Winter is around the corner, and a little preparation now can help protect your home, improve energy efficiency, and keep everything running smoothly. Here’s a checklist of tasks to help get your home ready for the colder months.
See below for a printable version of this checklist!
Home Winterization Checklist
1. Seal Windows and Doors
Check for Drafts: Feel around edges of doors and windows for drafts.
Apply Weather Stripping or Caulk: Seal up any gaps to prevent heat from escaping.
2. Clean and Inspect Gutters
Clear Out Debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters and downspouts.
Check for Leaks or Loose Gutters: Ensure gutters are firmly attached and not leaking to avoid water buildup. If you’re in a higher elevation, this can also help prevent ice dams.
Consider Gutter Guards: Installing gutter guards can reduce future buildup, making seasonal maintenance easier.
3. Protect Outdoor Pipes
Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap pipes in foam insulation to prevent freezing, especially if you’re in a higher elevation or an area prone to freezing.
Disconnect and Store Garden Hoses: Shut off and drain water from outdoor faucets, if possible.
4. Test Heating System
Change Filters: Replace HVAC filters to keep the system running efficiently.
Run Your Furnace or Heater Early: Check that everything works well before temperatures drop.
5. Check Your Roof and Chimney
Inspect for Loose Shingles: Look for missing or damaged shingles that could lead to leaks.
Clean Chimney (if applicable): Have your chimney inspected and cleaned, especially if you use it often in winter.
6. Add or Upgrade Insulation
Focus on Attics and Basements: Check for drafts or cold spots that may need extra insulation.
Seal Gaps Around Pipes and Vents: Close off any openings in areas like attics to keep heat in.
Insulation Touch-Ups: Address any areas of insulation that may have settled or been damaged.
7. Inspect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace Batteries: Put in fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Test Each Unit: Ensure detectors are functioning properly before heating systems are in regular use.
8. Prepare Outdoor Living Spaces
Cover or Store Furniture and Grills: Protect outdoor items from the elements.
Protect Frost Intolerant Plants: Bring smaller plants indoors and buy frost blankets for larger shrubs or fruit trees that are frost intolerant.
Store Landscaping Equipment: Keep all landscaping equipment, such as lawn mowers and trimmers, in a dry place like a shed or garage.
Empty Fuel from Small Engines: If you have small engines that won’t be used during the winter, empty the fuel to ensure they work well when spring arrives.
Adjust Sprinkler Timers for Winter: Set your sprinkler system to reduce watering frequency or turn it off completely to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
9. Energy Efficiency
Eliminate Incandescent Bulbs: Replace Incandescent Can Light Trims with new LED Trims
Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air down, helping keep rooms warmer.
10. Check Fences for Stability
Inspect for Loose or Damaged Posts: Make sure fences are secure and won’t fall during winter winds or heavy rain. Tighten or repair posts and boards as needed.
Replace Old Fences: If feasible, consider replacing old fences and using steel posts to prolong the life of the new fence.
11. Inspect and Replace Old Siding
Check for Damage or Wear: Look for signs of rot, cracks, or warping in your home’s siding.
Consider Replacement: If your siding is in poor condition, replacing it can improve energy efficiency and protect your home from winter weather.
12. Repaint Exterior
Assess Paint Condition: Look for peeling or faded paint that may expose the underlying material to moisture.
Repaint as Necessary: Fresh paint can protect surfaces and enhance your home’s appearance, providing an additional layer of protection from the elements.
13. Install a Backup Generator
Choose Your Option:
Fully Automated Auto-Start Generators: These can automatically power your home during an outage without any manual intervention.
Portable Generators (5000-8000 Watts): A more affordable option that can power essential circuits during an outage.
Install a Transfer Switch: Have a certified electrician install a transfer switch, which will allow you to safely connect the generator to specific circuits in your home. These can include lights, essential outlets, your furnace (if it runs on natural gas or propane), well pump, refrigerator circuits, and gas cooktops or ranges. This setup can help keep your home functional and comfortable during power outages.
Shopping List for Home Winterization Readiness:
Stock Up on Winter Supplies: Keep essentials on hand, including:
Winter Home Maintenance Essentials
Weather Stripping and Caulk (for sealing doors and windows)
Gutter Guards (to reduce future buildup)
Pipe Insulation (foam or fiberglass for exposed pipes)
HVAC Filters (to replace furnace or heater filters)
Chimney Brush or Cleaning Kit
Insulation Material (for attics, basements, or windows if needed)
Batteries (for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors)
Outdoor Supplies
Frost Blankets or Plant Covers (for sensitive plants that remain outdoors)
Fuel Stabilizer (for small engine equipment like lawnmowers)
Storage Bins or Covers (for patio furniture, grills, etc.)
Garden Hose Storage Bag or Reel
Emergency Preparedness
Portable Generator (5000-8000 watts) and Fuel
Transfer Switch (installation by certified electrician recommended)
Salt or De-icing Solution (for walkways, if applicable in your area)
Snow Shovel
Candles and Matches or Lighter
Firewood (if you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove)
Flashlights with Extra Batteries
First-Aid Kit
Portable Phone Charger
Optional for Added Comfort
Door Draft Stoppers (for added insulation)
Heavy-Duty Door Mats (to keep mud and moisture out)
Space Heater (for extra warmth if needed)
Electric Blanket or Heating Pad
Need Help? Luminist Homes' small projects team can assist with tasks like siding replacement, exterior painting, fence installation, shed construction, winterizing exterior pipes, insulation touch-ups, and window sealing to ensure your home is ready for winter.
Download a printable version of this checklist.
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