Our Prepare Your Home For Winter Checklist

10 Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Winter

Before long, fall will turn to winter and the weather will become cold. Now is the time to start preparing your home for winter. Instead of waiting until the last minute, knockout a few items every week and be ready when the cold weather hits. Prepare your home for winter now.

Here are 10 important things to do now to get your home ready for winter:

1. • Turn Off the Outside Water: Go to your interior shut-off valves and close them. Most homes have two—one for the front and one for the back—so be sure to shut off both. Leave the outside faucets open about a quarter turn to allow them to breathe. This simple step helps prevent frozen pipes and costly water damage.

   • Put Away Garden Hoses: Drain every drop of water from your hoses and store them in the garage or shed. Frozen water inside hoses can expand and split them, so taking a few minutes now can save you from replacing them in spring.

   • Order Firewood: Only purchase dry, seasoned hardwood—it burns longer and safer. Local sources like Season’s Nursery in Gaithersburg or Potomac Garden Center in North Potomac are great options. Having firewood ready ensures your home stays warm and cozy all winter.

   • Call a Chimney Sweep: Before lighting your fireplace or using any heating appliance (gas, wood, oil, or coal), schedule a professional cleaning. A clean chimney and vents prevent fires and stop carbon monoxide from sneaking into your home.

   • Reverse Your Ceiling Fans: Flip the switch to run your fan blades clockwise after turning on your heat. This creates an updraft that pushes warm air down from the ceiling, keeping rooms warmer and reducing your heating costs.

   • Caulk Around Windows & Doors: Check gaps between siding and window or door frames—anything wider than a nickel needs fresh caulk. Exterior silicone caulk is ideal because it resists shrinking and harsh weather, sealing your home against drafts.

   • Move Water Away From Your House: Extend downspouts so water drains at least 3–4 feet away from your foundation. Proper drainage protects your basement and prevents winter ice damage.

   • Restock Snow and Ice Supplies: Don’t wait for the first storm. Make sure you have salt or ice melt, check shovels for damage, and start up your snow blower with fresh fuel. Staying prepared makes winter storms much easier to handle.

   • Wrap Your Windows: Use shrinkable plastic wrap to seal windows against drafts. This inexpensive step improves energy efficiency and keeps your home more comfortable during cold snaps.

   • Extra Tip—Prepare Your Home For Winter: Combine these steps into a seasonal checklist. By taking a little time now, you can prevent frozen pipes, save on heating costs, and ensure your home is safe and comfortable all winter long.

   • Have Your Furnace Serviced – Make sure it is running smoothly and efficiently in order to use it the most economically.

These are all very simple and very easy things that you can do to make sure your home is ready for winter. Bundle up!