7 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter can be tough on homes, but a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your property and ensuring your comfort during the colder months. From checking your heating system to safeguarding outdoor spaces, these tips can help you stay ahead of winter's challenges.

November 22, 2024 | Home

By: Addie A.

Addie has a wide range of personal insurance experience and with her position at Acuity, has been able to specialize in homeowners insurance. On top of her homeowners insurance knowledge, Addie has a good understanding of the insurance industry in general. She focuses on the consumer allowing her to play a key role in product development. Also, she is currently working towards an Associate in General Insurance designation. In her free time Addie spends time outdoors and enjoys playing and watching sports.

Author of Home Focus

Winterizing your home is not always a fun task, but it is a very important one. Preparing your home for winter helps ensure a safe environment, lessens the likelihood of a major mishap like a burst pipe or fire, and keeps your home warm and toasty. And the big benefit in all that is it can help ensure a safe winter for you and your home!

Check out these helpful tips to winterize your home:

Inspect your roof and gutters. Check your roof for loose or damaged shingles that could allow water to seep in during winter storms. Clearing your gutters of leaves and debris helps prevent ice dams, which can lead to leaks and structural damage. Consider installing gutter guards for easier maintenance.
Service your heating system. Ensure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump is in top shape by scheduling a professional inspection. Replace air filters and check ductwork for leaks to improve efficiency. If you use a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned to reduce the risk of creosote buildup.
Seal drafts and insulate. Add or replace weather stripping around doors and windows to keep out cold drafts. Use caulk to seal any gaps or cracks that might allow heat to escape. Consider adding insulation in the attic or crawlspaces to further enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
Protect your plumbing. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or basements, to reduce the risk of freezing. Drain outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems, and know the location of your main water shutoff valve in case of a pipe burst.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Heating systems and fireplaces increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure during winter. Check that your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are functioning properly, and replace the batteries if needed. It’s a simple step that can save lives.
Prepare your yard. Trim overhanging tree branches that could snap under the weight of snow or ice and damage your home. Store or cover outdoor furniture, grills, and garden tools to protect them from winter weather.
Stock up on emergency supplies. Winter storms can cause power outages, so it’s wise to have an emergency kit ready. Include essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, and blankets. A generator may also be a worthwhile investment if power outages are common in your area.