Winterizing your home is an essential process that homeowners should not neglect for their property. The purpose of winterizing a home is to avoid higher energy costs and any damage caused by cold weather and snow. Here’s how to winterize your home properly so that it can weather the season.

When To Winterize A House

While the onset of the cold season will vary depending on your region, it’s a good rule of thumb to begin the process of winterizing your home in early fall. If you decide to DIY it, this will give you plenty of time to do it at your own pace. However, if you are hiring a pro, you will need to schedule service appointments as soon as possible—perhaps even request them during the summer—so that you can get any necessary work completed before the weather turns for the worse.

  1. Clean the Gutters
    Gutters are the workhorses of your home’s exterior. They direct rainwater and snow away from your roof to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. But gutters can’t do this very important job when they’re clogged with dead leaves and other debris. Whether you hire someone to do it for you or climb a ladder yourself, make sure your gutters are clear before the first snowfall.
TIP: A telescoping gutter wand makes it easier and faster to clean your gutters.
  1. Inspect the Roof and Attic
    Now’s the time to make any repairs to your roof so that it won’t leak in the rain or the snow. If you have an attic, replace or add insulation to keep drafts out.
TIP: Be sure to wear gloves whenever you are handling fiberglass insulation.
  1. Check the Chimney
    If you have a fireplace, you’ll want to make sure the chimney is clear of any buildup. A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard, so hire a chimney sweep to ensure it’s clear and you can build fires safely all season.
TIP: If you don’t actively use your fireplace, inflate a chimney balloon and plug up the space to keep out the cold.
  1. Weatherproof Windows and Doors
    Cold air can creep in through windows and doors, so be sure to replace any weather-stripping around them. Apply caulking to seal any gaps around windows—you can also do this for any cracks in the siding, too. Unless you have newer, energy-efficient windows, you can apply window film to keep out the cold. A door sweep installed on the bottom of your door can keep drafts out, too.
TIP: To find the source of a draft, hold a lit candle a couple of inches away from a window or door. If the flame is extinguished, apply caulking or weather-stripping to that spot.
  1. Protect the Pipes
    Frozen pipes can burst during the winter and cause major problems for homeowners. Here are some things you can do to avoid this wintertime nightmare:
  • Know the location of your main water shutoff so that you can access it quickly in an emergency.
  • Drain the water from outdoor sprinkler systems and garden hoses.
  • Disconnect garden hoses from faucets and store them in a garage or shed.
  • Cover the faucets.
  • Fix or replace any broken windows so that cold air can’t get into a room and freeze pipes, particularly in the basement.
  • Walk the perimeter of your home and close off any other vents that you might have opened during the warmer weather.
TIP: If you’re going to be away from your home during the winter, be sure to keep your thermostat set to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to keep your house at the right temperature so that your pipes won’t freeze.
  1. Service the HVAC system
    Replace your furnace filter and schedule a service appointment so that your heating system is ready to go before you need it. This might mean scheduling a service call when you’ve got your AC pumping during the summer because service appointments can be hard to get during the height of the season.
TIP: If you live in a climate where there are four distinct seasons, have your HVAC serviced twice a year so that it runs well in both the cold weather and hot weather.
  1. Prepare Your Patio and Deck
    This is particularly important if you live in a region where snow is likely. Cover patio furniture with weatherproof covers or, if possible, store it away in a garage or shed. If your deck is wooden, a fresh coat of sealant will protect it in wet weather.
TIP: Some patio furniture can be left out in the cold weather without being damaged. It all depends on the material used in making it. Teak furniture, for example, can stand up to winter, though furniture made from other types of wood cannot. When in doubt, cover or store your outdoor furniture.
  1. Ensure Snow Removal Tools Are Accessible
    It’s one thing to have a gassed-up snow-blower ready and waiting in your shed. But it’s another thing when a snowstorm dumps a foot of snow and you can’t get to it. Well before there is even a single flake in the forecast, be sure that all of your snow removal tools, including shovels and de-icing agents like salt and sand, are out of storage and easily accessible when snow starts to fall. This might be a small task on your winterizing list, but it’s an important one.
TIP: Need new shovels or a snow blower? Buy them any time of year except during the winter, when supplies are low and prices are high. Your best chances to catch a sale will be before or after the snowy season, but know that inventory will likely be limited if you wait until after the winter.

When to Call a Pro

Winterizing a home can be a DIY project, but like with many home improvement projects, a professional like a general contractor can do it more quickly and easily. If you decide to prepare your home for winter on your own, allow yourself plenty of time before the cold weather arrives. If you discover any issues that could pose a hazard to yourself or your property, you should call in a professional right away so that you aren’t left out in the cold in your own home this winter.

As your top-ranked home inspection company in Kentucky, Know Before You Buy Home Inspections, we recommend that you take these steps to ensure that your home is safe and secure during the winter months. By following these steps, you can save money on energy costs and prevent damage to your property. Remember to start early and take your time to complete each task properly.