Winterizing Your Home
It’s That Time of Year Again, Trailside!
The time of year many of us dread. As the leaves start to change, the air starts to nip at your nose, and your pumpkin spice latte is barely warm by the time you get to your car—it's time to face the inevitable. Winter is coming. And in Michigan, that doesn’t just mean breaking out your heavy-duty coat and snow boots, it also means preparing your home for the long, cold months ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned Michigander or new to the great mitten state, here’s your go-to guide for winterizing your home and surviving the snowy siege with ease (or at least fewer shivers!).
1. Seal Those Drafts
Do you love that cozy draft under the door on a cold winter’s night? No? Neither do we. Sealing drafts is the first line of defense against winter's icy grip. Those sneaky little cracks around doors, windows, and even electrical outlets can let cold air in and warm air out, leaving you with sky-high energy bills and a house that never feels quite warm enough.
Here’s how to fix it:
Weatherstripping is your best friend. Add or replace old, worn-out weatherstripping around windows and doors.
For more stubborn gaps, caulking is the way to go. Caulk around window frames and any other spots where cold air can sneak in.
Use draft stoppers under doors—especially those leading outside.
2. Insulate Like a Pro
It’s time to channel your inner insulation expert! A well-insulated home is key to keeping the heat inside and the cold outside. Start by checking the insulation in your attic and crawl spaces. Heat rises, and if your attic isn’t properly insulated, your house could be losing a lot of heat through the roof.
Here’s a quick checklist:
Ensure you have at least 12 inches of insulation in your attic. If not, add more!
Check your basement or crawl space insulation. These areas are often overlooked, but they can significantly impact your home's overall warmth.
Consider insulating your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like the basement or garage, to prevent them from freezing.
3. Get Your Furnace in Shape
Your furnace is about to become the hardest-working member of your household, so make sure it’s ready for the challenge. A little TLC now can save you from a breakdown in the middle of a snowstorm.
Here’s what you can do:
Replace your furnace filters—and keep doing it every month throughout the winter. Clean filters help your furnace run efficiently.
Consider scheduling a professional tune-up to ensure everything is working as it should.
If you have an older system, it might be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. Sure, it’s an investment, but lower energy bills will make it worth it.
4. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Yes, you read that right. Your ceiling fan can actually help keep your home warmer in the winter! By reversing the direction of your fan blades to spin clockwise, you’ll push warm air back down into the room instead of letting it rise to the ceiling where it’s no good to anyone.
5. Check Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to some serious winter woes. When water can’t properly drain away from your house, it can freeze and cause ice dams. These can damage your roof, walls, and insulation—not to mention your mood when you have to deal with the repairs in the dead of winter.
What to do:
Clean your gutters of leaves, twigs, and other debris.
Make sure your downspouts are directing water away from your home. You don’t want that water freezing around your foundation.
Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from building up in the first place.
6. Winterize Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and costly) problems homeowners face during the winter. But with a little preparation, you can prevent this headache.
Here’s how:
Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas.
Turn off and drain your outdoor faucets and hoses. If your outdoor faucets have shutoff valves, make sure to close them.
Leave your indoor faucets on a slow drip during extreme cold spells to prevent water from freezing inside your pipes.
7. Stock Up on Essentials
Winter storms can be unpredictable in Michigan, and the last thing you want is to be snowed in without the essentials. Now’s the time to stock up on supplies to avoid last-minute trips to the store when a blizzard hits.
Here’s your checklist:
Ice melt or sand for your driveway and walkways.
A sturdy snow shovel or snow blower (with extra fuel).
Batteries, flashlights, and a weather radio in case of power outages.
A blanket and emergency kit for your car, because we all know how treacherous those winter roads can be.
8. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
When your home is sealed up tight and you’re running your furnace around the clock, it’s extra important to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, and winter is the season when it’s most likely to become a threat.
9. Prepare Your Windows for Battle
While windows let in that much-needed winter sunlight, they’re also a common culprit for heat loss. If replacing your windows isn’t in the budget, there are still ways to improve their efficiency.
What to do:
Install thermal curtains to help keep the heat in and the cold out.
Use plastic window insulation kits. They’re affordable and easy to install, and they make a big difference in blocking drafts.
Conclusion: Winterizing your home might feel like a chore now, but once the snow starts piling up and temperatures plummet, you’ll be glad you took the time to prep your fortress against the cold. Plus, you’ll enjoy lower energy bills and a toasty home while the winter winds howl outside. So grab a cup of cocoa, check these tasks off your list, and get ready to embrace winter like a true Michigander—prepared and unbothered by the cold!