Fall Into Winter Preparedness: Is Your Home Ready?

Table of Contents

1. Inspect Your Heating System
2. Seal Drafts and Insulate
3. Check Your Fireplace
4. Service Your Gutters and Downspouts
5. Inspect Roof and Attic
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
7. Prepare Plumbing
8. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers
9. Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture:
10. Check and Replace Weather-Stripping on Garage Doors:
11. Prepare Plumbing
12. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers
13. Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture:
14. Check and Replace Weather-Stripping on Garage Doors:
15. Prepare for Snow and Ice
16. Inspect and Clean Your HVAC Ducts
17. Test Backup Generators

• Inspect Your Heating System:
  • Schedule a professional HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) inspection and maintenance.
  • Replace or clean furnace filters.
  • Ensure that your thermostat is functioning correctly.

• Seal Drafts and Insulate:
  • Check for drafts around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps.
  • Insulate attics, walls, and crawl spaces if needed.
  • Install draft stoppers at the base of doors.
• Check Your Fireplace:
  • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
  • Stock up on firewood and ensure it's properly seasoned.
• Service Your Gutters and Downspouts:
  • Clean out leaves and debris to prevent ice dams.
  • Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Inspect Roof and Attic:
  • Look for damaged or missing shingles and replace them.
  • Check for any leaks or signs of water damage in the attic.
• Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
  • Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if needed.
  • Ensure they are working correctly.
• Prepare Plumbing:
  • Insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and bursting.
  • Drain and store garden hoses.
  • Consider insulating your water heater.
• Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers:
  • Shut off and drain outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
  • Store garden hoses in a dry place.
• Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture:
  • Clean and properly store patio furniture, grills, and any other outdoor items susceptible to winter damage.
• Check and Replace Weather-Stripping on Garage Doors:
  • Ensure the garage is adequately insulated.
• Prepare for Snow and Ice:
  • Stock up on ice melt, snow shovels, and snow blowers.
  • Ensure your snow removal equipment is in working condition.
• Inspect and Clean Your HVAC Ducts:
  • Clean ducts to improve heating efficiency and indoor air quality.
• Test Backup Generators:
  • If you have a backup generator, test it to ensure it's ready in case of power outages.
• Stay Informed:
  • Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared for severe weather events.

Here are some additional tips and resources for preparing your home for winter:

How to Weatherize Your Home from the U.S. Department of Energy

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist (PDF) from HomeAdvisor

How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing from This Old House

How to Seal Air Leaks in Your Home from Energy Star

How to Choose a Generator from Consumer Reports

Emergency Preparedness Kit Checklist from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)