Home Winterization - Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather

While we are enjoying the cooler temperatures and the changing of leaves, winter will be here before you know it. Now is the time to prepare your home for the colder months with home winterization. By taking a few proactive steps, you can ensure your home is cozy, safe, and energy-efficient. From winterizing your outdoor systems to preparing for potential power outages, this comprehensive guide will help you get ready for the season ahead.

Replace damaged weather stripping and door sweeps.
Repair damaged caulking on windows.
Reverse ceiling fans (clockwise during winter and counterclockwise during summer).
Clean debris from outdoor HVAC units.
Cover outdoor HVAC unit grates to prevent debris from accumulating. (Cover the top grate with plywood and secure it with bricks, or cover it with a tarp, if recommended by the manufacturer.)
Inspect whole-house humidifier systems. (Check the drain lines, valves, fans, and water panels.)
Clean gutters and downspouts.
Check and trim dead or damaged tree limbs.
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned.
Clean gas fireplaces or have them professionally serviced. (Check the gas ignition, vacuum the interior, inspect ceramic logs for damage, and perform other maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.)
Check home heating oil or propane levels.
Clean your clothes dryer exhaust duct and vacuum lint buildup around the outside of the dryer.
Inspect electrical outlets for damaged or loose-fitting covers. (They can be a fire hazard.)

Cover and/or store outdoor furniture.
Winterize summer lawn equipment and prepare it for seasonal storage.
Remove window screens and (if applicable) put up storm windows and doors.
Inspect and service cold-weather tools such as shovels, leaf blowers, rakes, and snowblowers.
Inspect walkways, railings, and driveways for any safety concerns.
Stock up on rock salt, sand, or non-clumping litter to avoid slipping on icy walkways.
Disconnect and store garden hoses.
Manually shut off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain water lines to prevent freezing.
Winterize your lawn sprinkler system using the manual, automatic, or blowout draining method. (Consult your manufacturer or installation expert for assistance with your system.)
Cover exterior water faucets and insulate exposed pipes using foam pipe insulation.
Have the septic system inspected and make sure all outdoor pipes are insulated or below the frost line.
Prepare and cover your swimming pool. (Remove accessories, deep clean the pool, bleed water lines or disconnect service hoses, and adjust water chemistry.)
Winterize your hot tub if it’s not used during the winter. (Use a tight-fitting cover for safety, bleed the water lines, jets, and other components, and unplug the unit.)
Keep your hot tub running at optimal levels if used through the winter. (Use a tight-fitting cover for safety and heat retention, circulate the water often, use a ceramic heater to keep parts from freezing, and insulate the hot tub shell.)

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Check fire extinguisher expiration dates and replace extinguishers, if necessary.
Change the batteries in flashlights and weather radios (or invest in nonbattery options, such as a hand-crank radio).
Assemble a survival kit for power outages and inclement weather. (Make sure you have kits for home and travel.)
Inspect your backup generator. (Check the oil, filters, spark plugs, and battery and fuel levels.)