When winter rolls in, cozy vibes are in, but skyrocketing energy bills, frozen pipes, and chilly drafts are definitely out.
If you’ve been wondering how to prepare your home for winter or simply need a checklist to get your house ready for winter, you’re in the right place.
Prepping Your Home for Winter
From sealing drafty windows to updating insulation, these winter prep tips will help you protect your home, keep it comfortable, and save money all season long.
Let’s dive in.
1. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
Windows take up more wall space than you might realize, and when they leak air, your furnace has to work harder to compensate.
Here’s how to tell if you have air leaks:
- Feel for air movement around the window seams.
- Look for condensation or discoloration.
Some quick fixes for those window air leaks include:
- Installing plastic cling film over the windows.
- Hanging heavy blackout curtains to block drafts.
Both options will help prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping in.
2. Clean and Cover Patio Furniture and Your Grill
Winter weather can shorten the life of your outdoor furniture and grill.
Covering these items keeps them protected from snow, ice, and moisture so they’re ready to use again when spring returns.
And hey, if you’re the kind of person who still grills in January, no judgment here, just keep it covered in between.
3. Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters are a recipe for ice dams and water damage.
Before the snow flies, you should:
- Use a ladder to remove leaves and debris.
- Try using gloves and a bucket for manual cleanup, or opt for a power washer for increased efficiency.
If your gutters have covers, cleaning will be a lot easier, but it’s still worth checking before heavy snow hits.
4. Shut Off Exterior Faucets
Frozen pipes can cause massive headaches – and costly repairs.
Prevent damage by shutting off your outside faucets before the first freeze.
This keeps water from freezing in the pipes inside your walls, protecting your plumbing and your peace of mind.
5. Replace Your Outdated Thermostat
Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to prepare your house for winter.
With a smart thermostat, you can:
- Set temperatures based on your daily schedule.
- Control your heating from your phone.
- Reduce wasted energy when you’re away or asleep.
Pro tip: Many energy providers offer rebates or even free smart thermostats, so be sure to check before you buy.
6. Check Your Downspouts
Melted snow and rain should flow away from your home, not back toward your foundation.
Make sure your downspouts are:
- Pointed away from the house.
- Connected to an extension tube or drainage system to carry water safely away.
This simple step can prevent water damage and basement flooding.
7. Inspect Your Chimney and Flue System
Your chimney is often overlooked during winter preparation, but it’s a major source of heat loss.
- If you use your fireplace, close the flue when it’s not in use to prevent drafts.
- If you don’t use your fireplace, keep the flue closed permanently.
For extra protection, you can install a flue or chimney balloon. These inflatable plugs block cold air from sneaking in through the chimney.
8. Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter
A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder, which drives up energy bills.
Before the cold settles in:
- Locate your furnace filter.
- Replace it with a clean one.
9. Don't Forget Your Air Conditioner
Winter is hard on AC units.
Protect your investment by either:
- Covering your outdoor condenser unit.
- Removing and storing any window AC units until spring.
This simple step extends the lifespan of your equipment.
10. Update or Add Insulation
Finally, one of the most effective ways to get your house ready for winter is to upgrade your insulation.
Foam insulation, in particular, creates an air seal throughout your building envelope – from attic to walls to the crawl space. That air seal:
- Keeps cold air out.
- Traps warm air inside.
- Reduces the strain on your furnace.
The result? A more comfortable, energy-efficient home all winter long.
Keeping Your Home Comfortable Year-Round
And there you have it – a complete homeowner-friendly guide on how to prepare your home for winter.
If you'd like to explore additional ways to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient, visit our Learning Center.
Key Points:
- Seal drafty windows and doors to stop heat loss.
- Protect outdoor furniture and grills with covers.
- Clean gutters to prevent ice dams.
- Shut off exterior faucets to avoid frozen pipes.
- Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat.
- Redirect downspouts away from your foundation.
- Close your chimney flue when not in use.
- Replace your furnace filter before the season.
- Store or cover AC units.
- Update insulation to create a full air seal.
Related Articles
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Learn How RetroFoam Insulation Can Keep Your Home Comfortable in the Winter
Why is My Room So Cold? How to Keep Your House Warm This Winter
FAQs About Preparing Your Home for Winter
What is the easiest way to prepare your home for winter?
Start with quick fixes like sealing drafty windows, replacing your furnace filter, and shutting off exterior faucets.
These steps have an immediate impact on comfort and safety.
How do I know if my home needs more insulation before winter?
Signs include cold spots, uneven heating, ice dams on your roof, and high energy bills.
Foam insulation is one of the best solutions to create an airtight seal and improve efficiency.
Should I cover my AC unit during the winter?
Yes, if you have a central outdoor unit, a weatherproof cover helps protect it.
For window AC units, remove and store them until spring.
Why is cleaning gutters important before winter?
Clean gutters prevent ice dams and water backup, which can damage your roof, siding, and foundation.
How can a smart thermostat save me money in the winter?
Smart thermostats allow you to set heating schedules, lower temperatures when you’re away, and avoid wasted energy – lowering monthly energy bills.
