Winterize Your Home: 14 Strategies for Maximum Efficiency

Animal nests or creosote buildup in your wood-burning fireplace can be hazardous. Have an annual inspection before building your first fire of the season. Also, soot and other debris build up in the chimney. Call a chimney sweep to thoroughly clean the chimney before your first winter use. You should also vacuum or sweep out any accumulated ash from the firebox.

An electrical fireplace requires regular cleaning and maintenance as well. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your model to keep it operating smoothly and safely.

Cleaning your gutters is an important part of winter prep. A good rule of thumb is to have the gutters cleaned as soon as the last leaves have fallen in the autumn. To prevent clogging, inspect and clean the gutters of leaves and other debris. Clean gutters will also allow melting snow to drain properly.

If you want to avoid gutter cleanings, consider gutter guards. They can be made of stainless steel or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and will help keep out leaves, pine needles, roof sand grit and other debris from your gutter. They need to be occasionally brushed off to ensure the guards work to their maximum effectiveness, but it's not as strenuous as routine cleanings.

One of the best ways to winterize your home is to caulk around windows and use foam outlet protectors to prevent cold air from entering your home. However, the majority of heat loss typically occurs via openings in the attic. Check to make sure that you have enough insulation.

In the winter, the Department of Energy suggests keeping the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Lower the thermostat a few degrees while you're away or sleeping. Switching your thermostat out for a programmable version is a good idea. It'll let you customize your heating so the system doesn't run when you don't need it, keeping your home comfortable and bills down.

You'll need to bring plants and flowering trees inside before the first cold snap. Typically, you should bring your plants in before temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cold temperatures, snow and ice can damage outdoor furniture and grills. If possible, store them in the garage or basement. If you have a gas grill with a propane tank, close the tank valve and disconnect the tank first. It must be stored outside. If you don't have storage space for your items, purchase covers to protect them from the elements. You also need to maintain your grill and cover it before putting it away for the season.

Outdoor power tools, such as mowers and string trimmers, need to be cleaned and maintained prior to storing. If you have a snow blower, it's time to inspect it before the first snowfall to ensure it's working properly.

Once you’ve figured out how to winterize the house, it might save you money. Call your local power company to see if they conduct energy saving assessments. It's often a free service where a representative will identify specific changes to make your home more energy efficient and save you money. In addition to the suggestions above, LED light bulbs and water heater blankets can also make a difference.

Your furnace will function more efficiently with a clean filter. A dirty filter with trapped lint, pollen, dust, etc., obstructs airflow and makes your furnace run longer to heat your home. Replace filters at least every three months.

Snow, rain, ice and wind can make it challenging for your home to withstand winter’s wrath. Of particular concern should be your roof. You can get a head start on winterizing your roof with a few key steps.

• Inspect the roof. Look for broken, frayed, curled or missing shingles; clogged valleys; damaged flashing; or deterioration.
• Clear leaves, pine needles, dirt and other accumulated debris from the roof.
• Cut back overhanging branches to prevent damage to shingles and gutters.
• Install snow guards and roof heat cables to prevent ice dams from forming.
• Check the attic and ceilings for staining from water leakage. While you’re up there, make sure the attic is properly ventilated to prevent mold and mildew.
• If you live in an area that’s prone to snow, invest in a snow roof rake.

So how do you winterize windows? To help keep chilly air from leaking in through window cracks, swap out the lightweight summer curtains with thermal lined curtains or drapes. For the windows that don’t get direct sunlight, keep the curtains or drapes closed to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Once you know how to winterize a window properly, you can keep your home warm and lower your heating bill.

Depending on the region of the United States you’re in, you’ll need to protect your pipes from bursting this winter using tubular pipe wrap, rolled pipe wrap and insulation fittings.

• Snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• Ice melt
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Weather radio
• Emergency car kit (extra blankets, radio, ice scraper, car charger, first aid kit, jumper cables)
• Water and food that doesn't require cooking or preparation (dried fruit, granola bars, crackers, etc.)
• Extra pet food

Also, for those outside chores like shoveling snow, check out our great selection of insulated workwear like jackets and weather-resistant boots.