Summary
Prepare your home and car for winter to prevent damage and save money. Weatherizing your property before cold weather arrives can help protect it from the harsh conditions.
- Winterizing your home starts with preventing drafts, which can lead to high heating bills—and then inspect the interior and exterior of your home for any issues that could cause leaks, ice dams, or frozen pipes
- For your vehicle, winterizing means having it in top condition to perform safely in cold temperatures—check tire pressure and wiper blades, and pack an emergency kit
Winter weather warnings are a reminder of the importance of protecting your home or car, truck or SUV from unexpected events. Taking some small steps now could protect your home from winter damage — and it could help you to save some money, too.
Checklist: How to winterize my home
Even if you live in one of the country’s warmer southern states, snow and cold air are a possibility. If you’re in the northern tier, freezing temperatures are almost a certainty.
Winter can be hard on a house’s exterior, and very cold weather can even do damage to your home’s interior, such as frozen and burst pipes. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your home from winter weather.
Seal cracks and plug any drafts
A drafty home means money flying out of your pocket. Cracks and drafts allow warm air to escape and cold air to get in, making your heating system work harder than it should have to. Losing warm air results in higher heating bills, and it could shorten the life of your furnace or other heating system.
Clean and clear your gutters
Clogged gutters aren’t just bad for drainage. Debris trapped in your gutters can freeze and cause ice to dam up, which could then damage your roof.
Trim and remove loose, dead or decayed branches
Wind and ice storms can be fierce during winter months. Check all the trees that hang over your roof, as well as those that are close enough to your home that they could damage shingles. Trim any that pose a potential threat, and remove dead branches that can quickly become fall hazards in strong wind.
Examine and protect pipes
Identify indoor pipes that could freeze, like those on outside walls, and think about insulating them. To prevent pipes from freezing in extremely cold weather, allow a small amount of water to flow through them. Additionally, open the cabinet under the sink (if there is one) to allow warm air to circulate. Know where your main water shut-off is, and check to see if there’s a pressure release valve that could prevent your pipes from bursting.
Test your alarms
Locate and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries, and make sure the alarms are clean and free of dust, pet hair, and other debris that might cause them to malfunction.
Tuck away garden tools
Shut off outside faucets and allow hoses to drain and dry before putting them away for winter. Remove or store any planters, pots, lawn furniture, or decorations that could become projectiles in a windstorm.
Check your heating system
Have an HVAC specialist service your furnace, boiler, or electric heat system. This will help it to perform most efficiently — and ensure that there are no surprises that could leave you without heat on the coldest day of the year.
Clean your fireplace and flue
Clean your chimney annually if you have a wood-burning fireplace to get rid of creosote buildup. Creosote is a major cause of chimney fires. You should also clean and service gas fireplaces yearly to ensure they run safely and efficiently.
Test your generator
Backup generators are increasingly popular for long power outages. It’s crucial to know how to use them safely. Always follow manufacturer instructions, and operate portable generators outside. Clean, service and test generators according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.
These simple steps can protect your home from cold weather damage and fires. An added bonus is that, by making sure heating and gas fireplaces are running efficiently, you could save money by eliminating energy waste.
Checklist: How to winterize my car
Winterizing your vehicle means preparing it for cold weather so that it can perform well and keep you safe while driving. In addition to the tips below, you should also double-check your auto insurance to make sure you have enough coverage.
Check your tires
Tires should be fully inflated and in good condition. If you’re in a region that gets snow, you should consider purchasing snow tires. Snow tires are specifically designed to perform well in colder temperatures, and they have special rubber compounds that can withstand extended periods of frigid weather. You’ll also need to check tire pressure more frequently because colder air can cause tire pressure to drop.
Replace your windshield wipers
Your windshield wipers keep your view clear, so it’s imperative to make sure they are working properly. Check the rubber for any cracks and examine the seal against your windshield. You may want to consider switching to winter wipers if you live in a colder climate, as these are designed to keep ice from building up on the glass.
Pack a winter emergency kit
If you are planning a trip, always pack a winter safety kit. Winter weather can be unpredictable and deteriorate quickly. Basic, must-have items include a flashlight with fresh batteries, water, nonperishable food items, blankets or additional warm layers of clothing, and a first aid kit. You might also want to have a portable power bank to charge your cell phone.
Aim to keep your tank at least half full
A full gas tank helps keep you warm and prevents fuel lines from freezing due to condensation when stranded. Winter is not the time to test and see how much farther your gas will last before the next fill-up.
Pack a snow brush and ice scraper, and use them
Clear your windshield, hood, roof and trunk of snow and ice before driving. In some states, the law requires you to clear off your vehicle, and authorities can issue a ticket if you drive with snow on your car.
Snow left on your roof can begin to melt from underneath as your car warms up. It might stick to your windshield, blocking your view. It could be too heavy for your wipers to remove, which is dangerous. Snow on your roof can also blow onto the vehicles behind you, blocking their vision. Don’t be that person; clear your car.
Service brakes and top off fluids
Make sure your brakes are in good working order. Check all window defrosters; your rear window is important for visibility, too. You should keep the windshield wiper fluid levels full and check to ensure that the mix is appropriate for the winter temperatures where you are. Learn how to handle skidding on ice and maintain safe distances between cars when driving in winter conditions.
What else can I do to protect my home & car in winter?
Winter can be hard on your home and your car, so it’s a smart move to protect them when the temperature dips. Prepare your home and vehicle for winter weather to save time, money and avoid repair headaches. You can also speak to an Expert Agent now for a free quote on your home or auto insurance to increase your protection.
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