8 Essential Tips to Get Your Home Winter-Ready

Want more money out of your home? Maintain it. Want practical, actionable steps to protect your property or improve energy efficiency through the winter months? Here are eight essential tips to get your home winter-ready...

1 | Inspect & Clean the Gutters

Remove leaves and debris to prevent water buildup and ice dams that can damage the roof and exterior walls.

2 | Seal Gaps / Add Weatherstripping

Check around windows and doors for drafts, and add weatherstripping or caulking to seal any leaks. This can improve energy efficiency and lower heating costs.

3 | Service the HVAC System

Have the furnace inspected and cleaned to ensure it’s running efficiently. Replace air filters to improve air quality and heating efficiency.

4 | Protect Pipes from Freezing

Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. This helps prevent pipe bursts during extreme cold snaps.

5 | Reverse Ceiling Fans

Switch ceiling fans to run clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air down and can help distribute heat more evenly throughout rooms.

6 | Test Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Ensure all detectors are working and have fresh batteries. This is crucial during winter when heaters and fireplaces are used more frequently.

7 | Clean & Inspect the Fireplace (and Chimney)

For those with wood-burning fireplaces, have the chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional to prevent creosote buildup, which can cause fires.

8 | Prepare Outdoor Faucets (and Sprinkler Systems)

Drain outdoor hoses, faucets, and sprinkler systems to prevent them from freezing. If possible, shut off water supply lines to outdoor spigots.