Knowing how to winterize a home is one of the best ways Yorktown homeowners can protect their homes and their wallets from inclement winter weather.

Sipping a hot cider from Aromas by a fire, taking a (socially distanced) stroll through Busch Gardens’ Christmas Celebration, and indulging in a holiday treat from Scratch Bakery—winter in Hampton Roads can truly be the most wonderful time of the year. Until the unpredictable weather hits, that is. At the drop of a hat, our climate can change from comfortable sweater weather to buy all the milk and bread weather.

Every year, we prepare ourselves for the coming cold, ice, and snow, but we often forget to prepare our homes. Taking steps to winterize a home before the temperature drops each year is critical to maintaining it.  

Why Should you Winterize a Home?

Winterization can protect a home from damage, reduce energy bills, ensure household systems are functioning, and prevent minor issues from becoming larger problems.

How to Winterize a Home

  1. Clean your gutters to allow water to flow freely and prevent ice dams from forming.
  2. Thoroughly drain the water in your outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses, as trapped water can freeze and burst your pipes. If you do not have freeze-proof faucets, turn off the water to your outdoor faucets.
  3. Insulate exposed pipes in cold areas of your home (think attics and crawl spaces) to prevent them from bursting.
  4. Flush your water heater to ensure it functions correctly and can keep up with all your hot water needs during the winter.
  5. Reverse your ceiling fan to help push warm air down, which will keep your room at a more comfortable temperature.
  6. Seal gaps around windows and doorframes to keep the cold air outside and the warm air in your home.
  7. Maintain your fireplace to make sure it is safely working.
  8. Service your heating system to keep it performing its best all winter long.
  9. Set your thermostat so that the temperature in your house doesn’t drop too low while you are away for an extended period. It might be tempting to turn off our heat to save money while you are away, but doing so can cause your pipes to freeze.
  10. Check your roof for damage to prevent leaks.

Additional Winter Preparation Tips
Besides knowing how to winterize a home, here are some additional tips to help you fully prepare for winter.

  • Take an inventory of your current winter gear. Check to see if your coat still fits, you aren’t missing a boot, and that your snow blower still works. Take time to replenish missing or broken items before you need them.
  • Stock up on winter supplies, including shovels, ice melt, and ice scrapers.
  • Check your car’s tires and ensure they are in good condition. When road conditions deteriorate, a good set of tires can make all the difference.
  • Test your flashlights and have extra batteries in case the power goes out.

If learning how to winterize a home has left you dreaming of a white Christmas complete with a home remodel, contact Criner Remodeling. We’re ready to help you transform your home remodeling dreams into reality.