How to Winterize Your Home: 6 Tips to Keep Your Home Cozy

Here’s what you need to know if you’re wondering how to winterize your house for the coming season.

1. Clean Your Gutters — But Be Careful!

“It’s my favorite job!” said nobody, ever. But cleaning leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris out of your gutters before the first snowfall will help prevent ice dams that could clog your gutters and damage your roof. While the days are still nice, pick a sunny afternoon and get to work. Or hire someone to handle the task if you're not comfortable on a ladder.

• Safety First: Always use a stable, extendable ladder. Ensure it's firmly planted on the ground and, if possible, have someone there to spot you.
• Wear Gloves: Gutter cleaning can get messy, and you never know what you'll find. Wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands.
• Use the Right Tools: A gutter scoop can help remove debris more efficiently than your hands alone, and a garden hose will help flush out the gutters after you've removed the bulk of the debris.
• Check Downspouts: Ensure they're not clogged. Downspouts direct water away from your foundation, so it's crucial they're clear.
• Inspect for Damage: While you're up there, take a moment to inspect your gutters for any signs of wear or damage. Look for holes, rust, and any sections that are pulling away from the house.
• Consider Gutter Guards: If you're tired of cleaning your gutters every year, gutter guards can be a worthwhile investment. They help prevent leaves and twigs from entering the gutters in the first place.

2. Inspect Your Furnace

Make an appointment for a service technician to give your furnace a careful look-over to make sure it’s in good working order. An inefficiently running furnace can hike up your energy bills — or, worse, fail when you need it the most. Smart homeowners will maintain their furnace, getting it checked sooner rather than later.

• Schedule Early: Beat the rush by scheduling your furnace inspection before the cold weather hits. This ensures you're not left in the cold waiting for an available technician.
• Change Your Filters: Regularly changing your furnace filters can significantly improve its efficiency and longevity. Check your filters, and replace them if they're dirty.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect around your furnace for any signs of gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, evacuate immediately and call a professional.
• Listen for Strange Noises: During operation, pay attention to any unusual sounds coming from your furnace. Banging, whining, or grinding noises can indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.
• Inspect Your Thermostat: Sometimes the issue isn't with the furnace but with the thermostat. Ensure it's working correctly and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat if you haven't already.
• Look at the Chimney and Venting Systems: Blocked or leaking chimney and venting systems can be dangerous. Make sure they're inspected to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
• Consider an Upgrade: If your furnace is old and repairs are becoming more frequent, it might be more cost-effective to upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient model.

3. Insulate Your Pipes

It’s much easier than it sounds. Pick up foam insulation tubes designed for the task (you'll need to know the diameter of your pipes), cut the tubes to length, and pop them into place. Insulate pipes that are near outside walls to help prevent them from freezing on frigid nights. It’s one of the cheapest ways you can winterize your home.

• Measure Your Pipes: Before you head to the store, measure the diameter of your pipes to ensure you buy the correct size of insulation tubes.
• Focus on Vulnerable Areas: Prioritize insulating pipes that are in unheated areas of your home, such as the attic, garage, or basement, in addition to those near outside walls.
• Seal the Seams: After installing the foam tubes, make sure to seal the seams with duct tape or foam insulation tape. This prevents air leaks and maximizes the effectiveness of the insulation.
• Inspect for Leaks First: Before insulating, inspect your pipes for any signs of leaks or damage. It’s best to repair these issues before insulating to prevent future problems.
• Don't Forget Outdoor Spigots: Protect outdoor faucets and spigots by insulating them as well, using covers designed for this purpose. This helps prevent freezing and cracking.
• Consider Pipe Heating Cables: For extremely cold areas, you might want to use heating cables along with insulation. These cables can be wrapped around the pipes to keep them warm during the coldest nights.
• Annual Check-up: Make inspecting and touching up your pipe insulation a part of your annual home maintenance routine. This ensures they remain in good condition, providing effective insulation year after year.

4. Seal Your Doors and Windows

If you can see daylight around the edges of any of your doors and windows, it’s time to get out your trusty caulking gun. Make sure the heat you’re paying for isn’t escaping through those gaps. If you’ve got storm windows, now’s the time to put them into place.

• Inspect All Entry Points: Go around your home and closely inspect all doors and windows. Pay special attention to corners and where different materials meet, as these are common areas for gaps to form.
• Choose the Right Caulk: For most outdoor applications, silicone-based caulk works best because it's waterproof and flexible. Make sure to choose a product that's paintable if you plan to paint over it.
• Apply Weatherstripping: Besides caulking, you can use weatherstripping around doors and operable windows. This adds an extra layer of insulation and seals even when the window or door is in use.
• Use Door Draft Stoppers: For a quick fix at the bottom of doors, especially old or uneven ones, use draft stoppers to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.
• Consider Storm Windows and Doors: If you live in a particularly cold area, installing storm windows and doors can provide an additional layer of insulation and significantly reduce heat loss.
• Don't Overlook the Basement: Basement windows are often neglected but can be a significant source of heat loss. Make sure they are also sealed and consider using insulating window covers.
• Regular Maintenance: Check the seals on your doors and windows at least once a year. Caulk and weatherstripping wear out over time, so they may need to be replaced periodically to maintain their effectiveness.
• Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about how to properly seal your doors and windows, or if you think there might be a bigger issue at play, don't hesitate to consult a professional for advice or help.

5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Everyone knows heat rises, but here’s a little-known winter energy tip: If you switch your ceiling fan to run clockwise (many newer fans have a switch) it will push the toasty air back down into the room. You may even be able to shave a few degrees off your thermostat setting (and a few dollars off your monthly bill) because of it.

• Find the Switch: Locate the small switch on the body of your ceiling fan that changes the direction of the blades. It’s usually on the side of the fan motor.
• Clean Your Fan First: Before you switch directions, take the opportunity to clean off any dust accumulated on the blades. This ensures it runs smoothly and doesn’t spread dust around your room.
• Adjust the Speed: When running your fan in reverse (clockwise), set it to a low speed. This prevents cold drafts from forming and ensures warm air is gently pushed downwards.
• Test the Difference: After reversing the direction, feel for a difference in room temperature and comfort level. You might notice the change immediately, or it may take a little while.
• Educate the Household: Let everyone in your home know about this change and its benefits. This ensures that the fan direction isn’t mistakenly switched back.
• Combine with Other Heating Strategies: Use this tip in conjunction with other heating efficiency strategies, like sealing drafts and adding insulation, for maximum benefit.
• Monitor Your Energy Bill: Keep an eye on your energy bill to see the actual savings from this simple adjustment. It might motivate you to look for more energy-saving opportunities around your home.
• Remember to Switch Back: As the seasons change, don’t forget to switch your fan back to counterclockwise for the summer months to help cool your rooms more effectively.

6. Get Your Chimney Swept

There’s nothing better than sitting in front of a cozy fire on a cold winter night. But with wood-burning fireplaces, creosote can build up in the chimney over time and even catch on fire, with potentially deadly consequences. Prevent this by having your chimney cleaned every year.

• Hire a Professional: Look for a certified chimney sweep with good reviews or a strong recommendation from someone you trust. This is not a DIY job due to the potential risks involved.
• Annual Inspections: Even if you don’t use your fireplace often, an annual inspection can catch issues like blockages, nests, or structural problems before they become dangerous.
• Understand the Process: A chimney sweep will not only clean the chimney but also inspect it for damage. Ask questions and understand what they’re checking for and what they find.
• Prep Your Space: Before the chimney sweep arrives, clear the area around your fireplace. This includes removing any fragile items and providing a clear path to the work area.
• Consider Timing: Late summer or early fall is an ideal time to get your chimney cleaned, ensuring it’s safe and ready for the winter. However, scheduling can be flexible based on your usage and local climate.
• Learn About Creosote: Understanding how creosote builds up and the potential risks it poses can help you appreciate the importance of regular chimney maintenance.
• Invest in a Chimney Cap: If you don’t already have one, a chimney cap can prevent animals, debris, and rain from getting into your chimney, reducing the risk of blockages and water damage.
• Fireplace Best Practices: Using seasoned wood, ensuring proper ventilation, and avoiding overloading your fireplace can help minimize creosote buildup and reduce the frequency of sweeps.

As winter approaches, taking the necessary steps to prepare your home can make a significant difference in comfort and energy savings. Ensuring your furnace is in top condition should be a priority, as it's central to your home's warmth and safety during the colder months. Don't wait until it's too late; schedule a furnace maintenance service with Sears today. Our experienced technicians will provide a thorough inspection and cleaning, ensuring your heating system operates efficiently and safely throughout the winter. Make your appointment now and enjoy peace of mind knowing your furnace is ready to take on Old Man Winter.