As the winter months approach, the need to prepare your home for those cold temperatures becomes more and more apparent. Winterizing your house is about staying warm, ensuring energy efficiency, and preventing potential damage.
When it comes to protecting your home from damage, there is nobody better to help you than the professional technicians and home specialists at Air Pros USA. Thus, we compiled a comprehensive winterization checklist to help you prepare for the winter season.
- Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
- Insulate Your Attic
- Protect Your Plumbing
- Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
- Seal Ductwork and Schedule HVAC Maintenance
- Install Storm Windows and Doors
- Stock Up on Home Winter Gear
- Create a Winter Preparedness Checklist
- Clean Your Fireplace
- Prepare Your Roof
Home Winterization Checklist
Preparing for the winter may seem overwhelming initially, but with our tips and tricks, you will find yourself safe, warm, and cozy all year. Grab your tools and read on to learn from the pros on how it’s done!
1. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
The first step to keeping that frigid air out of the house is to seal any drafts around the windows and doors. Go around your house and check each door and window to ensure they are all properly sealed. Use caulking or window stripping to seal in areas that let drafts waft into the home. The fewer drafts there are, the less you will have to pay energy bills because your HVAC system will be efficient.
2. Insulate Your Attic
A well-insulated attic is crucial for preserving heat and preventing ice dams. Check your attic for proper insulation and add more if needed. This will help maintain warmer temperatures inside the home and promote higher levels of energy efficiency. Proper insulation in the attic reduces the workload on the heating system, which will save on heating costs during the winter.
3. Protect Your Plumbing
Take the time to protect your plumbing by insulating pipes that are exposed to the elements. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water sources.
If you have a vacation planned during the winter months, you may consider draining the plumbing system to ensure that any remaining water won’t freeze in the pipes in case of a snap in temperatures. This will safeguard your pipes and prevent winter-related plumbing issues.
4. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat is another good way to prepare for the winter. Use it to set lower temperatures when you’re away or asleep and increase it at home. This will help you maintain energy efficiency in the home. Additionally, the consistent temperatures will protect your plumbing from freezing and damage.
You can also upgrade to a smart programmable thermostat that will allow remote monitoring with the help of a smartphone app, providing convenient temperature management and energy savings.
5. Seal Ductwork and Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Leaky ductwork produces heat loss, which leads to decreased energy efficiency. Take the time to inspect your ductwork for leaks and seal them using mastic or foil.
We recommend scheduling a professional HVAC maintenance check that includes a full inspection of your heating and air conditioning system. The tech will clean or replace filters, check the system for issues, and make necessary repairs.
6. Install Storm Windows and Doors
If you live in an area known for weather storms like blizzards, hurricanes, heavy snow, or rain, your home may benefit from a storm door or window. Storm doors and windows enhance the home’s insulation and prevent heat loss. Storm doors act like a barrier against harsh weather, which is helpful with keeping the home energy efficient and comfortable.
7. Stock Up on Winter Home Equipment
A part of enjoying a safe and warm winter season is being prepared for any situation that the weather at bay throws your way. Make sure that your home is equipped with the right tools and equipment so that you can be prepared to handle snow, ice, and any other weather-related issues. Take the time to review your equipment so that you are stocked with the following items:
- Snow shovel
- Snowblower
- Ice melt or rock salt
- Winter tires for your vehicle
- Portable generator
- Winter car kit
- Space heaters
- Insulated curtains
- Fire, wood, and fireplace accessories
- Heated blankets and throws
- Humidifier
- Thermostat with programming features
- Emergency supplies
- Gutter de-icing cables
8. Create a Winter Preparedness Checklist
A winter preparedness checklist is a guide that will help you ensure that your home and family are ready to face the challenges of the winter season. This checklist will include all the to-do items for every part of your home and car that must be completed prior to the beginning of the winter season.
An ideal winter preparedness checklist will be custom to your home’s needs. It will include things that address the following home concerns:
- Preparation of the home exterior, including cleaning gutters, checking roof integrity, and trimming away tree branches.
- Scheduling a seasonal HVAC maintenance check to ensure that your heating system is ready to perform all winter long.
- Ensuring that the insulation around doors and windows and in the attic is at appropriate levels.
- Winterize your plumbing systems with the proper insulation, disconnect outdoor hoses, and ensure that you know the location of your main water shut-off valve.
- Creating an emergency kit complete with flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and any essential medications.
- Taking safety measures to test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and creating a family emergency plan in case of a needed evacuation.
9. Clean Your Fireplace
Nothing is as cozy as a fireplace to keep you warm on a chilly day. However, before lighting your fireplace, take the necessary steps to check it for any pests or debris. Make sure that the fireplace is cleaned before you start lighting anything in it. This will ensure that your fireplace is safe and that it works smoothly.
10. Prepare Your Roof
Lastly, prepare your roof by ensuring that shingles are replaced or repaired. Sweep away any leaves, pine needles, dirt, or any other debris that can accumulate on the roof. A roof that is in good condition will keep you safe and secure all winter long.
Need Help With Winterizing Your House?
Winterizing your house can quickly seem like an overwhelming process. However, with the help of professionals, your home can be ready for the cold season. Get in touch with the Air Pros USA brand in your area today. Check the list of all our locations to see how you can get in touch with our team of specialists near you.
