How to Insulate a Home for Winter

Insulating your home for winter or winterizing, as it is also called, is important for people who live in climates where the temperature drops to the 30s. It will help you keep warmer, help your home stay in good condition and save energy and money, according to the Farm Bureau Safety and Health Network.

Things You'll Need

• Sealant Weatherstripping material Caulk Storm windows Water hose Rake Insulated curtains, plastic covering kit or thermal liners Furnace filter Vacuum cleaner Plastic shields Screen Sweep Insulation for plumbing pipes Sponge Non-toxic propylene glycol anti-freeze Batteries Candles Matches or lighter Bottled water Non-perishable food Blankets First aid kit Power surge Firewood (optional) *

Instructions

Winterizing Outside of Your House

1. Inspect the exterior for cracks and any areas around pipes that might be exposed, and seal them. Weatherstrip the area around doors and caulk windows to keep cold air from entering the house. If there is any cracked glass in the windows, replace them. Also, if you have any storm windows handy, now is the time to use them.

2. Check roofs, gutters and downspouts to assess their condition. Replace roof tiles and shingles that are worn. Clean out gutters, using a water hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear debris.

3. Use a rake to clear debris, leaves and vegetation from the foundation of your home. Seal any areas where small animals could crawl under the house. Seal cracks in the foundation. Inspect sill plates to check for dry rot and signs of pests.

4. Drain gas from lawnmowers. Now is also the time to make sure your snowblower is in top condition. Service it if necessary, or tune it up. Check snow shovels and rakes to assess their condition and replace them if they are worn. Trim tree branches that are too close to the house or electrical wires, prune trees, bring to a covered area those plants that might not withstand winter conditions, and put away summer gardening tools.

Winterizing iInside of Your House

1. Cover windows with insulated curtains or plastic covering kits designed to help conserve energy. You can also use a thermal liner with the curtains you already have. Open windows during the day to let the sun's heat warm your home, and close them at night. If you have windows in the basement, cover the wells with plastic shields.

2. Change the filter on your furnace and clean the ducts. This will make it work more efficiently and generate more warmth. Vacuum the heat registers to maximize heat flow. Make sure that nothing blocks the vents so the warm air can circulate freely, and to avoid the risk of fire.

3. Put a screen on the top part of your fireplace to avoid rodents and birds from entering. Sweep the chimney to get rid of any soot. Buy new firewood and store it in a dry place. Inspect the damper to make sure it opens and closes properly. If necessary, call a professional for maintenance or service.

4. Find the main water pipe in case you need to shut it off in the event of an emergency. Insulate all exposed plumbing pipes. Drain air conditioner pipes; if your unit has a shut-off valve, turn it off. Flush the toilet with the water turned off and sponge out any remaining water in the tank. Now add diluted propylene glycol anti-freeze. Pour more of this non-toxic anti-freeze down all of the drains in your home to protect them. If necessary, call a plumber for assistance.

5. Insulate the water heater to improve its efficiency in the winter. This involves an insulation blanket and cutting pieces to fit on the top and sides of the water heater, then taping them down. (See Resources below.) Know that some manufacturers prohibit the use of insulation blankets around a water heater, so check on this. Or, contact a licensed contractor.

6. Make sure the carbon monoxide detectors are working well, and buy extra batteries. It's important to have one of these detectors near your furnace and water heater. Buy candles, matches or a lighter for use during any power outages. Stock up on emergency items such as bottled water, non-perishable food for you and your pets, blankets and a first aid kit. Tape the phone numbers of your utility companies in a place near your phone. Use a surge protector with your equipment to protect them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are going on vacation, leave the thermostat at 55 degrees to avoid damage to your pipes.

• Don't use car anti-freeze on your home's plumbing.

Resources

• Publication on the importance of winterizing.
• Tips on how to winterize your home.
• Publication on how to insulate an electric water heater.