We’re at that time of the year where you’ll be super grateful if your home is the comfiest and warmest place on earth! If it’s not, then you need to figure out how to winterize your home right now.
Making your home winter friendly is something that you may be able to achieve in only a few steps. Let’s discuss that below.
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First though, you may be wondering how soon you should start to consider taking steps to make your home more winter-friendly.
When should you winterize your home?
The best time to winterize your home is in early fall, before temperatures drop significantly. This ensures you have time to address any necessary repairs and updates to keep your home warm and energy-efficient.
How to winterize your home
Winterizing your home is all about preparing it for colder months to keep your family warm, reduce energy costs and avoid weather-related damage. Here’s a thorough guide to help you get started, using a simple “winterize a house checklist” approach:
1. Seal drafts and insulate
Windows. To winterize your windows, inspect for cracks or gaps and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Consider using thermal curtains or shrink-wrap insulation kits for added warmth.
Doors. Check for drafts around doors and use weatherstripping or draft stoppers. For under-door gaps, install a door sweep.
Attic and walls. Add or upgrade insulation in the attic and walls to reduce heat loss. Don’t forget to insulate the attic hatch.
Basement. If your basement is unfinished, seal foundation cracks and insulate exposed walls.
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2. Prepare your heating system
Furnace. Schedule a professional inspection to ensure it’s operating efficiently. Replace or clean filters monthly during winter.
Thermostats. Test your thermostat, and consider a smart thermostat to optimize heating schedules and save energy.
Heating vents. Vacuum vents and ducts to improve airflow and ensure they’re not blocked by furniture or curtains.
Space heaters. Check that portable heaters are functioning safely and efficiently.
3. Protect plumbing from freezing
Pipe insulation. Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics and crawl spaces with foam insulation.
Outdoor faucets. Drain and shut off water supply to exterior faucets. Install insulated faucet covers for extra protection.
Drip faucets. In extreme cold, let faucets connected to exposed pipes drip slightly to prevent freezing.
Water heater. Insulate your water heater with a blanket designed for it to improve efficiency.
4. Check and maintain your roof and gutters
Gutters. Clear out leaves and debris to allow proper drainage and prevent ice dams.
Inspect the roof. Check for loose, cracked or missing shingles and repair them. Look for leaks or weak spots.
Attic ventilation. Make sure proper ventilation to prevent condensation buildup, which can lead to mold or ice dams.
5. Weatherproof your home’s exterior
Caulk cracks. Seal gaps in siding, around windows and doors, and where pipes or wires enter the house.
Chimney maintenance. If you have a fireplace, have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned.
Outdoor furniture. Store patio furniture, grills, and garden tools. If storing isn’t an option, cover them with waterproof covers.
Walkways and driveways. Fill any cracks in concrete to prevent water infiltration and freezing damage.
6. Test and update safety devices
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and test the alarms. Install detectors if you don’t have them, especially near sleeping areas.
Fire extinguishers. Check the expiration date and pressure gauge. Place one near your fireplace or heating system.
7. Improve energy efficiency indoors
Curtains and blinds. Use insulated or thermal curtains to keep warmth in. Open them during sunny days to let natural heat in and close them at night.
Ceiling fans. Reverse ceiling fan blades to a clockwise direction to push warm air down.
Draft guards. Install draft guards at the bottom of interior doors leading to cooler spaces, like basements or attics.
8. Stock up for emergencies
Winter supplies. Have salt, sand, or a de-icer ready for icy sidewalks and driveways.
Power outage prep. Keep flashlights, batteries, extra blankets, and a portable phone charger handy. Consider a generator for prolonged outages.
First aid kit. Update your kit and make sure it’s accessible.
This complete “winterize house” checklist will help you to be ready for whatever winter throws at you. Following these steps will keep your home safe, energy-efficient and cozy throughout the cold season.
How often should you air out your house in winter?
The answer to this might depend on where you live. For instance, in Germany, where they’re known for their dedication to Lüften (airing out homes), people might throw their windows open wide even in freezing temperatures! But for most of us trying to stay warm while keeping our homes fresh, a more balanced approach works better.
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Here’s the deal: even in winter, airing out your home is important. It helps reduce indoor humidity, prevent mold and circulate fresh air. Stale air and trapped moisture from showers, cooking or even just breathing can create an environment that’s bad for your health and your home’s condition, especially when you’re trying to winterize your home.
How to air out your home in winter
- Aim for once a day. Opening your windows for 5-10 minutes daily is usually enough. Pick a time when the air outside is relatively dry. Usually mid-morning or early afternoon.
- Go for short, intense bursts. Instead of leaving windows slightly open for hours (hello, freezing house!), go for a quick and effective cross-ventilation session. Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a breeze and then close them again to conserve heat.
- Focus on problem areas. Rooms with higher humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens, should get special attention. After a shower or while cooking, crack a window for a few minutes to let the moisture out.
- Use ventilation tools. Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can complement your airing-out efforts. Make sure these areas are part of your “winterize house” plan by checking that vents are clear and working properly.
- Maintain balance. While it’s important to refresh the air, avoid overdoing it. Too much airing out can let in cold air, causing your heating system to work harder.
Now, whether you embrace the German philosophy of fresh air at all costs or just stick to a quick burst of breeze, you’re on the right track! Stay cozy while keeping things fresh this winter.
I hope this is a quick and helpful guide for you as you make your home comfy and cozy for your family this winter!
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