How to Prepare Your Home for the Winter Months

From checking your heating system to protecting outdoor plumbing, a little seasonal maintenance can make a meaningful difference. Here are eight practical ways to get your home ready for winter.

Get Your Heating System Ready

Before your heating system begins working overtime, schedule a professional inspection and tune-up. Check your air filter and clean or replace it, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Keep furniture, rugs, and curtains away from vents so air can circulate freely throughout your home.

If you use a fireplace or wood stove, arrange for a professional inspection and any necessary chimney cleaning before lighting the first fire of the season.

Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Small gaps around windows and doors can make rooms uncomfortable and allow heated air to escape. Inspect weatherstripping for wear, check door sweeps, and look for cracked or missing caulk around window frames.

These simple improvements can help reduce drafts, improve comfort, and reduce your energy costs.

Inspect Your Roof and Clean Your Gutters

Your roof and gutters help protect your home from winter moisture. From the ground, look for missing shingles, visible damage, or sagging gutters. Have a qualified professional evaluate concerns and complete repairs before snow and ice make access more difficult.

Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts so water can drain properly. Check that your downspouts direct water away from your foundation. If the work requires climbing onto a roof or reaching difficult areas, hire a professional.

Protect Pipes and Outdoor Water Lines

Frozen pipes can interrupt your water supply and lead to significant damage. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas, including garages, crawl spaces, and basements. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems according to their design.

Locate your main water shutoff valve and make sure household members know how to use it. 

Check Insulation and Attic Conditions

If certain rooms are consistently cold or your home is difficult to heat, insulation and air leaks may deserve a closer look.

Have a qualified professional evaluate attic insulation, ventilation, and moisture concerns. Keep attic vents clear, and avoid adding insulation in ways that block airflow. Addressing the cause of discomfort can be more effective than simply turning up the thermostat.

Prepare Your Yard and Outdoor Spaces

Store or secure patio furniture, umbrellas, and other items that could be damaged or displaced by winter storms. Clean and put away gardening tools, and follow manufacturer instructions when storing seasonal equipment.

Have damaged or potentially hazardous tree limbs near your home evaluated by a qualified arborist. Check exterior lighting, steps, and handrails to help make entrances easier to navigate during darker, slippery conditions.

Test Alarms and Use Heat Safely

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace batteries when needed, and check each device’s replacement date.

If you use a space heater, never use an extension cord and keep it at least three feet from anything that can burn. Make sure to turn it off before leaving the room or going to sleep. Never use an oven or cooking stove to heat your home. Safe heating practices are an essential part of winter preparation.

Prepare for Winter Storms

Keep an emergency supply of drinking water, shelf-stable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and charged power banks. Account for the needs of children, older adults, and pets. Discuss what your household will do if the power or heat goes out, including where you could stay if your home becomes too cold.

Make Winter Preparation an Annual Habit

Preparing your home for winter does not have to happen in a single weekend. Start with heating, plumbing, and needed repairs, then work through smaller maintenance tasks.
With a thoughtful seasonal routine, you can protect your home, improve comfort, and feel prepared when cold weather arrives.

If you have questions about financing for unexpected repairs, speak with a Goldenwest Loan Officer today. Reach out to us here or call us at 1-800-283-4550.