In Connecticut, winter’s freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions can wreak havoc on homes. Preparing properly for the cold season well in advance ensures your home stays warm, powered, and protected from damage when winter storms strike. Use this comprehensive winterization checklist to get your home fully ready inside and out before temperatures drop. Checking off these maintenance tasks, upgrades, supply checks, and contingency plans makes homes winter-ready and gives Connecticut homeowners peace of mind.
Protect Outdoor Areas
Safeguarding the exterior and landscaping around your home before winter prevents costly repairs and dangerous conditions. Prioritize these key areas outside the home.
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.
Insulate the Home
Preparing your home’s insulation, windows, doors and openings blocks drafts and helps retain warmth indoors all winter long, saving on heating bills.
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.
Prepare Plumbing
Extreme cold puts home plumbing at risk for leaks, bursts and freezing. Take preventative measures to avoid water damage and costly repairs.
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.
Update HVAC Systems
Heating and cooling systems work hard during Connecticut winters. Proper maintenance ensures efficient operations and reduces costly repairs.
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.
Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms with freezing rain, ice and heavy snow can cause downed trees, damage, and power failures. Be ready to safely weather outages.
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.
Ready the Home Interior
Small indoor adjustments help make interiors more comfortable and functional during the cold season.
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.
Preparedness is key to keeping Connecticut families safe, warm and comfortable all winter long. Following this comprehensive checklist to winterize your home inside and out, upgrade insulation, maintain systems, stock supplies and plan for contingencies ensures your home is fully winter-ready. With your property protected and interior cozy, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of a Connecticut winter.
