Winterizing your home might sound like a daunting or possibly unnecessary task, but with a little preparation, you'll ensure that your space remains warm, cozy, and trouble-free throughout the season.
Trust me - extra work in the beginning could save you a lot of time (and even money!) in the long run.
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Disclaimer: I live in Illinois, so my winterization may look different from yours if you live in warmer all-year-round states like Florida, Texas, or Arizona. Either way, as the seasons shift, there is still work to be done!
Inspect and Service Your Home Heating
One key task in preparing your home is giving your heating systems a little TLC. It’s super important to have someone professional come out and check on your furnace or boiler to make sure everything’s running smoothly and safely.
You want to do this ahead of time - if it goes out in the middle of winter, you'll be a bit more panicked, I'm sure. And if you’re like me and love the charm of a crackling fire, don’t forget to get your fireplace and chimney cleaned. A clean chimney not only keeps you safe from potential fires but also ensures that you're worry-free when you start that cozy fire.
Oh, and give those other heaters around your house—like radiators or baseboard heaters—a quick once-over to clear off any dust or debris that might have gathered. Not only is this the safe thing to do, but it also keeps that "burning dust" smell from taking over your rooms every time you turn your heat on. Keeping these elements clean not only helps you stay snug but can also save you some cash on heating costs by keeping things running efficiently.
Cleaning Out Your Gutters
Cleaning out your gutters and downspouts is an essential part of winterizing your home that often gets overlooked, but it can make a huge difference in preventing winter weather trouble. If your mail is like mine, I get TONS of spam mail for gutter cleaning services.
As annoying as it can be, if you live in a neighborhood or area with a bunch of trees, your gutters probably need some inspection. During the fall, leaves, twigs, and debris tend to accumulate in your gutters.
If these aren't cleared out before the snow and ice hit, you could end up with clogged, overflowing gutters. This can lead to water backing up and potentially damaging your roof, siding, and foundation when it freezes and thaws. At this point, you're looking at a hefty bill!
Properly maintained gutters and downspouts ensure that water can flow freely away from your home, preventing ice dams and keeping your home dry and damage-free throughout the winter.
A little effort in cleaning them out can save you a lot of hassle and costly repairs down the line, making it a crucial step in your winter preparation checklist. Even if you've never had them checked out before and haven't seemed to have any issues, it's probably worth checking them out. Even if that just means getting on a ladder yourself (or let's be real, your hubby), to see what they look like. Be proactive!
Seal Those Windows and Doors
Next, turn your attention to sealing windows and doors before the winter sets in - it is a crucial step to keeping your home cozy and energy-efficient.
Over time, seals on windows and doors can wear out, letting cold drafts sneak into your home and warm air escape. This not only makes your living space less comfortable but can also cause your heating bills to skyrocket.
To combat this, check the seals and apply weatherstripping or caulking where needed to ensure a tight seal. You can also use draft stoppers or even temporary window insulation kits to add an extra layer of protection.
Additionally, consider installing storm doors and windows, which provide an extra layer of protection against the cold and can significantly enhance energy efficiency. If your budget allows, replacing old, drafty windows or doors with newer, more energy-efficient models can make a substantial difference, even if you're only able to replace one or a few at a time.
Each improvement, no matter how small, helps to reduce energy costs and increases your home's ability to retain heat during those chilly winter months!
Protect Your Indoor Pipes
Don’t let winter’s chill sneak up on your home’s plumbing! Frozen pipes can cause serious headaches, damage, and costly repairs. To keep everything running smoothly, start by insulating pipes in colder areas like basements, attics, or garages.
You can pick up some foam pipe insulation at your local hardware store—it’s inexpensive, easy to install, and does wonders for preventing freeze-ups.
For those of us in colder climates, consider having a plumber come in to inspect your pipes and help with the insulation. They can spot areas that are at risk of freezing that you might miss.
On those especially cold nights, keep your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Letting a faucet drip slightly overnight can also prevent pressure from building up inside the pipes.
And don’t forget, if you’re unsure about how to protect your home or need a bit more help, calling in a professional is a smart move. They can ensure your pipes are winter-ready and give you peace of mind as the temperature drops. You may not want to pay for the service on the front end, but I imagine the bill that comes with damaged and frozen pipes is much larger and more stressful!
Store Away Outdoor Furniture and Toys
Lastly, it's a smart move to think about storing your outdoor furniture and toys. Doing this early in the season is key—you definitely don't want to be scrambling to stash everything away during the first snowfall!
Taking the time now to properly store these items not only keeps them secure but also ensures they stay clean, dry, and undamaged over the winter. When storing, make sure to clean each item to prevent dirt and grime from setting in.
For furniture, using breathable covers or storing items in a dry, sheltered area helps prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold and rust.
For toys, consider using large bins with tight-fitting lids to keep out moisture and pests. Getting this chore out of the way early means one less headache when winter hits in full force, and you'll thank yourself later when everything comes out ready and waiting for spring's return.
Winterization Checklist
If all this feels overwhelming or you're looking for more information, I put together a FREE comprehensive Winterization Checklist that covers everything you might need to prepare for the colder months ahead. From indoor and outdoor tasks to ensuring your vehicle is ready for winter roads, and even emergency checklists for both home and car, this guide has got you covered. I know firsthand how overwhelming these preparations can feel, which is why I've broken everything down into manageable steps. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at winter prep or this is your first time battening down the hatches, my guide will help ensure you don’t miss a thing, making the transition into winter as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let's get our homes snug and secure together!
By taking all these steps, you'll create a warm and welcoming environment for the winter season. Happy winterizing and here’s to a cozy, worry-free season ahead!
Xo,
Jess
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