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How To Prepare Your Home For Upcoming Winters?

Home & Garden July, 10, 2025

Some people enjoy it, while others dread it, but it is unavoidable - snow is on its way to you. Many of us spend more time at home during the colder months, but with energy costs increasing, winter may feel even more daunting.

Depending on where you live, this could mean snow and freezing temperatures. No time like the present to prepare for winter, especially as extreme weather becomes more common.

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the season's first snowfall, but there are a few things you should do before the powder flies. You will have a lot of work to do, from covering air conditioners to cleaning your home's gutters.

Winterizing your home requires some effort, but many of the best measures are free and easy to do. Create a winter home care checklist using these home maintenance tips so you can spend those cold days warm and cozy.


Seal Drafty Windows and Doors

Your doors and windows may be major areas where you lose heat from your home, potentially costing you money. Check for drafts around the windows and doors for safety. Replace the weather stripping if it is worn. You can also caulk inside and outside as needed.

If you have older windows in your home, it may be a good idea to cover them with plastic to keep the heat out. Cold air infiltration through air leaks around doors and windows is a significant contributor to your heating bill. Simple weatherstripping can help you save money on your utility bill by reducing drafts. Examine the caulking around windows and doors for damage or missing pieces. To fill any gaps, use a high-quality exterior caulk. If your windows are large, install two locks a few inches from the outside edges rather than one in the center to close the gap all the way across the sash. You can also benefit from interior design when attempting to insulate a window. For example, you can add window treatments such as thermal curtains, which are thick and cozy and help to keep cold air out of your home. You can also choose energy-efficient window treatments such as cellular shades to keep your home comfortable all year.


Clear Gutters

The gutter's sole purpose is to channel rainwater away from the roof and down the drain. It won't be able to do this if it's blocked.

If rainwater runs down the side of your house or there is discoloration on your walls, you'll know you have a problem. These obstructions are frequently caused by fallen leaves, moss, or twigs from a bird's nest. Water can cause dampness and mold, so it's critical to ensure that rainwater is effectively drained from your home. Clean out the gutters around the roof of leaves and debris. This doesn't take long, but it does necessitate the use of a ladder and, in most cases, a second set of hands. Clear clogged gutters and piles around the perimeter of your home. Examine the trees for nests and "friends" who may be living on your roof.


Inspect Chimney, Fireplace, and Flue

Although often overlooked in the summer, a wood-burning fireplace and chimney can be a major source of cold air leaks and other problems in the winter. Before winter arrives, the chimney and fireplace should be inspected and serviced. When the cold weather and snow arrive, your fireplace can be an excellent tool for keeping your home warm.

It's critical to inspect your flue system before that time to ensure it's free of soot and creosote to avoid a fire hazard. A flue system is a channel within a chimney that transports flame and smoke to the outside air. You should also look for any drafts. If the damper is closed but it's still cold, it could be warped, worn, or rusted. If you notice any open mortar joints, have them repaired right away. Through open mortar joints, a fire can spread into the stud wall behind the masonry firebrick.


Insulate your attic

Spending money to insulate your attic will save you money in two ways. You'll keep your home's heat in the living quarters, where it belongs, and a cooler attic may prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. This insulation guide from Energy Star includes recommendations for different regions of the country.

The warm air that you have paid good money to heat your home can become trapped in cooler weather. Instead of being circulated back into your home to keep you and your family warm, it's all in your attic, making the rest of your house cold. Adequate insulation will keep your home warm throughout the year.


Get heat sources ready

Early fall is a great time to beat the crowds and have a heating specialist inspect your furnace. They should inspect the ducts for obstructions and replace your furnace filters. Just like a chimney, you should have your furnace inspected frequently. If your furnace isn't working properly, an early inspection will give you enough time to replace it before winter reaches. You should also think about having your air ducts cleaned by doing it yourself. To keep your furnace working smoothly, make sure you change your furnace filters on a regular basis. Each furnace has its own air filter requirements, so stick to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you have a propane or fuel oil furnace, ensure that your fuel storage tank is full and ready to use. Remove any obstructions to heating vents so that air can flow freely. Many experts advise having a service technician come in and clean the vents once or twice a year.

Related: 9 Warning Signs that your Furnace Requires Repairing


Cover your Air conditioning Unit

One of the most important components of a cooling system is often overlooked: the condensing unit outside that churns away in the summer heat. You must remove your air conditioning unit if you do not want to lose heat through your windows.

Although you can cover window units with an insulated liner, drafts may still enter your home. If you have a stationary unit outside your home, you should clean it thoroughly before covering it to ensure it is ready to use in the spring. Wet leaves and debris can cause rusting and freezing of internal components if the condensing unit is not protected. Covering these units with a breathable waterproof cover extends their life and performance.


Insulate Water Pipes

Water supply pipes are especially vulnerable to freezing in cold weather, and burst pipes caused by freezing can result in some of the most expensive home repairs. Exposed drain pipes can also occasionally freeze, so it is critical to thoroughly inspect your home's plumbing pipes. Nothing is worse in the winter than a frozen pipe! When it's time to store your hose and sprinkler system for the season. Remove all hoses from the faucets and store them in your garage or shed. To extend the life of your hose, make sure it's completely dry and hung or stored off the ground.

Turn off the sprinkler system and drain the pipes. Use the main shutoff valve to turn off your system, which should then be insulated and protected. In extremely cold climates, you may also want to insulate and cover the spigot or faucet for your hose. Simple foam insulators can be purchased for a few dollars at home improvement stores. You can also use insulation to wrap them.


Are you ready?

A home isn't a home without inhabitants. When they are not given attention, they quickly deteriorate. Fall is an excellent time to begin thinking about home maintenance and preparing it for colder weather. Taking the time to prepare your home for winter and perform basic home maintenance could help you reduce the amount of damage caused by winter storms or even avoid damage entirely. You may feel more prepared to face the winter months after winterizing your home.