Preparing Home for Winter

18 items · Home · Medium difficulty · 1 day

Get your home winter-ready with this practical, step-by-step checklist.

• Inspect roof and attic for damage

  Look for missing shingles, leaks, sagging, and gaps in attic insulation.

• Clear gutters and downspouts

  Remove leaves and debris; run water to confirm clear flow away from foundations.

• Service boiler and heating system

  Book a certified technician; check pressure, seals, and replace filters if needed.

• Test thermostat and program heating schedule

  Verify thermostat accuracy and set frost-protect and efficient temperatures.

• Bleed radiators and check for cold spots

  Release trapped air from radiators starting at the lowest unit until water flows.

• Insulate exposed pipes and water tanks

  Use foam sleeves on exposed pipes and add a jacket to hot water tanks.

• Wrap pipe joints and valves with foam

  Cover vulnerable joints and valve areas with insulating tape or sleeves.

• Add insulation jacket to hot water tank

  Fit a tank jacket to reduce heat loss and protect against freezing.

• Protect outdoor faucets and irrigation

  Shut off outdoor supply, drain lines, and fit insulated faucet covers.

• Seal draughts around doors and windows

  Apply weatherstripping, door sweeps, or exterior/interior caulk to gaps.

• Service smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

  Replace batteries and test each unit; replace expired detectors.

• Prepare emergency winter kit

  Assemble supplies for outages, travel disruption, or short-term isolation.

• Pack nonperishable food and water (3 days)

  Include canned or ready-to-eat meals and 3L water per person/day.

• Include flashlight, batteries, power bank, and charger

  Keep multiple light sources and a charged power bank accessible.

• Store warm blankets, warm clothing, and a manual shovel

  Place items where everyone can reach them quickly during an outage.

• Inspect attic insulation levels and add insulation as needed

  Aim for recommended R-value in your region and seal gaps first.

• Trim tree branches near the house and secure outdoor structures

  Remove limbs and secure sheds or loose items that snow or ice could damage.

• Test backup power or generator and check fuel

  Run generator under load, check oil/fuel, and store fuel safely if used.

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