Winter is around the corner- or if you are from way up north like I grew up it’s already here! Which means it’s time to make sure that not only are YOU ready for the winter season but so is your home. An unprepared home during winter can lead to insane heating bills, bursting pipes, and unpredictable chaos.
But don’t let that stress you because we are going to go through everything that is needed to get your home ready for winter but some cozy touches you can add too 🙂
So let’s just jump right into it –
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How To Get Your Home Ready For Winter Time!
Winter home maintenance to prep:
Indoor home prep-
Heating & Energy Efficiency
- Replace filters for the furnace/broiler.
- And if it’s been a while go ahead and schedule an inspection of them. It doesn’t hurt anything and if your furnace is close to the end of it’s lifespan you want to know now… not when it’s 2 degrees outside!
- Bleed radiators if you have hot-water heating.
- Test your thermostat (and upgrade to a programmable one if possible).
- We love the Ecobee system- it makes it so easy to manage the temperature in the house especially when we are traveling to ensure there isn’t any pipe bursts or concerns. Also can warm up the house right before you get home so you waste less energy and save money!
- Check insulation in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces.
- When insulation starts to get pressed down from people or pests walking on it or pressing on it then it stops being as effective. You will save yourself in energy costs to get the insulation refreshed when you see evidence of it being squished in places.
- Seal drafts around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Don’t forget about ones around the attic or crawl spaces! Those sneaky areas get forgotten about and you would be amazed how much of the hot air you’re paying for goes right outside.
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down.
- My husband introduced this concept to me when we moved in together and it’s mind blowing how effective it is for helping a room stay warmer in the space you’re actually in (aka not the ceiling).
Plumbing & Water
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas.
- You can get foam tubes that wrap around the pipes to help keep them from getting frozen and control their temperature better.
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is, in case of frozen pipes.
- You don’t want to be frantically trying to find it in an emergency situation- also if you have a partner or kids living with you I really recommend showing them where the water shut off is as well. Especially if your kiddos are old enough to be left alone!
- Run faucets at a trickle on very cold nights to prevent freezing.
- Or if you are heading out for the holidays or a trip during the winter months.
- Drain and store garden hoses; shut off outdoor water spigots.
Safety Checks
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- And if you don’t have carbon monoxide detectors please, please, PLEASE help keep yourself and your family safe by going and getting some.
- Replace batteries in detectors and flashlights.
- Stock up on essentials: salt, sand (for flooding), bottled water, and shelf-stable food.
- Check fire extinguishers and ensure they’re accessible.
- Also a great opportunity to ensure anyone who will be left alone in the home (partner, elderly parents, and older kids) are all aware of how to use the fire extinguisher. And while you’re at it make sure younger kids know about 911 and how to safely exit the home.
- Have indoor fireplaces professionally inspected.
- This doesn’t necessarily have to be every year but if you actually use your fireplace(s) then it’s important to get them inspected every few years to ensure they are safe to be using. Gas leaks are never something to mess around with.
Windows, Doors & Floors
- Add draft stoppers or door sweeps at the base of exterior doors.
- No need to get fancy with this either- simple ones like this will work perfectly and save you money.
- Install insulated curtains or thermal window coverings.
- They will keep your home warm and keep your heating bills down.
- Put down area rugs on bare floors to reduce heat loss and add coziness.
Cleaning & Organization
A good deep cleaning will get you set up for the winter months when you can’t open the windows and are going to be spending even more time indoors.
- Do a deep clean before closing up for winter (dust, vacuum, mop).
- Clean ceiling fans, air vents and behind appliances.
- Wash and store lightweight bedding; bring out flannel sheets and heavier blankets.
- Rotate and flip mattresses.
- Bonus tip: you can clean and refresh them by sprinkling baking soda on your mattress, letting it soak in, and then vacuuming it up!
- Organize your pantry with winter staples (soups, baking supplies, teas).
Outside Your Home-
Exterior home prep
- Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams.
- Inspect the roof for missing shingles or weak spots.
- Bi-annual inspections of your roof with a company that does small fixes can extend the life of your roof by sooo much.
- Trim tree branches away from the house and power lines.
- Store outdoor furniture and cushions or cover them.
- Invest in a solid patio box to keep everything secured from the winter weather and organized.
- Check exterior lights and replace bulbs before long winter nights.
Garage & Driveway
- Have snow shovels, ice melt, or sand ready.
- Little tip from a Minnesotan- kitty litter works the same as sand too and is easier to find at casual stores like Target.
- Tune up your snowblower (and stock extra fuel if needed).
- Check garage door seals to keep cold air out.
- Protect the car: check antifreeze, tires and battery.
- Also prep the car with emergency supplies- spare jackets, blankets, kitty litter (gets tires out of snow by melting it and adding traction), and SOS signals.
Cozy touches-
Comfort
- Stock up on candles, extra blankets, and cozy throws.
- Create a “winter comfort basket” with teas, cocoa, slippers, and books.
- Swap lighter décor for warm, seasonal touches (pillows, wreaths, doormats).
Safety
- Prepare an emergency kit: blankets, lanterns, chargers, and nonperishable food.
Korra-Shay
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