Don’t Wait—It’s Time to Winterize Your Home

Winter is here, and while cozy evenings by the fire sound great, the last thing you want is to spend those nights dealing with unexpected (and expensive) home issues. Winterizing your home now can save you money, stress, and time—and let’s face it, no one wants a freezing cold house or burst pipes.

Here’s your go-to checklist to get your home ready for the season ahead. Some tasks are quick DIY fixes, while others might call for a professional, but every effort now is worth it later.

Doors, Windows & Attic: Keep the Warmth In

If you’ve ever felt a chilly draft sneak through your home, this one’s for you. A little work here makes a big difference:

Add or replace weather-stripping around doors and windows.
Caulk around windows to keep cold air out.
Swap out summer screens for storm windows if you have them.
Upgrade to a good storm door for better insulation.
Pull out heavier curtains or shades to keep rooms warmer.
Insulate your attic. (Pro tip: Cellulose insulation is often more effective than fiberglass.)

Chimney: Safe & Snug Fires

There’s nothing like a crackling fire during the winter, but a poorly maintained chimney can spell disaster:

Hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney.
Cap or screen the top to keep out critters looking for a winter hideaway.
Keep the damper closed when not in use (but don’t forget to open it before lighting a fire!).
Buy firewood and store it away from your home—no one wants unwanted guests living in their woodpile.

Furnace, Ducts & AC Units: Keep Things Cozy

No one wants to wake up to a freezing house:

Schedule a professional to inspect and clean your furnace. Bonus points if you already have a service plan.
Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly. Order in bulk or get them delivered straight to your door.
Drain outdoor AC pipes and turn off shut-off valves.
Check ducts for leaks and make sure they’re clean and insulated—especially in cold spaces like basements or attics.

Thermostat: Small Change, Big Savings

Let technology do the work for you:

Install a programmable thermostat so you’re not heating your home when you don’t need to. Smart options can make this even easier.
Never set your thermostat below 55°F to avoid frozen pipes.

Exterior: Protect Your Home From the Outside In

Winter weather can be tough on your home’s exterior—don’t let it sneak up on you:

Clean out gutters and downspouts. Frozen debris can cause major water damage.
Trim tree branches that hang too close to your house or power lines.
Drain and store garden hoses, and winterize outdoor faucets.
Cover or store outdoor furniture and potted plants.
Seal any cracks in your foundation—mice are experts at sneaking into warm spaces.
Stock up on pet-friendly ice melt to keep sidewalks and driveways safe.

Power Outages: Be Ready for Anything

Winter storms can bring power failures, so be prepared:

Keep flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit within reach.
Charge your phone when a storm is in the forecast.
Have extra water, non-perishable food (including for pets!), and blankets ready.
If power outages are common, consider investing in a generator. Just be sure to keep it at least 20 feet away from your house.

Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety

Keeping warm should never come at the cost of safety:

Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and check the batteries regularly.
Be cautious with space heaters—don’t leave them unattended or use extension cords.
Never heat your home with a gas range, and don’t run cars in attached garages.

Stay Warm & Worry-Free

Winterizing your home now means you can kick back and enjoy everything the season has to offer—without worrying about frozen pipes, cold drafts, or unexpected repairs. If you need recommendations for professionals to help tackle any of these tasks, I’m just a call or message away.

Here’s to a warm, cozy, and stress-free winter!