If the first cold snap hasn’t hit your area yet, chances are it’s coming any day now. And with it comes winter worries, like drafty windows that drain energy, pipes that freeze and burst, and ice dams that damage your roof. The good news: there’s still time to cross a few tasks off your to-do list that will spare you headaches later.
We pulled together a checklist that walks you through the most effective ways to get your home ready for freezing temps, heavy snow, and icy conditions. Check these projects off your list to spend the rest of the winter months with a warmer, safer, more efficient home.
Winter Prep Checklist
1. Seal gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards.
Drafts are one of the leading causes of cold rooms and high heating bills, with even tiny gaps letting in a surprising amount of cold air. Fortunately, there’s an easy, low-lift fix for sealing drafts: Walk through your home on a cold day and feel for cold spots. Those are the areas where you should add weatherstripping, door sweeps, or caulk—all inexpensive fixes that make a huge difference in comfort.
2. Replace your furnace filter.
Your furnace works overtime in winter, so it needs to be in tip-top shape. A clean filter helps your furnace run more efficiently, lowers wear and tear, and improves indoor air quality. How often the filter needs to be replaced depends on your system, but you should check the filter regularly and replace it as soon as it gets dirty.
3. Schedule a pre-winter furnace tune-up.
Annual maintenance can prevent mid-season breakdowns. Technicians look for issues like cracked heat exchangers, loose belts, ignition problems, or dirty burners. Catching these problems early saves money, reduces safety risks, and get your furnace ready to handle whatever cold snap winter throws your way.
4. Flip your ceiling fans to push warm air down.
Warm air rises, which means heat gets trapped at ceiling height. Switching your fans to rotate clockwise on the lowest setting helps push that warm air down without creating a breeze. It’s a simple trick that can make rooms feel more comfortable, especially in rooms with high ceilings.
5. Use a smart thermostat to create energy-saving schedules.
Lowering your heat while you sleep or when you’re not home can significantly reduce energy costs. A smart thermostat handles this automatically, learning your routines and dialing the temperature up or down.
6. Clean gutters and downspouts before temperatures drop.
Clogged gutters trap water, which can freeze, expand, and push ice under shingles. This leads to leaks and water damage—problems that only get worse as snow builds up. Read this article to learn how to clear gutters so water flows away from your home and stops ice dams from forming.
7. Give your roof a quick visual inspection.
You don’t have to climb a ladder—just grab a pair of binoculars and look for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or areas that appear warped or sagging. Small issues can turn into major repairs under heavy snow. Fixing them now is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly repairs down the road.
8. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas.
Pipes in garages, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are vulnerable to freezing. Tubular foam pipe insulation is an easy DIY fix that can prevent expensive water damage from burst pipes. Wrap any pipes you can see — watch this video to learn how easy they are to install:
9. Add insulation to your attic.
Heat escapes upward, and if your attic doesn’t have enough insulation—it should have 10–12 inches—you’re losing money all winter long. Adding extra insulation keeps warm air inside and reduces the workload on your heating system. Read this article to learn how to identify more problem areas in your attic, and how to fix them.
10. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
Using furnaces, fireplaces, and generators makes the risk of carbon monoxide go up. Make sure every alarm has fresh batteries and test each one to make sure it’s working properly.
11. Stock up on ice melt.
Buy a supply of ice melt, sand, or pet-safe alternatives before the first wet, slick morning.
12. Add window insulation kits to drafty windows.
If you have older or single-pane windows, a Frost King Window Kit can make a big difference. The film creates an airtight seal that blocks cold air, reduces heat loss, and keeps rooms warmer but still gives you a crystal-clear view outside.
13. Protect outdoor furniture and grills.
Cold air and moisture can warp, rust, or crack outdoor pieces. Cover or store furniture, cushions, and grills before snow arrives.
14. Make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean and ready.
A dirty chimney is one of the leading causes of house fires. If you use your fireplace regularly, schedule a professional cleaning, and make sure that the damper opens and closes easily and that the firebox is free of debris.
15. Add mats and a boot tray to your entryway.
Salt, slush, and snow are tough on floors. Setting up a simple mat near the door contains the mess and protects wood, tile, and carpets so your home stays cleaner during messy weather.
16. Check exterior lighting for visibility and safety.
Replace any burnt-out bulbs and consider adding motion sensors to light up walkways, driveways, and entryways on cold winter nights.
17. Insulate your water heater.
If you have an older water heater, wrap it with an insulating blanket to reduce heat loss. It’s a small upgrade that can lower energy costs and improve hot-water consistency during frigid weather.
18. Inspect and replace worn garage-door weatherstripping.
A tight garage door bottom seal helps keep cold air, dust, and pests out of the garage—and it makes your rooms feel more comfortable if you have an attached garage. Watch this video to learn how to replace worn or cracked seals:
