Winter Prep Checklist

Preparing your home in advance can help you save money on energy bills and prevent costly damage.
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Exteriors

Gutters and Downspouts: Clean out all leaves, sticks, and other debris from your gutters and downspouts. This prevents water from backing up and freezing, which can lead to "ice dams" that cause water damage to your roof and walls. Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation of your home.

Roof Inspection: Visually inspect your roof for any loose, damaged, or missing shingles. Snow is heavy, and any weak spots could lead to leaks. Trim tree branches that hang over your roof or power lines to prevent damage from heavy snow and ice.

Outdoor Faucets and Hoses: Disconnect and drain all garden hoses. If you have a separate shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, turn it off and drain the pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.

Insulation and Sealing:

  • Pipes: Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Use foam insulation sleeves to protect them from freezing.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent drafts and reduce heat loss. Consider installing window insulation film or storm windows for an extra layer of protection.

    • Lawn and Garden:

  • Drain fuel from gas-powered engines like lawnmowers before storing them for the winter.
  • Mark garden beds, paths, and the edges of your driveway with stakes to make snow removal easier.
  • Bring in all outdoor furniture, grills, and potted plants that aren't winter-hardy.

    • Interiors

    Heating System:

    • Professional Tune-up: Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up for your furnace or boiler. This ensures it's running efficiently and can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.

    • Air Filters: Replace your HVAC air filter. A clean filter improves airflow, makes your system work more efficiently, and can lower your energy bills.

    • Thermostat: Consider upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat to optimize your heating schedule and save money.

    • Ceiling Fans: Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so they rotate clockwise. This pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room.

    • Fireplace and Chimney: If you have a fireplace, have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned to remove creosote buildup, which can cause chimney fires.

    • Detectors: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries if needed. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major risk during the winter when homes are sealed up and heating systems are working overtime.

    • Emergency Kit: Assemble a winter storm emergency kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, and a battery-operated or hand-crank radio.

    • Sump Pump: Pour a few gallons of water into your sump pit to ensure the sump pump is working correctly before the spring thaw.

    Snow and Ice Management

    Equipment: Check that your snow blower is in good working order and has fuel. Have snow shovels, a roof rake (for heavy snow years), and ice-melting compounds on hand and easily accessible.

    Driveway and Walkways: Apply a sealer to asphalt driveways to prevent moisture from seeping into cracks and causing damage when it freezes.