Home winterizing made easy: Call pro handyman Mike Rose
Winterizing a home is an essential task to prepare for the cold months and can help prevent damage, improve energy efficiency, and ensure comfort throughout your house. Here’s a list of 31 things that pro handyman Mike Rose can do to get your home ready for winter:
Sealing and Insulating
- Weatherstripping: Install or replace weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
- Caulking: Seal gaps and cracks in exterior walls, windows, and doors to keep cold air out.
- Insulating Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with insulation to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Attic Insulation: Add or improve insulation in your attic to prevent heat loss.
- Basement and Crawl Space Insulation: Insulate basement walls and crawl spaces to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
- Draft Stoppers: Install door sweeps and draft stoppers at the bottom of doors to block cold air.
Heating System Maintenance
- Furnace Inspection: Check your furnace to ensure it’s operating efficiently.
- Replacing Furnace Filters: Replace or clean furnace filters to improve airflow and heating efficiency.
- Thermostat Installation: Install or replace programmable or smart thermostats to optimize heating schedules.
- Ductwork Inspection: Inspect and seal ductwork to prevent heat loss.
Windows and Doors
- Storm Windows: Install storm windows to add an extra layer of protection against the cold.
- Plastic Window Insulation: Apply plastic film insulation to your windows to reduce heat loss.
- Door Adjustments: Ensure doors close tightly and replace hinges or latches if necessary to improve sealing.
Plumbing
- Outdoor Faucet Covers: Install covers on outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
- Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Plumbing: Turn off water to outdoor spigots and drain hoses and sprinkler systems.
- Install Frost-Proof Faucets: Replace standard outdoor faucets with frost-proof versions.
Roof and Gutters
- Gutter Cleaning: Clean gutters to prevent ice dams and ensure proper water drainage.
- Roof Inspection: Inspect the roof for loose or damaged shingles and make necessary repairs to prevent leaks.
- Chimney Inspection: Inspect the chimney for blockages or damage and clean if necessary.
- Installing Gutter Guards: Install gutter guards to prevent debris buildup and ice dams.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
- Installing Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps on the bottom of exterior doors to keep drafts out.
- Window Insulation Kits: Apply insulation kits to windows to add an extra layer of thermal protection.
- Outlet and Switch Plate Insulation: Add insulation behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls to reduce drafts.
Exterior Preparations
- Deck and Patio Maintenance: Seal decks and patios to protect them from snow and ice.
- Check and Repair Siding: Inspect and repair any damaged siding to prevent moisture infiltration.
- Winterize Outdoor Lighting: Replace or install outdoor lighting to ensure safe walkways during winter.
Indoor Preparations
- Reverse Ceiling Fans: Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to push warm air down from the ceiling.
- Seal Air Leaks: Identify and seal any air leaks in the home, especially around windows, doors, and electrical outlets.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work properly.
General Maintenance
- Stocking Winter Supplies: Ensure that essential winter supplies like salt, shovels, and snow blowers are accessible and in good condition.
- Check and Replace Batteries: Replace batteries in thermostats, security systems, and other critical devices.
These winterizing tasks can help protect a home from the harsh conditions of winter, keep heating bills in check, and ensure the safety and comfort of the occupants.
Mike offers home winterizing and more handyman services all over Wayne and Stark County, and in southern Medina County and southwest Summit County too. Check out what his customers have to say about his work:
