Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are a major headache during winter, but they’re preventable with a little planning. Insulate any exposed pipes, particularly in unheated areas like the garage or basement. You can find inexpensive foam pipe covers at most hardware stores. Also, on extremely cold nights, leave your faucets dripping slightly to keep water moving through the pipes and reduce the chance of freezing. Don’t forget to disconnect and drain any outdoor hoses, and shut off the water supply to exterior faucets.
Prepare for Power Outages
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and power outages are a common result of heavy snow or ice storms. Make sure you’re prepared by stocking up on essential items like flashlights, extra batteries, and blankets. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, ensure you have a good supply of firewood. And, if you rely on electric heat, it might be worth investing in a portable generator for backup power. Having a plan in place will give you peace of mind if the lights (and heat) go out.
Seal Drafts and Cracks
One of the first things to do before winter really sets in is to check for drafts. Those sneaky little gaps around your windows, doors, and even electrical outlets can let in cold air, making it harder (and more expensive) to keep your home warm. Walk around your house and feel for cold spots—use a lit candle or incense to spot drafts by watching for flickers in the flame or smoke. Caulk and weatherstrip any areas that are letting in cold air, and don’t forget to check your attic and basement for any gaps as well.
Inspect Your Heating System
Your heating system is about to become your best friend, so make sure it’s ready to work hard. Before the first cold snap hits, get your furnace or boiler serviced. It’s also a good idea to replace your air filters and make sure your vents aren’t blocked by furniture or dust. For homes with radiators, bleed them to release any trapped air that can affect their efficiency. And if you have a fireplace, now’s the time to give your chimney a good clean or hire a professional to do it.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s crucial to make sure it’s in good shape before winter sets in. Inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles and get them fixed if needed. You should also clean out your gutters to prevent ice dams, which occur when water backs up and freezes in your gutters, potentially damaging your roof. Installing gutter guards can help keep debris out all season long.
Add Extra Insulation
If your home is older or doesn’t have sufficient insulation, you might find it harder to keep warm without cranking up the heat. Adding insulation in your attic, walls, or crawl spaces can help trap heat inside and keep your energy bills lower. Even something as simple as installing insulated window treatments like thermal curtains can make a noticeable difference. Plus, more insulation means your house will stay cooler in the summer, too—a double win!
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
When you’re sealing your home up tight to keep out the cold, you’re also reducing ventilation, which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. With heating systems working overtime, it’s important to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. Test them regularly, change the batteries, and replace any units that are more than ten years old. It’s a small task, but it could save your life.
