How to Prepare Your Home for Winter: Affordable and Easy Tips for Homeowners

Winter is just around the corner, and with it comes colder temperatures, higher energy bills, and the need to keep your home cozy and safe. Luckily, preparing your home for winter doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here are some easy, cost-effective steps you can take to prepare for the colder weather ahead.

Seal Drafts and Save Energy

During winter, heat can escape your home in a variety of ways. Windows are an obvious source of drafts, but gaps in walls, chimneys, doors, ceilings, air ducts, and floors can also contribute to thermal loss.

Drafts in the home can significantly increase heating costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing drafts can save 10% to 20% on annual energy expenses, and create a more comfortable living environment.

Start by assessing where the leaks are happening. This can be done without special tools or spending money. Effective methods include:

Visual inspection: Look for gaps, cracks or holes around windows, doors, electrical outlets and where different building materials meet, such as wall-to-floor junctions.

Hand test: Use the back of your hand near potential leaks to feel for air movement. This method works best during cold, windy weather.

Incense test: Light a candle or a stick of incense and hold it near windows and doors. If the flame flickers or smoke is blown out or sucked in, there’s a draft.

Dollar bill method: Shut a door or window on a dollar bill. Then, try pulling the bill out. If the dollar slides out easily, there’s a gap that can allow heat to escape.

Once you’ve identified leaks, seal them to prevent heat loss. Self-adhesive weatherstripping is easy to apply, while plastic heat-shrink wrap for windows is effective and inexpensive. Draft snakes at the bottom of exterior doors can block cold air from entering and caulking around windows and doors ensures a tighter seal. These measures result in lower utility bills and a more consistent indoor temperature.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

While it may seem counterintuitive, ceiling fans can be useful in the winter. Most ceiling fans have a reverse setting. Switching the direction from counter-clockwise to clockwise creates an updraft, pushing the warm air gathered at the ceiling down into your living space. This is especially effective in homes with cathedral ceilings, and may allow you to lower the thermostat a degree or two lower, saving energy.

Change the Filter

According to Energystar.gov, furnace filters should be changed at least once every three months. Before winter begins, check your heating system’s filter. If it looks dirty, replace it. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making the system work harder to keep you warm, leading to higher energy bills and potential system failures.

A clogged filter can also cause  “blowout”, which may completely block airflow or damage the heating system. Regularly replacing filters helps maintain efficiency and avoid costly repairs.

Improve Insulation

Good insulation keeps your home warm and energy-efficient. Assess the condition of your existing insulation. Check the R-Value (thermal resistance) to determine if it needs replacing or supplementing. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performs at keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer.

When adding insulation, choose the appropriate insulation material for your home.

Fiberglass, the most common and cost-effective insulation, works well in attics and walls. Spray foam insulation costs more, but is excellent for sealing hard-to-reach air leaks.

Before adding insulation, seal air leaks around doors, windows, vents, and electrical outlets. Insulation won’t perform as effectively if there are gaps allowing air to escape.

Prep for Ice and Snow

Preparing your home for ice and snow is essential for protecting your property, ensuring safety, and maintaining comfort during harsh winter conditions. Taking preventative steps can save you from costly repairs.

Here are some ways to prepare for ice and snow:

Stock up on de-icer: Use eco-friendly salt or sand to keep sidewalks and driveways safe.

Clean gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and roof damage. Clear debris before snow arrives.

Protect outdoor faucets: Drain and cover exterior faucets with insulated covers to prevent freezing.

Additional safety measures include checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which are especially important during winter when heating systems are in use. Stock up on flashlights, batteries and blankets. If the budget allows, invest in a generator or space heater for emergencies during power outages.

Ready to Save More This Winter?

Winter preparation is more than just staying cozy—it’s about safeguarding your biggest investment: your home. By taking these simple steps, you can lower energy bills, prevent costly repairs, and maintain the long-term value of your property.

Whether you’re preparing for homeownership or exploring your options for refinancing, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today for a personalized strategy to help you reach your goals.