New England winters are no joke, and prepping your home for the cold season is key to staying warm and avoiding costly repairs. Here are practical tips to get your home winter-ready:
1. Seal the Drafts
Cold air sneaks in through cracks and gaps. Check doors and windows for drafts and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking. Don’t forget to inspect your attic and basement for air leaks, too.
2. Insulate Where It Counts
Good insulation makes a huge difference. Focus on your attic and walls to keep heat from escaping. Add foam pipe insulation around exposed plumbing to prevent freezing.
3. Service Your Heating System
Schedule a tune-up for your furnace or boiler before temperatures plummet. Change filters, check for odd noises, and bleed your radiators if needed. An efficient system saves money and keeps you cozy.
4. Clean the Gutters
Clear leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ice dams. Proper drainage helps avoid water damage when the snow starts to melt.
5. Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs. Let faucets drip during extreme cold and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets.
6. Prep for Power Outages
Invest in a generator or stock up on batteries, flashlights, and blankets. Heavy snow and ice can knock out power, so it’s better to be prepared.
7. Inspect Your Roof
Check for loose shingles or signs of wear that could lead to leaks under heavy snow. Consider installing a roof rake to safely clear snow and prevent ice dams.
8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With heating systems running and fireplaces in use, the risk of fires and CO leaks increases. Test alarms and replace batteries to keep your family safe.
9. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Switch your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air down and keeps your rooms comfortable without extra heating costs.
10. Stock Up on Essentials
Keep salt, sand, and a good snow shovel on hand to manage icy walkways and driveways. Being proactive keeps your property safe for you and your neighbors.