Winter is coming, which means it’s time to start preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Being proactive and taking steps now to winterize your home will help ensure you stay warm, safe, and save on energy costs when temperatures drop. Follow this comprehensive checklist to get your home ready for winter inside and out.
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to ice dams and water damage in your home. Climb a ladder and use a small trowel or gutter scoop to remove leaves, sticks, and other debris from the gutters. Flush the gutters with water from a hose to clear out any remaining gunk. Check that downspouts are securely attached and draining water away from the foundation. Install gutter guards to prevent future clogs.
Inspect and Repair Roofing
The roof takes the brunt of winter weather. Inspect roofing materials for any damaged, loose, or missing shingles or flashing. Schedule professional repairs for any issues to prevent leaks. Consider applying roof sealant around vents, skylights, and chimneys for added protection. Clean gutters again after leaves have finished falling.
Caulk and Weatherstrip
Sealing gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and vents keeps out cold drafts and prevents energy loss. Carefully apply caulk and insert plastic weatherstripping to form tight seals. Check window glazing putty and replace if cracked or missing. Apply door sweeps and window film for added insulation.
Insulate Attics and Walls
Proper insulation keeps your home cozier in winter by trapping warm air and preventing heat loss. Inspect insulation levels in your attic, exterior and basement walls, and crawl spaces. Most homes need at least R-38 attic insulation and R-13 exterior wall insulation. Add more as needed. Seal any gaps around wiring and plumbing.
Protect Pipes from Freezing
Take steps to prevent water pipes from freezing and bursting when temperatures get extremely cold. Insulate exposed water pipes in basements, attics, and exterior walls. Protect outdoor faucets and irrigation systems by shutting off water valves and draining residual water. Consider installing heat tape on at-risk pipes.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly with fresh batteries. These are crucial safety devices to have in working order all winter as you heat your home. Test alarms and replace batteries or entire units that are over 10 years old.
Service the Furnace
Schedule professional servicing of your heating system in the fall. Technicians will clean, inspect, and repair your furnace so it operates safely and efficiently all winter. Replace filters, clear drains, lubricate parts, test controls, and make any needed adjustments for optimal performance.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
Many ceiling fans have a winter mode setting that reverses the direction of the blades to push warm air downward and better circulate heat. Switch ceiling fan direction to winter mode so you get the most efficiency from your central heating.
Weatherstrip Doors and Windows
Sealing any gaps around exterior doors and windows prevents drafts and helps insulate your home. Install weatherstripping around door jambs and thresholds. Caulk and apply shrink-wrap film to window frames. Consider adding storm doors and windows to improve energy efficiency. Close curtains and blinds at night.
Have Fireplace and Chimneys Cleaned
Get fireplaces, chimneys, and vents professionally cleaned before lighting the first fire of the season. Creosote and other combustion deposits can build up and pose safety hazards. Technicians will remove buildup, inspect for damage, and ensure adequate ventilation for optimal function.
Change HVAC Filters
Dirty HVAC air filters cause your heating system to work harder, shortening its life span. Mark your calendar to change furnace filters monthly during heavy winter usage. Use the proper filter size and rating recommended for your unit. Electrostatic pleated filters trap more particulates.
Remove Screens from Windows
Take screens off windows to allow more free solar heat into your home during winter days. Carefully remove screens and label each one for easy reinstallation in spring. Wipe down screens and patch any holes or tears with screening patch kits. Store screens in a dry place until needed again.
Insulate Hot Water Heater
Insulating your electric or gas water heater will help it run more efficiently and reduce standby heat loss. Purchase a pre-cut insulation jacket or blanket for easy DIY installation. Follow directions to tightly wrap the tank up to the top. Keep flue pipes uncovered if a gas heater.
Seal Air Leaks and Holes
Finding and sealing spots where outside air leaks into your home can lead to huge energy savings and increased comfort. Carefully seal any cracks around walls, ceilings, windows, electrical outlets, and foundation. Use caulk, expanding foam, weatherstripping, or other insulation materials as needed.
Schedule a Chimney Sweep
Routine chimney maintenance prevents fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Contact a certified chimney sweep to clean your chimney before using fireplaces or wood stoves this season. They will remove built-up creosote, check the flue lining, and ensure adequate ventilation for safety.
Test and Reset GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical outlets with built-in circuit breakers to prevent shocks. Test all GFCIs in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and garage to make sure they trip when overloaded. Press the “test” and then “reset” buttons on each outlet. Replace any failing GFCIs.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
Many ceiling fans have a switch that reverses the direction of the blade rotation for winter and summer modes. Set fans to spin clockwise on low speed, which pushes warm air down into the room for better circulation. Adjust fan directions now for efficiency.
Drain and Store Hoses
Outdoor hoses and irrigation systems are at risk of freezing and bursting in winter. Drain any residual water from hoses, pipes, and sprinkler systems. Coil up hoses and store in a warm, dry spot like the garage or shed until springtime use again. Insulate spigots.
Service Snow Blower and Gather Supplies
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, getting snow removal equipment serviced is crucial preparation. Take snow blowers and plows to a small engine repair shop for a pre-season tune-up. Stock up on snow shovels, de-icing salts, and bagged abrasives for icy walkways.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Set up an appointment with an HVAC technician to perform pre-winter maintenance on your heating system. They will thoroughly inspect, clean, and repair your furnace, heat pump, or boiler to maximize efficiency and lifespan. Replace filters, lubricate parts, test controls, and adjust as needed.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
During winter, you’ll want your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at low speed. This produces an updraft effect that pushes warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space for better heat circulation. Check each fan and reverse the direction switch in preparation for heating season.
Insulate Water Pipes
Exposed water pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, and garages are at high risk of freezing in winter. Insulate pipes with pre-slit foam tubing for easy DIY installation. Seal the slit closed with adhesive tape and wrap all joints with insulation. Heat tape also helps.
Schedule a Furnace Inspection
It’s smart to have your gas or oil furnace professionally inspected before winter when you’ll rely on it the most. HVAC technicians will clean the furnace, change filters, check controls and safety switches, inspect the heat exchanger, and make any necessary repairs.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
During the heating season, you’ll want your ceiling fans to operate clockwise on low speed. This produces an updraft that pushes warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space, helping circulate heat more efficiently through your home.
Weatherstrip Doors and Windows
Prevent cold drafts by sealing gaps around doors and windows where air leaks in from outside. Install weatherstripping around door jambs and thresholds. Caulk around window frames and use shrink film inside to add an extra layer of insulation. Close curtains at night.
Test and Reset GFCIs
Check that ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are working properly to prevent electrical shocks in winter. Press the “test” and then “reset” buttons on every GFCI outlet in bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, and garage. Replace any faulty outlets that fail to trip and reset.
Duct Cleaning
Consider scheduling professional duct cleaning before winter when your heating system works overtime. The EPA recommends cleaning ducts if there is visible mold growth, vermin infestations, particles blowing out vents, or musty odors indicating excess dirt buildup that needs removal.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
For winter heating efficiency, reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades so they spin clockwise on low speed. Doing so creates an updraft effect to push warm air near the ceiling down into the room. Adjust all ceiling fans to rotate for proper winter circulation.
Check and Seal Attic Hatch/Door
The attic hatch or door is often a major source of air leakage into a home. Check that your attic access fits tightly in its frame when closed. Seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. Adding insulation around the hatch also minimizes heat loss.
Install Storm Windows
Interior storm windows are a great way to boost insulation around existing windows. They create an extra air pocket that reduces cold drafts and helps your home retain more heat in winter. Measure and install tightly-sealed, vented, clear plastic storms windows for added efficiency.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
Don’t forget to switch your ceiling fans to run clockwise on low speed for winter. Doing so pushes warm air downward for better distribution and circulation of heat throughout the room. Reverse the blade direction to save energy and maximize comfort.
Have Fireplace and Chimneys Cleaned
Before using your fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney professionally cleaned. Technicians will brush away creosote buildup that poses fire hazards, check for blockages or damage, and ensure adequate ventilation for proper performance and safety.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can cause ice dams and water damage. Use a small trowel to scoop out leaves, sticks, and other debris from the gutters and downspouts so melting snow can drain freely. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent future clogs and wash the gutters once clean.
Schedule Fireplace Maintenance
Gas fireplaces and wood-burning stoves require annual maintenance to function safely and efficiently through winter. Reputable technicians will clean the interior bricks and flue, check the ventilation, replace worn gaskets and firebricks, test the pilot and gas lines, and make any needed repairs.
Install Storm Doors
Installing storm doors creates an additional barrier against cold drafts at exterior entrances to your home. They also provide extra insulation and allow you to open your main doors for ventilation while helping keep indoor heat contained. Choose tightly-sealed, weatherstripped doors that match your decor.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Prevent hot water pipes from losing heat as they run to faucets and fixtures by insulating them for winter. Buy pre-slit foam pipe insulation and wrap all accessible hot water pipes leading from the water heater. This saves water and heating costs.
Seal Air Leaks and Holes
Finding and sealing off all the little ways outdoor air sneaks into your home goes a long way toward efficiency. Look for cracks around windows, doors, pipes, wires, vents, and the foundation. Caulk, spray foam sealant, outlet gaskets, and weatherstripping can seal most leaks.
Clean Dryer Vents
Avoid potential fire hazards and improve clothes drying efficiency by ensuring your dryer vent ductwork is free of lint buildup before winter hits. Disconnect the ducts and use a special vent brush to clean out any accumulated lint in the system. Reconnect tightly.
Check CO Detectors
Make sure all carbon monoxide detectors are present and operational before heating season starts. Replace batteries in existing units as needed. Upgrade detectors over 7-10 years old or install new ones near all sleeping areas and on every level of your home for maximum safety.
Replace Window Screens with Storm Windows
Removing window screens for the winter allows more free solar heat to enter your home through the glass. Install tightly-sealed plastic storm window panels over each window frame and seal edges with weatherstripping tape for extra insulation against cold outdoor air.
Test Smoke Detectors
Checking that smoke detectors are functional can save your life in a winter fire. Push the test button on all smoke detectors. Replace batteries as needed. Consider installing 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke detectors to eliminate annual battery changes. Replace units over 10 years old.
Schedule Heat Pump Maintenance
For homes with heat pumps, it’s important to schedule pre-winter professional maintenance on the system. Technicians will thoroughly clean, inspect, and tune up the pump for maximum function and efficiency through heating season. Replace filters and make any needed repairs.
Have Fireplace and Chimney Cleaned
Contact a certified chimney sweep to clean your fireplace and chimney before using them this winter. Creosote and ash buildup poses serious fire and carbon monoxide poisoning risks. Proper cleaning improves airflow for safer and more efficient fires all season long.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
Ceiling fans set to spin clockwise on low speed push warm air down from the ceiling into occupied areas of the room. Switch all ceiling fans to winter mode for improved circulation and heating efficiency as cold weather approaches.
Test and Reset Arc Fault Outlets
Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets prevent home fires started by electrical arcs and sparks. Test all AFCI outlets as you would GFCIs. Press the test button which will trigger the breaker and interrupt power. Reset the outlets after testing. Replace any failed AFCIs.
Clean Dryer Vents
Clogged dryer vents are a fire hazard and reduce drying efficiency. Detach the ductwork and use a special dryer vent cleaning brush to remove lint buildup from the entire run of ductwork, including around pipe corners. Reattach tightly.
Flush Hot Water Heaters
Flushing hot water heaters annually extends their lifespan by removing sediment that collects at the bottom of the tank. Turn off power to the heater. Attach a hose to the drain valve and run it to a floor drain. Open the valve and drain 1-2 gallons until water runs clear.
Test and Reset Arc Fault Outlets
Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets help prevent electrical fires and should be tested before each heating season. Press the “test” button to trigger the breaker and ensure it shuts off power. Then press “reset” to restore power. Replace any AFCI outlets that fail to work properly.
Adjust Humidifier Settings
Indoor air can get uncomfortably dry during cold winters from central heating systems. Adjust your home humidifier to 30%-50% relative humidity to prevent issues like static electricity, respiratory illness, dry skin, and damage to musical instruments.
Install Exterior Light Timers
Installing timers on exterior lighting saves energy costs by ensuring lights only come on when needed. Colder seasons have fewer daylight hours, so timed lights provide illumination and security without wasting electricity lighting up an empty yard.
Test and Reset GFCIs
Take a few minutes to test all ground fault circuit interrupter outlets around wet areas of your home. Press the “test” button to trigger the breaker and cut power to the outlet briefly. Then press “reset” to restore electrical flow. Replace faulty GFCIs.
Have Fire Extinguishers Handy
Position multipurpose fire extinguishers in easy to access spots on every level of your home in case of winter fire emergencies. Teach household members how to properly operate them. Check pressure gauges and expiration dates. Replace old extinguishers.
Check Antifreeze Levels
Check that the antifreeze level in your vehicle is sufficient to protect against frigid winter temperatures in your area. Coolant should be flushed and replaced periodically as recommended by your owner’s manual. Top off if the level is low.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
Don’t forget to change ceiling fans to winter mode, which runs them clockwise on low to push warm air back down from the ceiling into living spaces below for better heat circulation. Adjust the direction switch on all your ceiling fans.
Test Smoke and CO Detectors
Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and working properly before the heat comes on. Push the test buttons and replace batteries as needed. Upgrade units over 10 years old. Proper functioning can save lives if fire or CO poisoning incidents occur.
Schedule Professional Gutter Cleaning
Consider hiring gutter cleaning pros to clean your gutters thoroughly after leaves fall and before winter arrives. They can also check downspouts, tighten fasteners, adjust gutters sagging from debris weight, and install gutter guards to prevent future clogs from leaves.
Insulate Attic Door or Hatch
The attic access door or hatch is often a source of air leakage and energy loss. Check that it seals tightly when closed, and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps in the frame. Adding insulation around the attic hatch also minimizes heat loss to this often overlooked area.
Install Window Insulation Kits
Quickly boost window insulation against cold winter air leakage using window insulation kit products. Most contain clear plastic sheeting with double-sided tape to seal the film tightly over window frames. Kits also include foam strips to seal edges air tight.
Clean Furnace Filters
Dirty furnace filters make your heating system work harder and run less efficiently. Check your filter monthly and change it if dirty. Use the correct size and rating for your unit. Pleated filters trap more particles and last longer between changes than basic fiberglass filters.
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
Don’t forget to change your ceiling fans to winter heating mode, with the blades rotating clockwise to push warm air down off the ceiling into living spaces below for better circulation. Adjust fans now before you need to turn on