How to Winterize Your Home and Yard

Every fall as the days get shorter and the nights get longer homeowners start preparing their homes for winter. Home winterization is an annual ritual that saves money and prevents expensive home damage. No matter what weather your home experiences this winter, you'll be ready with this checklist.

Here are some of the best ways to winterize your home:

Check for adequate insulation around the home.
- Different climate zones in the US have different attic and wall insulation needs. Check with an online zip code-based insulation calculator to see if you have adequate R-value insulation for your walls, attic, ceiling, floors, and crawl spaces. Properly insulated attics will prevent ice dams.
- Check caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows for wear. Repair if necessary.
- Fill any outside gaps with expanding foam.
- Insulate any exposed pipes containing water. Use heat tape if necessary.
- Install door sweeps to prevent drafts.
- Install storm windows if you have them.
- Install inexpensive window film for additional window insulation.
- Use insulated curtains around windows.

Inspect the drainage around the house
- Clean the gutters of any leaves, wasp nests, and other debris to allow proper drainage.
- Check the downspouts for blockage.
- Make sure gutter extensions are attached and go well beyond the house foundation.
- For newer construction, make sure the ground is still sloping away from the house.

Winterize the house interior
- Replace backup batteries of all smoke alarms.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups on every level of the home.
- Install a glass enclosure screen in front of any fireplace to prevent heat loss.

Perform exterior house maintenance
- Check the roof for missing or loose shingles to prevent roof leaks.
- Have chimneys cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep.
- Check that the heated walkway and driveway snowmelt system is functioning properly.
- If you've had any roof work, make sure the venting for all gas appliances has been reconnected correctly.

Prepare the heating system for the winter heating season
- Have the furnace professionally inspected and maintained.
- Change the furnace filter on a regular schedule.
- Clear the vents that provide outside air to the furnace of any blockage.
- Have your ductwork professionally cleaned.

Complete the cooling system shut down
- If you have central air conditioning, spray off the condenser with a garden hose. Clear it of any debris.
- Those with evaporative cooling systems should drain the unit of water and shut off the water supply. Install the insulation plug and wrap the unit with a cooler cover.

Yard and yard tools maintenance
- Clean yard tools and store out of the weather.
- Turn off the sprinkler system water supply and have the system professional blown out. Insulate any above ground piping.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
- Remove dead and diseased vegetation to prevent over-wintering of pests and diseases.
- Replace broken fence posts before the ground freezes. Strong winter winds can blow down unsupported fences.
- Wrap newly planted trees with tree wrap to prevent sunscald.
- Drain unheated decorative ponds. Blow out any pond pumps and plumbing.
- Mow the lawn one last time and rake up any remaining stray leaves. Fertilize the grass.
- Add fuel stabilizer to the lawn mower and weed trimmer.

Storms and emergencies
- Replace worn out snow shovels before they all disappear during the first snowstorm of the season.
- Buy ice melt. Avoid using salt as it can kill or damage surrounding vegetation.
- Consider having a non-electric backup method of heat for emergencies. Use caution, as many methods are lethal if used indoors.
- Have a flashlight and spare batteries handy.
- Tune up the snow blower. Review safe operation procedures.

More:
The 10 Winter Accessories Essential For Your Car
Winter Driving Tips for Colorado

Source:
Personal experience