No need to wait for chilly days to get your home winter-ready. Whether you’re tackling it solo or calling a local pro, these 12 steps—starting now—will shield your house from the cold. DIY or with Handybeeman, here’s how to prep smart.
1. Clear Gutters to Stop Ice Dams
Ice dams aren’t just a snowy-region woe—even light rain can freeze in clogged gutters, wreaking havoc. Kick off winter prep by clearing leaves and debris while it’s still mild. Clean gutters fend off ice buildup, protecting your roof and ceilings from leaks.
2. Reseal Windows and Doors
Lock in warmth and block drafts by inspecting windows and doors. Spot a breeze? Recaulk the edges to seal gaps tight. This boosts your HVAC’s efficiency, slashing energy bills as you winterize.
3. Inspect Your Roof
Summer storms might’ve left sneaky roof damage—perfect entry points for winter’s cold and wet. Schedule a pro roof check now to catch issues before snow or ice sneaks in.
4. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Slash heating costs with a simple trick—flip your ceiling fans to spin clockwise. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling, warming rooms evenly so your heater works less, saving cash.
5. Service Your Chimney
Got a fireplace? Don’t skip the chimney—it’s a winter prep step folks often miss. A pro inspection and cleaning clears debris, dodging fire risks so you can cozy up safely.
6. Tune Up Systems
While pros are at it, get your HVAC checked too. A heating tune-up ensures it’s ready after summer dormancy. Don’t forget your AC—post-summer service winterizes it for next year’s heat.
7. Trim Tree Branches
Winter winds and ice can snap overhanging branches onto your home, car, or power lines. Trim them now—hire Handybeeman if ladders aren’t your thing—to dodge storm trouble.
8. Insulate Pipes
Pipes feel the chill too, especially outdoor or rarely used ones. Insulating them is a must-do to prevent freezing, swelling, or bursting—costly water damage is the last thing you need.
9. Prep Your Shed
Sheds store gear but can shelter critters too. Patch holes, clear clutter, insulate walls, and seal gaps to keep it pest-free and functional all winter.
10. Check Outdoor Lights
Beat the freeze—test outdoor lights now. Ensure bulbs work and wires are intact, calling a pro if upgrades or fixes are due while it’s still comfy outside.
11. Test Heating
Don’t get caught cold—test your heating system before temps plummet. Spot issues early, and schedule repairs ahead of the rush.
12. Why Winter Prep Matters
Winterizing isn’t just busywork—it’s smart homeownership. It cuts energy costs, extends system life, and nips repairs in the bud before they balloon. A prepped home keeps the chill out, letting you stay snug inside.
Need a Hand Winterizing?
Feeling swamped by winter prep? Handybeeman has your back! Our pros, with 10+ years of know-how, deliver top-notch winterization, all backed by our Done Right Promise™ for flawless results. Contact Handybeeman today to lighten your load!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Handybeeman answers your top winter prep queries as of April 11, 2025:
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