Winterizing your home
Get your home ready for winter
Plumbing System
Water damage caused by bursting pipes during cold weather can be devastating. A ruptured pipe will release water and not stop until someone shuts off the water. If no one is home to do this, an enormous quantity of water can flood a house and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Even during very small ruptures or ruptures that are stopped quickly, water leakage can result in mold and property damage. Broken water pipes can be costly to repair, therefore winterization of the plumbing system becomes critical.
- All exposed water pipes in cold areas, such as attics, garages, and crawlspaces, should be insulated. Foam or fiberglass insulation can be purchased at most hardware stores. Insulation should cover the entirety of a pipe.
- Ask a plumber about protecting vulnerable pipes; pipe material alone does not eliminate freezing risk.
- The water supply for exterior pipes should be shut off from inside the house and then drained.
- Have an irrigation professional winterize the sprinkler system using the procedure appropriate for its equipment.
- Homeowners should be aware that much of the plumbing system travels through areas that are significantly colder than the rest of the house. Because it is impossible to monitor the temperature of every portion of the plumbing system, indoor air temperature should be kept high enough throughout the winter to keep pipes in any unheated places from freezing.
Leaks in the Building Envelope
- Windows that leak will allow cold air into the home. Feeling for drafts with a hand or watching for horizontal smoke from an incense stick are a few easy ways to inspect for leaks. They can be repaired with tape or caulk.
- On a breezy day, a homeowner can walk through the house and find far more leaks than they knew existed. Leaks are most likely in areas where a seam exists between two or more building materials.
Insulation
- Have insulation needs assessed for the home’s construction, climate and existing materials. A single thickness recommendation does not suit every insulation product or attic.
- Storm doors and windows should be installed to insulate the house and protect against bad weather.
Winterization and Heating Systems
- Test the furnace by raising the temperature on the thermostat. If it does not respond to the adjustment quickly it might be broken.
- Replace the air filter if it’s dirty.
- If the furnace is equipped with an oil or propane tank, the tank should be full.
Cooling Systems
- Follow the equipment manufacturer’s outdoor-unit maintenance instructions. Heat pumps operate during winter and need unobstructed airflow; do not wrap an operating unit. Ask your HVAC professional before covering any outdoor equipment.
- Remove and store window air conditioners when they are no longer needed. Cold air can damage their components and enter the house through openings between the air conditioner and the windowpane.
- Ceiling fans can be reversed in order to warm air trapped beneath the ceiling to recirculate. A fan has been reversed if it spins clockwise.
Chimneys and Fireplaces
Arrange an annual chimney inspection and cleaning as needed by a qualified chimney professional. Follow the appliance instructions for dampers, doors and operation. Smoke entering the room calls for stopping use and professional evaluation, not an assumption that there is only a blockage. See CSIA’s homeowner guidance.
Winterization and your Roof
- If debris is left in gutters, it can get wet and freeze, permitting the formation of ice dams that prevent water from draining. This added weight has the potential to cause damage to gutters. Also, trapped water in the gutter can enter the house and lead to the growth of mold. For these reasons, leaves, pine needles, and all other debris must be cleared from gutters. This can be done by hand or with a hose.
- Missing shingles should be replaced.
Landscape
- Patio furniture should be covered.
- If there is a deck, it might need an extra coat of sealer.
Homes Left Unoccupied
Before leaving a home vacant, arrange a property-specific plan with qualified plumbing and HVAC professionals. Avoid a blanket utility shutdown: heat, pumps and other protective systems may need power. Do not add unspecified antifreeze to plumbing fixtures.
For ordinary cold-weather absences, the American Red Cross recommends leaving heat on at no lower than 55°F. This is not a guarantee that every exposed pipe will stay warm. Arrange monitoring and address vulnerable areas.
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