How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(4 Ratings)

Some of these steps require professional help - call early, as calendars get full in the weeks leading up to winter.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Batteries
Batteries
Batteries
Sand
Storm Windows
Weather Stripping
Rock Salt
Snow Shovels
Caulks
Insulation
Insulation

Step 1

Add a second layer of insulation to your attic. R-30 insulation is considered the minimum. If your house is relatively new, it probably conforms. If not, consider adding insulation.
Step 2

Caulk around window and door glass and trim, and all exterior trim. Install or replace weather stripping on all doors and windows. Check for cracks around pipes and electrical outlets entering or exiting the walls.
Step 3

Install storm windows and doors if you have them. Consider purchasing storm windows if you have older windows that are not made from modern insulated glass.
Step 4

Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating/air-conditioning professional. Most furnace manufacturers recommend at least annual inspections.
Step 5

Check gutters and clean them if necessary. Clogged gutters can result in basement flooding when the snow melts (see 'eHow to Clean Gutters').
Step 6

Replace any roof shingles that are missing or damaged (see 'eHow to Replace Asphalt Shingles').
Step 7

Have your chimneys inspected by a chimney service and, if necessary, cleaned (see 'eHow to Clean Out a Fireplace and Chimney').
Step 8

Check the foundation for areas where water may puddle.
Step 9

Trim trees away from the house. Have dead trees and branches removed by professional tree trimmers, or do it yourself.
Step 10

Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets.
Step 11

Insulate any water pipes that are exposed to freezing cold.
Step 12

Replace the batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and check to make sure these are all in working order.
Step 13

Check fire extinguishers and charge and replace as necessary.
Step 14

Make sure you are stocked with rock salt, sand, snow shovels and any other items you will need during the winter.

Comments

BluthGuy said

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on 1/28/2008 Great article! I'm sure this can be helpful too - http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Winterize-Your-Home-12451

on 1/28/2008 Thanks for a great article. You should really try this as well: http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Winterize-Your-Home-12451

Anonymous said

on 1/4/2006 Make sure windows are completely sealed when you close them, or your room will be really really cold when you wake up in the morning.

on 1/2/2006 Close to the hot air vent, place a plastic or stainless steel container with an open mouth (preferably a moderately large opening) filled with water. This will moisturize the air in the room and prevent sore throats, dry noses, etc.