Winterize Your Home with this Checklist
by PCSgrades Staff - October 27th, 2021
The leaves are falling and temperatures are finally cooling down. It’s fall ya’ll! That also means it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your home. If you're a homeowner, preparing your home for winter is an important annual step necessary in not just maintaining the value of your home, but also in ensuring you stay warm this winter. Save on heating bills and prevent unnecessary repairs in the future by using our helpful checklist to prep your home for winter. Future you will thank you, we promise.
Here’s a complete checklist of things to do to winterize your home:
Winterize Your Home OUTSIDE:
Prepare your pipes
Weatherstrip storm doors and windows
Clean the gutters
Caulk around windows
Use foam outlet protectors to prevent cold air from entering your home
Store and/or cover patio furniture
Cover grill
Disconnect propane tank and close valve
Bring any potted plants inside
Clean and maintain any outdoor power tools (aka lawn mower) before storing
Inspect the roof for any damaged or missing shingles
Clear any debris from roof
Inspect your trees - remove any dead ones, cut any branches too close to the house which could collapse under heavy snow
If your region experiences heavy snowfall, buy a snow roof rake
Close any outdoor vents you may have opened during summer
Shut off your sprinkler system
Disconnect any hoses and be sure your spouts are completely off
Put a fresh coat of sealant on your deck
Winterize your Home INSIDE:
Keep heat in with thermal curtains
Insulate your pipes
Caulk any cracks to the outside
Use draft guards on any doors heading outside
Clean your fireplace
Program your thermostat. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees.
Change the directions on your ceiling fans (yes, it’s a thing! There should be a little switch on the body of your fan) to turn blades counter-clockwise. This directs warm air down instead of circulating cool air.
Ensure your dryer vents are thoroughly cleaned
Save on your energy bill by contacting your power company to see if there are any cost-lowering options. In some states, a representative will come to your house for an energy audit, offering discounts for implementation of energy-saving measures
Clean your furnace filter
Go storm shopping! Stock up on batteries, non-perishable food items, water, blankets, candles, firewood, and anything else you might need to ride out a winter storm. Also be sure your emergency car kit is stocked and in your vehicle.
Stock up on any medicines or medications you would need in the event you couldn’t make it to the store during a storm
Winter is coming, whether we’re emotionally prepared for it or not. Use our winterizing checklist to make sure at least your home is ready for the cold months ahead.
