Complete House Winterization Checklist

Winterizing your house involves sealing air leaks, insulating pipes, servicing heating systems, and preparing both interior and exterior systems for freezing temperatures to prevent damage and reduce energy costs.

1. Tune Up Before Winter Hits. Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or heat pump before cold weather hits. Replace the air filter, check that all vents are unobstructed, and test the thermostat. Clean around the unit and ensure carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries. For wood-burning systems, clean the chimney and check the damper operation.
2. Find Every Draft Now. Walk through your home with a lit incense stick or candle on a windy day to find drafts around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and baseboards. Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows, caulk gaps smaller than a quarter-inch, and use expanding foam for larger openings. Pay special attention to areas where pipes or wires enter the house.
3. Prevent Frozen Pipe Disasters. Drain and disconnect all outdoor hoses, then shut off water to exterior spigots. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages using foam pipe sleeves. Know where your main water shutoff is located. For homes in very cold climates, consider leaving faucets dripping slightly during extreme cold snaps.
4. Seal Heat Loss Points. Install storm windows or apply plastic film kits to single-pane windows for extra insulation. Check that all windows and doors close properly and adjust hardware if needed. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and consider thermal curtains for large windows. Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise, pushing warm air down.
5. Stop Ice Dams Before Winter. Remove all leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams. Check that gutters are properly secured and slope correctly toward downspouts. Consider installing gutter guards if you have large trees nearby. Ensure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your foundation.
6. Protect Outdoor Systems. Trim tree branches that could fall on your roof during ice storms. Store outdoor furniture or cover it securely. Drain and store garden hoses, and cover air conditioning units. Check roof shingles for damage and clear debris from valleys. Apply ice melt to walkways and stock up on snow removal supplies.
7. Verify All Detectors Work. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check that fire extinguishers are charged and accessible. Test your home security system if you travel during winter. Ensure flashlights work and you have backup power sources for essential devices during potential power outages.
8. Stock Emergency Supplies Now. Stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, and first aid supplies. Keep extra blankets, warm clothing, and battery-powered radios accessible. Store rock salt or ice melt for walkways, and ensure you have adequate supplies for your snow blower or backup heating source if applicable.