15 Tips to Winterize your Home for Colder Weather

by Ryan Ruffcorn

Until next time, summer! We’re now into the fall and winter season and it’s time to shut off the air conditioner and prepare for the what’s to come: cold weather and snow. This means that you have to make sure that your home is ready.

Your home is likely one of your biggest investments and so, keeping it safe and in working order is very important. This seasonal check is also known as winterizing. Winterizing is a process that prepares the home for winter- for freezing temperatures that can cause leaks and breaks in the home.

Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Cold Weather

1. Check the heating system. It may or may not need a tune-up; however, checking is always best.
2. Check for and seal your home: paint, caulk, seal, etc. You want to make sure that you do this for and around hard surfaces.
3. Check your ceiling fans, are they reversed? This is useful because heat rises so, ceiling fans in reverse can help heat the space.
4. Check and clean out your gutters. Did you know that having clean gutters prevents ice dams that can cause water damage?
5. Check your snowblower. Some homeowners own a snowblower and should test that it is functioning properly before the season starts.
6. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s always good to check these because they can save your life!
7. Check your roof. You want to make sure that your shingles are not loose and/or damaged. Hail does a number on roofs.
8. Check your attic. You want to make sure that attic insulation is set to keep your house warm bit the attic cool (this helps reduce the melting snow on the roof).
9. Check your rain barrels. Some homeowners use rain barrels and so, those should be empty and ready for the winter season.
10. Check your outside water hose. Is it disconnected for the fall and winter seasons? Outside pipes can freeze and cause the pipes to burst due to ice in them expanding.
11. Check your irrigation system. Did you know that draining the sprinkler pipes are reduce the chances of pipes bursting?
12. Check your winter essentials. Do you have salt/ice melt for the first winter storm of the season?
13. Check for trees around the home, are the branches hanging over the home? The collection of snow and ice will weigh them down, causing them to break.
14. Check your windows- have you considered storm doors and windows? Storm doors and windows can increase energy efficiency in your home by 45%!
15. Check your emergency kit. Are you prepared for a storm that could cause the loss of power? Having an emergency kit stocked with: food, water, batteries, and other essentials can help a great deal in the event of a storm.

“Winterizing” a home is a good way to protect it from damage due to cold weather. There are, however, some things you just can’t plan for. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home insurance covers any damage that could occur this season. Give us a call today and we’ll review your policy!