Winterizing your home is an important process that can save you both time and money. It is a good idea to check out a variety of things around your home to make sure that you are prepared for the colder months. This can also help to avoid problems like a broken furnace or frozen pipes.
Outdoors
Make sure that you neaten your outdoor spaces before freezing temperatures and snow arrives. Start by putting away things like loose items and furniture, and use covers for things like your grill. Put away gardening tools, empty out flower pots, and clean out your gutters. Disconnect things like hoses, empty out the water, and store away from the elements. Sprinkler systems should be flushed out to prevent damage from freezing.
Furnace maintenance
Make sure that your furnace is in good working condition. You can do this by replacing the filters and running the furnace. This way, if you need furnace repair, you can get it done before temperatures drop and you are stuck in a bind. If you have an older furnace, you may want to do your research and get a quote on a new, more efficient furnace so that you can be prepared, should the furnace break.
Replacing the filters and having your ducts cleaned are a good way to make sure your heating system is well-maintained and to reduce your exposure to allergens.
Weatherproofing
Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. You can do this with weatherstripping, caulk, and other materials. You can also purchase things like draft blockers for doors and sealing kits for drafty windows. Close any vents as needed.
Insulate as needed
Make sure that your home is properly insulated, from pipe insulation to walls. This can help to reduce drafts, heating costs, and reduce the possibility of frozen pipes.
Emergency preparedness
It is good to be stocked up on winter essentials before the first big snowstorm or deep freeze arrives. Be sure to have a good snow shovel, and make sure your gas or electric snow blower is running smoothly and that you have enough gas to run it. Keep a small shovel in the car and have scrapers and brushes to clean off the car. Have a bag of ice melt on hand for icy conditions (look for pet-friendly products).
Go through winter gear like gloves and boots so that you don’t have to scramble when winter weather arrives. If you have a backup generator, test to make sure that it works. It is a good idea to have space heaters in case of emergency.
I agree with the insulation thanks for the tips these are great
I didn’t know you can winterize your house. I’m hearing the snow is coming next week. Better start now. Thanks for sharing