How to Winterize Your Home

With winter around the corner and cold weather never far away, it’s time to winterize your home. It will help keep your home and everyone in it safe and comfortable no matter what mother nature can throw at you.

Winterizing your home now can also help you avoid frozen pipes, storm damage and excessive bills.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best ways to winterize your house as the thermometer starts to slip without breaking the bank.

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The Importance of Winterizing Your Home

People tend to spend more time indoors in wintertime, and it can sometimes be difficult to maintain those “perfect” interior conditions. HVAC systems may be less than efficient, and the property may not be as well insulated as it should be.

Those utility bills can be quite shocking, especially when you consider that Americans are expected to spend more than 30% extra on natural gas or 6% more on electricity this winter. In addition, homeowners could save as much as 20% of their energy bill if they paid attention to insulation and capped any air leaks. It’s also important to protect your home from winter storms, so don’t forget that part of your plan.

Here are 9 tips to help you winterize your home today.

9 Tips for Winterizing Your Home

To help get your home ready for winter, consider some of the tips below.

1. Trim Your Trees

Start outside by trimming all your trees back. Get rid of any overhanging branches that come near your house. Doing this may help avoid issues during a windstorm and protect your roof if too much ice builds upon those branches.

While you are outside, clean out all the gutters and get rid of leaves accumulated during the fall. This will help prevent any overflow and attic leaks.

2. Add Insulation

You may need to install additional insulation in the attic if the existing product looks old, threadbare or patchy. This can come in many different forms like polystyrene, fiberglass or wool, and it can either be filled, rolled out or sprayed.

This insulation will trap pockets of air and help ensure that your heat does not flow upward and out of the house. After all, 90% of homes in the U.S. are under-insulated.

3. Clean the Air Filter

Clean your HVAC air filter once per month, especially during the winter. You are far less likely to open any windows, so most of the air is likely to be recirculated. It’s even more important that it is breathable and clean. Reusable filters can be washed underneath a running tap and left to dry before being replaced. This will help get rid of the accumulated dust and debris.

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4. Service the A/C

Use this change of season to get your air conditioning system professionally serviced. It may have been working overtime during a particularly hot summer, and you want to avoid any potential issues during the dead of winter. It may also be less expensive and easier to find a professional HVAC company in the winter.

5. Add a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great investment in helping you save money and stay as comfortable as possible. It can be programmed for specific times of day—like when you are home or not. If it’s Wi-Fi-ready, it can be accessed by an app on your phone for easy programming while out for the day or even on vacation.

While you may be able to install one yourself, it’s important to use the help of a professional if you are hardwiring the thermostat.

6. Reverse Your Fans

This tip should be a quick fix. Simply click the switch on the side of each ceiling fan allowing you to reverse the direction of flow. Sometimes, you can even do this with a remote control. This will push warm air down as it rises, keeping the heat where you need it.

7. Clean Your Chimney

Do you own a home with a chimney? Whether you use the fireplace every day or only on occasion, it can be potentially hazardous if not serviced regularly. Be sure to have a professional company service your chimney every year before you begin to use it. If you have no intention of lighting anything, get a chimney balloon. This will plug the space, eliminate any drafts and keep the heat in.

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8. Weatherproof Windows

When it comes to windows, double pane is best for energy efficiency. However, they do come at a higher cost. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, apply weenergyher stripping to the inside edge of all your windows, helping to eliminate air leaks. This is simple to do and blends in with the look of the window.

9. Winterize the Pipes

You should protect any exposed pipes, particularly those that are not within a heated space. This insulation could prevent your pipes from freezing over, causing excessive damage and expenses. For a DIY option, you can pick up pipe foam at any hardware store. Cut the foam to size and secure it with duct tape.

Final Thoughts

Taking the steps to winterize your home will save you the headache of repairs and expenses down the road. Use these tips to get started in your home today. Be sure to use the help of a professional when needed to maximize your winterizing efforts.

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