When you live in a home that creaks in the wind and collects snow on the sills, you start to notice the seasons before the calendar does. A chill under the door. A furnace that groans a little louder. If you haven’t already started getting your home ready for winter, now’s the time.
Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Most of the steps you need to take are simple, preventative measures—meant to keep your space warm, safe, and efficient. Whether you live in a drafty farmhouse or a suburban split-level, these real-life tips will help you get ready for whatever winter sends your way.
Start with the Heart: Your Furnace
Your furnace is the heart of your home in cold weather. If it’s not working well, everything else becomes harder. Getting your home ready for winter starts with making sure the heat flows when you need it.
Schedule a professional furnace checkup if you haven’t in the last year. A technician will inspect key components like the blower motor, ignitor, and flue pipe to ensure safe operation. While you’re at it, change your air filter—this small $10 step can improve airflow and reduce strain on your system. If you use radiators, bleed out any trapped air now to make sure heat is distributed evenly.
Seal the Leaks You Can’t See
Air leaks are sneaky. You don’t always notice them until your feet are cold or your heating bill climbs. Walk through your home with a lit incense stick or a candle on a breezy day, and you’ll spot the drafts near windows, doors, baseboards, and attic hatches.
Sealing those leaks can reduce heating costs by up to 20%. Use caulk for small cracks around the exterior and weatherstripping for door frames and windows. Larger gaps near pipes, wiring, or recessed lighting benefit from expanding spray foam or rubber sealant on larger gaps. You’ll feel the difference—especially when the north wind picks up.
Add Insulation Where It Counts
Getting your home ready for winter also means keeping the warmth where it belongs: inside. Many homes, especially older ones, are under-insulated. If you can access your attic, check the insulation depth—if it’s less than 10 inches, adding batt or blown-in insulation can make a big difference. Pipes in unheated basements or crawl spaces should be wrapped with foam insulation to prevent freezing.
Exterior walls are trickier, but not impossible. If you plan renovations, consider blown-in cellulose behind the siding. And don’t forget the rim joists in the basement—they’re often missed and can let in a surprising amount of cold air.
Don’t Forget the Outside
Water is one of winter’s biggest threats and a huge consideration when getting your home ready for winter. A frozen pipe or cracked hose bib can cause thousands in damage. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets, disconnect garden hoses, and make sure your irrigation system is winterized.
Walk around your yard and take a look at your trees. Overhanging branches can break under snow and ice, damaging your roof, gutters, or anything below. Prune now—especially any dead wood. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire someone who is insured.
Gutters deserve a check too. Clogged downspouts can cause ice dams that back water into your roof and attic. Clean out leaves and debris, and check that water drains at least three feet from your foundation.
You can find more prep tips like these in our post on 10 Easy Sustainable Home Swaps—some are winter-friendly and help lower energy use year-round.
Make Smart Indoor Adjustments
There are a few simple shifts indoors that make a surprising difference. Reverse your ceiling fans so they run clockwise in winter—this pulls cool air up and pushes warm air down. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, now’s the time for a chimney inspection. Creosote buildup can lead to chimney fires, so schedule a sweep if it’s been more than a year.
Window insulation kits are an easy win for getting your home ready for winter. They’re not glamorous, but the clear plastic film creates an extra barrier against drafts without blocking your view. Install them with double-sided tape and a hair dryer, then peel off come spring.
Prep for Snow (Before It Falls)
If you’ve ever had to dig out your snow blower in the middle of a storm, you know why this one matters. Gas it up, check the spark plug, and give it a quick test run. Make sure you have ice melt, traction sand, and a working shovel—or a roof rake if you get heavy snow on your home.
It’s easier to fix or replace snow gear now than when it’s buried under six inches of powder.
Do a Winter Safety Check
When you’re buttoning up your house to keep the cold out, you’re also sealing in the air. That makes smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms more important than ever. Press the test button, replace any weak batteries, and check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher.
Dust off your detectors with a soft brush or vacuum. If yours are more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a sealed-battery model. It’s a quick weekend task that could save your life.
Dryer Vents and Filters Matter, Too
One last place to check before for getting your home ready for winter before you settle in for the season: your dryer vent. Lint buildup is a common fire hazard and especially risky in winter when homes are closed tight. Unhook the vent, scrub it with a dryer vent brush, and vacuum out the exterior flap.
While you’re at it, check your HVAC filter again. MERV 11 or higher is ideal for good indoor air quality during months when windows stay shut.
Final Thoughts on Getting Your Home Ready for Winter
Winter doesn’t wait—and neither should you. Getting your home ready for winter is about more than just staying warm. It’s about protecting your space, reducing waste, and setting yourself up for a season of peace and comfort.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy winter after the work is done, check out Battling Cabin Fever This Winter for cozy tips to make the most of the season.
And if saving money on heating bills is your goal, you might also like Cut Your Grocery Bill—because being warm and well-fed go hand in hand.
