Fall winterization prepares your home to withstand freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and storms while maintaining energy efficiency and preventing costly damage. Starting in late September or early October (when nighttime temperatures consistently dip into the 40s), winterization covers the heating system, plumbing, roof, gutters, exterior, and landscaping.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Service the heating system — Schedule a professional furnace/boiler inspection and tune-up. Replace the air filter, test the thermostat, inspect the heat exchanger, clean burners, and verify safe o...
- Check the chimney and fireplace — Schedule a professional chimney sweep and inspection if you use the fireplace. Creosote buildup is a leading cause of house fires. Inspect the damper operation and...
- Clean gutters and downspouts — Remove leaves and debris after the last leaves fall. Verify downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future maint...
- Inspect the roof — Look for missing, cracked, or loose shingles. Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Address any issues before winter storms make repairs difficult and damage wors...
- Winterize outdoor plumbing — Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Shut off interior valves for exterior faucets and open the outside faucets to drain. Drain and blow out sprinkler systems. Insulate e...
- Insulate exposed pipes — Wrap pipes in unheated areas (attic, crawlspace, garage, exterior walls) with pipe insulation ($0.50-$2 per linear foot). This prevents freezing and burst pipes.
- Seal air leaks — Check weather stripping around doors and windows. Apply caulk around penetrations, outlets on exterior walls, and gaps where different materials meet. Air sealing reduces heating c...
- Inspect insulation — Check attic insulation depth (10-14 inches of fiberglass or R-38 to R-60 recommended). Add insulation to the rim joist and any exposed areas in the basement or crawlspace.
- Prepare the yard and landscape — Drain and store hoses, winterize the lawn mower, fertilize the lawn (late fall feeding), mulch garden beds, wrap vulnerable shrubs, and trim branches that could fal...
- Prepare for emergencies — Stock emergency supplies: flashlights, batteries, blankets, water, non-perishable food, manual can opener, first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. Know how to shut off...
Common Mistakes
- Waiting for the first freeze to winterize
- Forgetting to disconnect garden hoses
- Not servicing the heating system
- Ignoring the attic
- Skipping the chimney inspection
Pro Tips
- Use a door draft stopper
- Program your thermostat
- Wrap the water heater
- Check for ice dam risk
- Keep cabinet doors open during extreme cold