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.
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.
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:
Some quick fixes for those window air leaks include:
Both options will help prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping in.
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.
Clogged gutters are a recipe for ice dams and water damage.
Before the snow flies, you should:
If your gutters have covers, cleaning will be a lot easier, but it’s still worth checking before heavy snow hits.
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.
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:
Pro tip: Many energy providers offer rebates or even free smart thermostats, so be sure to check before you buy.
Melted snow and rain should flow away from your home, not back toward your foundation.
Make sure your downspouts are:
This simple step can prevent water damage and basement flooding.
Your chimney is often overlooked during winter preparation, but it’s a major source of heat loss.
For extra protection, you can install a flue or chimney balloon. These inflatable plugs block cold air from sneaking in through the chimney.
A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder, which drives up energy bills.
Before the cold settles in:
Winter is hard on AC units.
Protect your investment by either:
This simple step extends the lifespan of your equipment.
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:
The result? A more comfortable, energy-efficient home all winter long.
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.
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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
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.
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.
Yes, if you have a central outdoor unit, a weatherproof cover helps protect it.
For window AC units, remove and store them until spring.
Clean gutters prevent ice dams and water backup, which can damage your roof, siding, and foundation.
Smart thermostats allow you to set heating schedules, lower temperatures when you’re away, and avoid wasted energy – lowering monthly energy bills.