Things You'll Need:
- HVAC tape
- Shop-vac
- Caulking gun
- Caulk
- Plastic wrap
- Canned food
- Can opener
- Candles
- Flashlight
- First-aid gear
- Insulation
- Storm windows
- Shutters
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Step 1
Have a professional check the furnace. Make sure that the burners are in good operating condition and install new filters. Have the vents cleaned out professionally, or vacuum them yourself with a large shop-vac.
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Step 2
Inspect your ducts. Check the joints between ducts for obvious gaps. If you find any, push the ducts back together and use professional HVAC tape such as the type linked to below to seal the connection.
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Step 3
Install storm windows. Thick, double-paned glass will provide a much better heat seal than single-paned windows. You can also put a layer of plastic wrap on top of your windows to increase insulation.
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Step 4
Patch up your window casements. Fill any gaps with caulk. Feel around for drafts to make sure you haven't missed any gaps.
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Step 5
Consider installing shutters. A sturdy pair of shutters will protect your windows from violent winter storms. They are especially important if you won't be in the house over winter, since you won't be able to make repairs if your windows do break.
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Step 6
Make sure your attic has sufficient insulation. There should be at least a foot of insulation. If there isn't roll out some more directly on top of the old insulation.
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Step 7
Stockpile food and supplies. If you are going to be staying over winter, you need to have enough canned food to survive if you get snowed in. You should also have plenty of blankets, candles, first-aid gear and other survival essentials. Check out the survival checklist for more ideas.
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Step 8
Turn off water, electricity and gas. If you are going to be leaving your house in the winter, make sure to shut off water and gas at the main valve and electricity at the circuit breaker. Open all your water faucets to drain water out of the system.
