How to Winterize a House: Your Cold-Weather Game Plan

The cold season is upon us and it’s time for some seasonal home maintenance. The following tips will help you winterize your house so you can stay warm and cozy all year long.

Getting prepared for winter might involve buying some warm sweaters and putting on the winter tires. But, alongside preparing yourself, it’s also important to look around your home to determine what needs to be done. After all, frozen pipes or drains and cold air can lead to plenty of problems. You can consult with a professional to winterize a house, but you can complete winterization on your own too! Checking the smoke detectors and cleaning the gutters might be easy, but some tasks will take a little more work.

The cost of winterizing a house will vary from place to place, depending on how much needs to be done. For example, if you require an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace or water heater, it will cost at least $100. Some of these tasks, like replacing the filters, can be done on your own but having a professional can help. If you’re looking at doing the hard work yourself, you can probably keep it under $20. But, be aware that you’ll need to dedicate a little bit of time to make sure everything’s done right. Be sure to share your winterizing ideas with others on your favorite family app!

It can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to prepping your home for the winter months. There’s a lot more to it than turning back the clock and turning up the thermostat though! Fortunately, we have some of the best ways to winterize a house for you to try below:

• Reverse the Fan Blades! – This might sound like a pretty strange trick but it can definitely warm up winter. By using the switch to reverse your fan blades, it will push warm air down for recirculation. It’s a simple trick for keeping your house warm without overdoing the heating. Share it with others on FamilyApp!
• Look for Leaks – Unknown leaks around your home can lead to a lot of energy loss. But, it’s easy to avoid by checking all your doors and windows and taking note of any drafts. If you notice any interior or exterior leaks, you can use weather-resistant caulk or even weather-stripping. Storm doors and windows can be even more effective if you’re looking to winterize a house.
• Check the Insulation – If a leak in your home isn’t causing excess energy use, it could be your insulation. Be sure to check the attic and basement of your house for any drafts or vulnerable spots. It’s amazing what a little bit can do! Share your draft-finding tips with others on your favorite family app!
• Replace the Filter – The furnace might be what keeps us warm in winter, but it’s easy to forget about consistent maintenance. In order to winterize a house, make sure you change your furnace filters! You may even want to invest in reusable filters that will be good to go after a wash.
• Prep the A/C – The air conditioner might be a lifesaver in summer but it doesn’t get much use in winter. As a result, you should drain any attached pipes or hoses so that they don’t freeze during the winter months. It’s also a good idea to cover your central air unit with plastic to keep it dry.
• Stay Ahead of Ice Dams – Freezing water and snow-covered roofs cause ice dams which lead to icicles. Those can loosen shingles, tear off gutters, or even cause water to run into your house. Heated cables in a zigzag pattern across the roof are the most popular trick to prevent ice dams.

There’s a lot to do when it comes to getting ready for winter. But, it’s important not to forget about the maintenance needs of your most important asset – your house! While some people get a professional, you can do a lot of the big jobs on your own! Do you have any tips to winterize a house? Share them with other homeowners in our comments! With the winter season well upon us, it’s a good time to prep before the holidays show up.