Six Things that You Should Do to Prepare a House for Winter

Before fall quickly turns to winter, homeowners and those responsible for the structure they live in need to perform specific tasks. Certain task prepare the house for subzero temperatures, while others help to keep energy costs at a minimum. Most are relatively easy, and some must be done to avoid costly damage. Go over the following six things that should be done to prepare a house for winter. You might not have to do all six things, but in any case it is good to know what home care and home ownership entails in cold winter locations. I have owned five homes, and over the years I learned a number of ways to prevent costly damage while saving energy.

Unhook Hoses from Spigots

To prepare a house for winter in areas that dip below freezing, it is important to unhook hoses from spigots. Hoses hold water, and if the water freezes and expands in the pipes, they could easily break. In addition to unhooking the hoses, it is important to drain them. They will last much longer, and if they are stored in a garage or garden shed, they will not leak all over the floor when moved.

Prepare the House for Winter by Closing Foundation Vents

Just as it is important to open foundation vents as temperatures begin to rise, it is also important to close them to prepare for cold winter temps. Before temperatures plunge below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, close all of the vents around the foundation of the house. If possible, cover them on the inside with Fiberglas insulation. The vents do not usually seal very tightly, and the insulation will help keep the crawlspace warm.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Many people dread cleaning gutters and downspouts, but it is an important step to prepare a house for winter. If the gutters are full of leaves and plants, they will not work as they should when temps rise above freezing. When gutters are already filled with heavy debris, they could also become permanently damaged when filled with snow, ice and/or water.

Cover Leaky Windows with Plastic to Prepare the House for Winter

When windows leak, the house might as well have an open porthole. Heat will leak out, and cold air will come in. To prepare the house for winter, cover leaky windows with plastic. The crystal clear type that becomes taut when heated with a blow dryer will not look bad. With window treatments in place, no one will likely notice.

Inspect and Replace Bad Door Seals

The windows are not the only areas that can leak. Another one of the six things to do to prepare a house for winter involves the doors. Check the seals. If they are missing or damaged, replace them to avoid cold drafts and higher heating bills.

Drain the Underground Sprinkler System to Prevent Breakage

Did you move into a house with an underground sprinkler system? They require winterization. It will be necessary to drain the water from the system. Contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to prepare it for winter, or hire a professional to do the job. Along with winter comes a number of tasks and challenges, and upkeep is vital when owning or caring for a home.

Source: Home Ownership and Maintenance Experience