructed too. Close doors to unused rooms. Open curtains to absorb daylight warmth.

Update Bedding

Use extra blankets and warm duvet inserts. Choose thermal curtains or blackout shades to trap heat. Cozy bedroom slippers and robes add warmth when rising from bed. A humidifier prevents dry indoor air.

Set Smart Thermostats

Install programmable or WiFi connected thermostats. Setting the temperature lower when away saves energy. You can then conveniently raise the temperature when heading home.