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Winterize Your Home

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Winter is coming, and while it’s tempting to hibernate under a blanket with hot cocoa, your home needs a little extra TLC before the cold truly sets in. Winterizing isn’t just for your car; it’s a must for your house, too! Here’s your checklist to keep your home warm, cozy, and ready to brave the elements.

1. Seal the Deal: Doors and Windows

Drafty windows and doors can turn your heating bill into a monster. Stop cold air in its tracks with these steps:

  • Inspect for drafts: Light a candle and move it near the edges of windows and doors. If the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft!
  • Seal gaps: Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal cracks. For extra coziness, add insulated curtains.
  • Install door sweeps: These are lifesavers for blocking chilly air from sneaking in under doors.

Pro Tip: Draft snakes (those cute, stuffed door blockers) are fun AND functional!

2. Furnace TLC

Your furnace works hard all winter, so make sure it’s ready for action.

  • Replace filters: Dirty filters can strain your furnace and reduce efficiency. Swap them out monthly during peak usage.
  • Test the thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is working properly. Consider upgrading to a programmable one for energy savings.
  • Schedule a tune-up: A professional HVAC inspection can identify issues before they leave you shivering.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the first freeze to find out your furnace has stage fright—test it now!

3. Insulate Like a Pro

Insulation is the unsung hero of winterizing. It keeps your home warm and your energy bills low.

  • Check the attic: Heat rises, and a poorly insulated attic is like leaving a window open. Add insulation as needed.
  • Wrap pipes: Prevent frozen (and bursting!) pipes by wrapping exposed ones in insulation sleeves.
  • Close vents: If you have a crawl space, ensure vents are closed to keep out the chill.

4. Gut the Gutters

Clogged gutters are a recipe for ice dams, which can damage your roof and walls.

  • Clean out debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and anything else clogging your gutters.
  • Check for sagging: Ensure gutters are secure and free-flowing.
  • Add gutter guards: These nifty devices keep debris out, saving you time and effort.

5. Roof Check, Please

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against snow and ice. Keep it sturdy and leak-free.

  • Inspect for damage: Look for missing or cracked shingles and fix them before winter storms hit.
  • Clear debris: Remove leaves and branches that could trap moisture or cause blockages.
  • Trim nearby trees: Overhanging branches can break under snow’s weight and damage your roof.

Pro Tip: If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your roof, leave it to the pros—it’s safer that way!

6. Plumbing Precautions

Frozen pipes are every homeowner’s nightmare. Protect your plumbing system with these steps:

  • Drain outdoor faucets: Disconnect hoses and drain spigots to prevent freezing.
  • Shut off water to unused areas: If you have a second home or unused parts of the house, turn off the water supply to avoid accidents.
  • Let faucets drip: During extreme cold, let indoor faucets drip slightly to keep water flowing and prevent freezing.

7. Chimney and Fireplace Prep

What’s cozier than a roaring fire? Not much—unless your chimney’s blocked.

  • Inspect and clean: Have a professional chimney sweep remove soot and debris.
  • Check the flue: Make sure it opens and closes properly for ventilation.
  • Stock up on firewood: Keep dry wood on hand for those cozy winter nights.

Pro Tip: Only burn seasoned hardwood—it burns cleaner and hotter than softwoods.

8. Emergency Kit Essentials

Winter storms can leave you without power or heat. Be prepared with an emergency kit:

  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Warm blankets
  • Non-perishable food and water
  • A portable phone charger
  • A battery-operated radio

Pro Tip: Keep a bag of ice melt or rock salt handy for icy walkways.

The Gleamsure Edge

Don’t have the time (or energy) to tackle this list? Let Gleamsure do the heavy lifting. Our professional team can help with gutter cleaning, HVAC maintenance, and more to ensure your home is winter-ready.

With Gleamsure, you’ll spend less time worrying about drafts and frozen pipes and more time enjoying your cozy, well-prepared home. Contact us today and let us handle the hard stuff—you deserve a warm, stress-free winter!

Stay toasty, Buffalo! ☃️