How Do I Winterize My Home?

The most expensive winter damage comes from frozen pipes, so protecting plumbing is the first job of winterizing. Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses, shut off and drain exterior spigots, and insulate pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, and attics. On the coldest nights, let a trickle of water run from faucets and open cabinet doors to let warm air reach the pipes.

Know where your main water shutoff is before a freeze, and if you will be away during a hard cold snap, consider shutting off the water and draining the system to be safe.

Warm air leaking out and cold air leaking in make your heating work harder all winter. Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping and caulk, and check attic insulation. Every draft you close lowers your heating bill and keeps the house more comfortable.

Before the season, service your heating system so it is clean, safe, and efficient for the months ahead. Change the filter, confirm the thermostat works, and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which matter most when windows are shut and heating runs all night.

Before snow and ice arrive, clean the gutters and downspouts so melting snow has somewhere to go. Clogged gutters can create ice dams that back water under the roof and into the home. Check downspouts discharge away from the foundation.

Trim branches that overhang the roof, since heavy snow or ice can break them onto the home. If you have a long driveway or walkways, have your snow removal plan ready before the first storm, and pick up de-icing supplies early.

A little outdoor preparation protects the house and makes winter easier. Drain and store garden hoses, bring in or cover outdoor furniture, and protect sensitive plants. If you have a generator, service it and keep fuel fresh. Stock emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, and water before storms arrive.

Winterize with a checklist so nothing depends on memory. The goal is that when the first hard freeze or big snow arrives, the house, the pipes, and the people in it are already prepared.