Getting Your Home Ready For Winter

It’s that time of year again —the days get shorter, the leaves are changing and falling to the ground and we all start wondering if it’s too early to turn on the heat (spoiler: it’s not). Before the really cold weather sets in, a little prep around the house can make winter a lot easier. Here are a few friendly reminders to help you get ready. Has anyone tried the Free Home Energy Assessment from AES?

Seal Up Those Drafts

A chilly breeze sneaking in under the door can make the whole house feel colder. Check around doors and windows for gaps and seal them up with weatherstripping or a bit of caulk. If you’ve got an older door that always lets in a draft, try rolling up a towel or using a draft stopper along the bottom. It’s a small fix that can make a big difference. Want to DIY? Check out this video on how to make your own with items you may already have around the house.

Clear the Gutters

No one loves climbing a ladder in November, but clean gutters are worth it. Leaves and debris can freeze, causing ice dams that back up water onto your roof. While you’re up there, take a quick look for loose shingles or anything that might need a little attention before the snow starts falling.

Give Your Heat Some Love

Your furnace has been on vacation all summer — make sure it’s ready to come back to work. Change the filter and, if you can, do a quick test run before the first freezing night. If you have a fireplace, this is also a good time to make sure the chimney’s clean and ready for use.

Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are the kind of winter surprise no one wants. If you have pipes in the garage, basement or other cold spots, wrap them with insulation or even some old towels. And if you’re heading out of town for the holidays, don’t turn the heat all the way off — set it to at least 55°F so your pipes don’t freeze while you’re gone.

Flip Those Ceiling Fans

Here’s a trick a lot of people forget: most ceiling fans have a little switch that changes the direction the blades spin. In the winter, set them to run clockwise on low. It helps push warm air down from the ceiling and keeps your rooms feeling more comfortable.

Check Your Alarms

When you’re already grabbing batteries for your remote or flashlights, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors too. Cold weather means we’re using more heat, fireplaces and space heaters — and it’s just smart to make sure your alarms are working like they should.

Don’t Forget Outside

Hoses, outdoor faucets and patio furniture all need a little attention before freezing temps arrive. Disconnect and drain your hoses, turn off outdoor water lines if you can and cover or store furniture to protect it from the elements. If you have a snow shovel or ice melt, make sure you know where it is before the first storm hits.

Add Some Cozy

Once the practical stuff’s done, reward yourself by making things a little cozier inside. Swap in flannel sheets or warm soft blankets, put down a rug in spots where the floors get cold and Bakers! On your marks, get set, BAKE! The smell of muffins or banana bread does wonders for a house in winter.

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What about you?

Do you have a favorite winter tip, or a clever home trick you swear by when it gets cold? We’d love to hear from you! Share your ideas in the comments or email them to littleflowerneighborhood@gmail.com. We might include your tip in the next neighborhood newsletter!