The Many Ways to Weatherize

October 1, 2024

In addition to increasing comfort, weatherizing your home is an excellent way to save energy and lower your cooling and heating costs. Here are ways you can seal in comfort and savings.

  • Caulk—Apply caulk around cracks and openings between stationary components, like door frames and window frames.
  • Weatherstripping— Apply weatherstripping around components that move, such as doors and operable windows.
  • Insulate—Adding insulation is an effective winterization strategy, especially for older homes. Consider additional insulation in areas like an unfinished attic, exterior walls, and floors above uninsulated places.

The Many Ways to Weatherize

  • Clean Gutters—Your gutters protect your home’s exterior. Clogged gutters can cause rainwater and snow to seep in and cause damage.
  • Inspect roof and attic—Check your roof and attic for any leaks or necessary repairs, and ensure your home has plenty of insulation.
  • Check the chimney—If your home has a fireplace, make sure the chimney is clear of any debris or sooty buildup. A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard, so hire a chimney sweep to ensure you can safely build fires all season.
  • Protect pipes—Frozen pipes can burst during the winter and cause major problems for homeowners. Drain the water from outdoor sprinkler systems and garden hoses. Disconnect garden hoses from faucets and store them in a garage or shed. Cover the faucets. Know the location of your main water shutoff so that you can access it quickly in an emergency.
  • Service HVAC System—Replace your furnace filter and schedule a service appointment to be sure your heating system is safe and ready to go before you need it.
  • Prepare patios and decks—Cover patio furniture with weatherproof covers or, if possible, store it away in a garage or shed. If your deck is wooden, a fresh coat of sealant will protect it from the elements.
  • Secure supplies—Be sure your snow removal tools, including shovels and deicing agents like salt and sand, are out of storage and easily accessible when the snow starts to fall.

Winterizing

Winterizing your home can be a DIY project, but if you discover any issues that could pose a hazard to yourself or your property, you should call in a professional right away. Don’t be left out in the cold this winter.