50 Tips To Prepare Your Home For Winter

Winter is a time of year that can be harsh on your home. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can cause damage to your property and disrupt your daily routine. It’s important to take steps to prepare your home for winter to ensure that it stays safe, comfortable, and energy efficient.

Here is a winter preparation checklist for your home to help you get ready for the colder months:

1. Check your heating system: Make sure that your heating system is in good working order before the cold weather arrives. Replace any faulty or worn parts, and have a professional service your furnace or boiler to ensure that it’s running efficiently.
2. Insulate your home: Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm and energy efficient during the winter. Check the insulation in your attic, walls, and crawl spaces to make sure that it is sufficient. If necessary, add more insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in.
3. Seal air leaks: Drafts can cause your home to lose heat, leading to higher energy bills and discomfort. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and other areas where drafts may occur.
4. Protect your pipes: Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, which can lead to costly repairs, so installing outdoor water faucet covers is important to prevent your pipes from freezing.
5. Clean your gutters: Falling leaves and debris can clog your gutters, leading to water damage on your roof and in your home. Clean your gutters before the winter weather arrives to prevent this from happening.
6. Stock up on winter essentials: Make sure you have plenty of warm blankets, hats, gloves, and other winter gear to keep you and your family warm and comfortable. It’s also a good idea to have a supply of rock salt or other deicing agents on hand to keep your sidewalks and driveway safe and free of ice.
7. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order and have fresh batteries. These are essential for keeping your family safe in case of an emergency.
8. Install storm windows: If you don’t already have storm windows, consider installing them to provide an extra layer of protection against the cold. Storm windows can help keep drafts out and increase the energy efficiency of your home.
9. Service your snow blower: If you have a snow blower, make sure it’s in good working order before the first snowfall. Have a professional service it to ensure that it’s ready to go when you need it.
10. Make a winter emergency kit: It’s always a good idea to have a winter emergency kit on hand in case of power outages or other unforeseen events. Stock your kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio.
11. Check your roof: Inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles, and make any necessary repairs before winter arrives. A damaged roof can lead to leaks and water damage during the winter months.
12. Test your generator: If you have a generator, make sure it’s in good working order and has plenty of fuel. Test it out to ensure that it’s ready to use in case of a power outage.
13. Prepare your outdoor space: Winterize your outdoor space by storing away any outdoor furniture, grills, and other items that may be damaged by the cold. Cover any sensitive plants with blankets or plastic to protect them from frost.
14. Check your home insurance: Make sure that your home insurance policy is up to date and covers any potential winter damages. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected in case of any unexpected events.
15. Check your driveway and sidewalks: Clear away any leaves or debris from your driveway and sidewalks to prevent slipping and falling on icy surfaces. If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall, consider hiring a professional to plow your driveway to make it easier to navigate during the winter months.
16. Check your windows and doors: Make sure that all of your windows and doors are properly sealed and in good working order. Replace any damaged or drafty windows, and consider adding window film to help keep the cold out.
17. Create a winterization plan: Develop a plan for how you will handle any winter emergencies that may arise. This can include things like where to go in case of a power outage, how to shut off the water in case of a pipe burst, and how to safely use a generator.
18. Check your emergency supplies: In addition to your winter emergency kit, make sure that you have other emergency supplies on hand, such as a flashlight, extra batteries, a portable charger for your phone, and a basic first aid kit.
19. Buy a snow shovel: Having a snow shovel on hand will make it easier to clear your driveway and sidewalks of snow and ice. Choose a shovel with a sturdy handle and blade to make the job easier.
20. Keep your car prepared: Make sure your car is ready with a car cover for winter, as well as by checking the tires, brakes, and fluid levels. Consider keeping a winter emergency kit in your car in case you get stranded in bad weather.
21. Check your outdoor lighting: Make sure that your outdoor lighting is in good working order and replace any bulbs that are burnt out. This will help you see where you’re going when it’s dark and icy outside.
22. Check your fire extinguishers: Make sure that you have working fire extinguishers in your home, and check the expiration dates to ensure that they are still effective.
23. Check your smoke detectors: In addition to your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, make sure that you have working smoke detectors throughout your home. Test them regularly to ensure that they are in good working order.
24. Keep your home warm: During the winter months, it’s important to keep your home warm to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep your family comfortable. Make sure to set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and use draft stoppers to seal any drafts around windows and doors.
25. Keep an eye on the weather: Stay informed about the weather forecast and be prepared for any storms or cold snaps that may be on the horizon. This will help you to take the necessary precautions to protect your home and your family.
26. Check your emergency exits: Make sure that all of your emergency exits, including windows and doors, are in good working order and easy to open. This is especially important in case of a fire or other emergency that requires you to evacuate your home.
27. Check your emergency meeting spot: Choose a designated emergency meeting spot for your family in case of an emergency. Make sure that everyone knows where to go and how to get there safely.
28. Check your emergency contact list: Keep an emergency contact list handy in case you need to contact family, friends, or emergency services. Make sure that everyone in your family knows how to use the list and how to reach out for help.
29. Check your emergency supplies: In addition to your winter emergency kit, make sure that you have a supply of non-perishable food, water, and other essentials in case of an emergency. This can include things like canned goods, bottled water, a manual can opener, and a first aid kit.
30. Check your emergency communication plan: Make sure that you have a plan in place for how you will communicate with your family and stay in touch in case of an emergency. This can include using a landline phone, a cell phone, or a satellite phone.
31. Keep a winter car kit: In addition to keeping your car prepared for winter, consider putting together a winter car kit to keep in your trunk. This can include things like a blanket, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction in case you get stuck in the snow.
32. Check your weather stripping: In addition to sealing any air leaks around windows and doors, make sure that your weather stripping is in good condition to keep the cold out. Replace any worn or damaged weather stripping to help improve the energy efficiency of your home.
33. Check your roof vent covers: Make sure that your roof vent covers are secure and in good condition to prevent snow and ice from entering your home. Consider adding additional insulation around your roof vents to help keep the cold out.
34. Check your emergency power sources: In addition to a generator, consider keeping other emergency power sources on hand in case of a power outage. This can include things like a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a portable charger for your phone.
35. Check your emergency plans: Make sure that everyone in your family knows what to do in case of an emergency. This can include things like how to turn off the water and gas, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how to safely evacuate your home.
36. Keep your home organized: During the winter months, it’s important to keep your home organized to make it easier to find what you need and to prevent accidents. Take the time to declutter and organize your home to create a safer, more efficient living space.
37. Check your smoke detector batteries: In addition to making sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order, make sure to check the batteries regularly and replace them as needed.
38. Check your home security: Winter is a good time to make sure that your home is secure and to take any necessary precautions to prevent break-ins. This can include things like adding locks to doors and windows, installing a security system, and keeping your home well-lit at night.
39. Keep your home well-ventilated: While it’s important to keep your home warm and sealed up to prevent drafts, it’s also important to make sure that your home is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of harmful gases or mold. Open your windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate, and consider using a carbon monoxide detector to ensure that your home is safe.
40. Check your emergency supply expiration dates: In addition to making sure that you have enough emergency supplies on hand, make sure to check the expiration dates of any non-perishable items to ensure that they are still safe to use. Replace any expired items as needed.
41. Keep a supply of warm blankets: In addition to keeping warm blankets and clothing on hand, consider keeping a supply of blankets and towels in your home to use in case of an emergency. These can be used to cover windows and doors to keep the cold out, or to wrap around yourself and your family to stay warm.
42. Check your firewood supply: If you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure that you have a supply of firewood on hand to keep your home warm during the winter months. Consider storing your firewood in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements.
43. Check your winter clothing: Make sure that you and your family have enough warm clothing to keep you comfortable during the winter months. This can include things like coats, hats, gloves, and boots. Consider keeping extra clothing on hand in case of an emergency.
44. Check your home’s plumbing: Winter is a good time to make sure that your home’s plumbing is in good working order. Check for any leaks or other issues, and have any necessary repairs made to prevent problems during the colder months.
45. Check your snow removal equipment: If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall, make sure that you have the necessary equipment to remove snow from your driveway and sidewalks. This can include things like a snow shovel, a snow blower, or a roof rake.
46. Consider installing a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you save money on energy bills by allowing you to set a schedule for your heating and cooling. You can set the thermostat to lower temperatures when you are not home, and to raise the temperature when you are home to keep your home comfortable.
47. Check your outdoor furniture: If you have outdoor furniture, make sure to cover it or store it away to protect it from the elements. Consider using a tarp or other waterproof cover to protect your furniture from snow and ice.
48. Check your outdoor decorations: If you have outdoor holiday decorations, make sure to check them for any damage or wear before using them. Replace any damaged decorations to prevent accidents or injuries.
49. Keep a supply of hot beverages: During the winter months, it’s nice to have a supply of hot beverages on hand to help keep you warm. Consider keeping a supply of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other warm drinks in your pantry to enjoy during the colder months.
50. Stay active: Finally, you cannot forget about yourself during all of your home preparations for winter. It’s important to stay active during the winter months to help boost your mood and energy levels. Consider going for a walk or doing some indoor exercises to stay fit and healthy.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your home is prepared for the winter season. Taking the time to winterize your home will save you money on energy bills and protect your home from potential damage. Don’t wait until the last minute – start preparing now to make sure that your home is ready for whatever winter has in store.