Home Winterizing Checklist

Easy Home Weatherproofing

Some small weatherproofing jobs require little to no “handiness”, but can make a real difference once cold weather hits. By doing these things before the snow flies, you’ll be saving yourself some hassle (and possibly some money, too!):

• Clean gutters and downspouts in mid-fall and double-check them before winter.
• Replace the filter in your furnace.
• Close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather.
• Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water.
• Buy a snow shovel and other winter supplies before the messy weather hits.
• Keep extra water and canned food in storage just in case.
• Test your heating system, so that you know it will work properly when you need it.
• Give your deck a fresh coat of sealer to protect it from the winter elements.

Home Weatherproofing Inspections

Though some homeowners might tackle these jobs themselves, there’s no substitute for a professional eye to ensure home efficiency through the cold winter months:

• Check the attic, walls, and basement for adequate insulation.
• Feel around electrical outlets and switch-plates for cold air, add insulation where necessary.
• Look around doors and windows for gaps and potential places where warm air can escape.
• Caulk or apply weatherstripping around problem draft areas.
• Find a roofing contractor to look for damaged roof shingles and loose gutters.
• Have a local heating/cooling expert look at your furnace if you are unsure of its efficiency.
• Clean chimneys and woodstoves early in the season.
• Test the flue for each fireplace for a tight seal when closed.

Weatherproof Windows

Though there are many places in the home where heat can escape and cold air can enter, windows are one of the biggest culprits. In older homes, especially, having weatherproof windows can make a marked difference in your energy costs and how comfortable your living areas feel. Installing weather stripping costs around $255 on average, but in some instances, you might only need a bit of caulk to weatherproof windows. If your windows are well past their prime, you may also consider replacing them with energy-efficient double paned windows to create a more efficient space.