How to Winterize Your Home: A Simple Guide for Cozy, Stress-Free Winters
As the temperatures start to dip and pumpkin spice lattes make their grand return, it's time to start thinking about how to prep your home for the colder months. Winterizing your home might sound like a big project, but with a few easy steps, you can ensure your space is cozy, energy-efficient, and ready for the chilly season. Your future self will thank you!
1. Seal Up the Drafts
One of the first things to do when the weather cools is check for drafts around windows and doors. A quick way to see if you have drafts is to hold a lit candle near the edges—if the flame flickers, you’ve found a spot! You can easily fix these gaps with weather stripping or caulking. Consider adding this task to your weekend to-do list in your Golden Coil.
2. Change Your Air Filters
Winter means running the heater, and that means your HVAC system is working overtime. Dirty filters not only make it less efficient but can also reduce air quality. Your air filters should be changed at least quarterly, so add this in your quarterly home to-do’s to help make sure you stay on top of it!
3. Get Your Heating System Serviced
This is such a good one! Try to have your heating system checked before it’s actually cold out. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, getting a professional to inspect and tune it up ensures you’re not left in the cold.
4. Check Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are a winter nightmare, but they’re preventable. Insulate pipes in areas like your garage, basement, or attic. If you’re planning a winter getaway, make sure to keep the heat on at a minimum of 55°F and let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing.
5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
This might be one of our favorite "did-you-know" tips. If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, flip it to run the blades clockwise. This pushes warm air back down into the room, which can help keep your space cozier and reduce heating costs. It’s an easy task to pencil into your weekend to-do list.
6. Stock Up on Winter Essentials
Consider stocking up on winter essentials like extra blankets, cozy throws, and candles. Check your emergency kit for items like batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food just in case a winter storm hits. And don’t forget to grab some salt or sand for your walkways.
One tip is to create a winter checklist in your planner to keep track of what you need to buy and transfer it each year so you aren’t having to remember everything each year.
7. Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms can lead to power outages, so make sure you’re prepared. A backup generator, battery-powered lights, and a stash of warm blankets can make a world of difference.
8. Trim Trees and Clear Gutters
Before the snow falls, it’s important to clear your gutters and trim any overhanging branches that could break under the weight of snow or ice. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, leading to water damage. Depending on where you live, this may need to be scheduled earlier in the year rather than later.
9. Insulate Your Attic
Insulating your attic can make a big difference in keeping your home warm and energy-efficient. It’s not the most glamorous task, but if you’re up for a weekend DIY project, it’s a great one to tackle.
10. Set Up a Winter Cleaning Routine
As much as I love a good spring cleaning, winter is a great time to freshen up your space, too. Schedule some time to deep clean rugs, organize closets, and prep for the holiday season. It’s amazing how much lighter you will feel when your home is in order—even if it’s freezing outside!
Winterizing your home doesn't have to be overwhelming. By taking small, manageable steps, you can ensure your space is cozy, safe, and energy-efficient all winter long. So grab a warm drink, your Golden Coil, and start checking off these winterizing tasks—your future, cozier self will thank you!