Winter home preparation

{{whyLabel}}: Clogged gutters cause water to back up, leading to ice dams and foundation damage during freeze-thaw cycles.

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• Use a sturdy ladder and a gutter scoop to remove leaves and sediment.
• Flush the system with a garden hose to ensure downspouts are clear.
• Check that downspout extensions direct water at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Water flows freely through all gutters and exits away from the house.

{{whyLabel}}: Identifying loose or missing shingles now prevents leaks caused by heavy snow or ice.

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• Use binoculars from the ground to look for curled, cracked, or missing shingles.
• Check the flashing around chimneys and vents for gaps or rust.
• If you find damage, apply roofing cement or call a professional for a patch.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All shingles are intact and flashing is securely sealed.

{{whyLabel}}: Doors are major sources of heat loss; silicone is the most durable material for 2025/2026 standards.

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• Clean the door frame with rubbing alcohol for better adhesion.
• Measure and cut the silicone bulb strip to fit the top and sides of the frame.
• Press firmly into place to create a compression seal when the door closes.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: No visible light or felt drafts around the closed door.

{{whyLabel}}: Air leaks around window frames can increase energy bills by up to 15%.

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• Inspect the exterior perimeter of windows for cracks in the existing caulk.
• Remove old, peeling caulk with a putty knife.
• Apply a fresh bead of high-quality exterior silicone caulk designed for cold weather.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All exterior window joints are airtight and waterproof.

{{whyLabel}}: This creates an extra insulating air pocket, which is highly effective for older single-pane windows.

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• Apply double-sided tape to the window frame.
• Press the plastic film onto the tape, ensuring it is taut.
• Use a hair dryer to shrink the film until it is crystal clear and wrinkle-free.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Film is tight and transparent across the window frame.

{{whyLabel}}: A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder and increasing the risk of a mid-winter breakdown.

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• Locate the filter slot next to the furnace intake.
• Check the size (e.g., 16x25x1) and buy a pleated filter with a MERV 8-11 rating.
• Slide the new filter in, ensuring the arrow points toward the furnace.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: New filter is installed and dated for a 3-month reminder.

{{whyLabel}}: Trapped air prevents hot water from filling the radiator, leading to cold spots and inefficient heating.

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• Turn the heating on until radiators are warm, then turn it off.
• Insert a radiator key into the valve at the top of the radiator.
• Turn slowly until you hear a hiss; close it once water starts to drip out.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Radiators heat up evenly from top to bottom.

{{whyLabel}}: Clockwise rotation at low speed creates an updraft that pushes warm air trapped at the ceiling back down.

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• Turn off the fan and wait for it to stop.
• Locate the small toggle switch on the motor housing.
• Flip the switch and verify the blades spin clockwise.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Fan is spinning clockwise on its lowest setting.

{{whyLabel}}: Creosote buildup is the leading cause of chimney fires; a clean flue is essential for safety.

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• Open the damper and use a high-powered flashlight to look for soot or tar-like buildup.
• If the buildup is more than 1/8 inch thick, hire a certified chimney sweep.
• Ensure the chimney cap is clear of bird nests or debris.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Flue is clear of obstructions and creosote.

{{whyLabel}}: Water trapped in exterior pipes can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst deep inside the walls.

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• Disconnect all garden hoses and drain them.
• Locate the indoor shut-off valve for the outdoor spigot and close it.
• Open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water; leave it open.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Outdoor faucets are open and the indoor supply is shut off.

{{whyLabel}}: Pipes in attics, basements, or crawl spaces are most vulnerable to freezing during cold snaps.

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• Purchase foam pipe sleeves (polyethylene) matching your pipe diameter.
• Slide the sleeves over the pipes and seal the slit with duct tape or the built-in adhesive.
• Ensure all elbows and joints are fully covered.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All visible pipes in cold zones are encased in foam.

{{whyLabel}}: Winter sees an increase in house fires and CO poisoning due to heating systems and closed windows.

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• Press and hold the 'test' button on every unit in the house.
• Replace batteries immediately if the alarm is weak or chirping.
• Check the manufacture date; replace any unit older than 10 years (7 for CO).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All detectors are loud, functional, and have fresh batteries.

{{whyLabel}}: Severe winter storms can cause power outages and block roads, making self-sufficiency vital.

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• Pack 3 days of non-perishable food and 3 gallons of water per person.
• Include flashlights with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and a portable power bank.
• Add warm blankets, a manual can opener, and a battery-powered radio.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Kit is packed and stored in an easily accessible location.

{{whyLabel}}: Freezing temperatures and moisture can crack plastic, rust metal, and cause mold on cushions.

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• Wipe down furniture with mild soap and water; let it dry completely.
• Store cushions in a dry indoor space or airtight bins.
• Move furniture to a shed/garage or use heavy-duty waterproof covers.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Furniture is clean and protected from the elements.

{{whyLabel}}: You don't want to find out your snow blower won't start during the first major blizzard.

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• Change the oil and replace the spark plug if it hasn't been done recently.
• Fill the tank with fresh fuel and a fuel stabilizer.
• Check the auger and belts for wear; lubricate moving parts.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Snow blower starts easily and is ready for use.

{{whyLabel}}: Mulch acts as an insulator, protecting plant roots from the 'heaving' caused by soil freezing and thawing.

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• Wait until the first light frost has occurred.
• Spread a 2-3 inch layer of wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves around the base of plants.
• Keep mulch a few inches away from the actual stems to prevent rot.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Garden beds are covered with a protective layer of mulch.