Disclaimer: We are not professionals; the tips provided in this article have been gathered from research and general knowledge. For specific concerns or professional advice, please consult a licensed expert.

When temperatures drop, it’s important to ensure your home is ready to withstand the cold. Taking a few simple steps now can protect your pipes, keep your heating system running efficiently, and help conserve energy. These quick tips will keep your family safe and your home cozy during the cold weather.
Protect Your Pipes
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or crawl spaces, with foam pipe insulation to prevent freezing.
- Let Faucets Drip: On extremely cold nights, leave a small drip of water running from faucets, especially those connected to pipes along exterior walls.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around plumbing by opening cabinet doors under sinks.
- Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Drain and store hoses, and shut off valves to outdoor spigots to prevent freezing and pipe bursts.
Keep Your Heating System Running
- Change Air Filters: Replace furnace filters regularly to ensure your system runs efficiently and keeps your home warm.
- Schedule Maintenance: Have a professional inspect and service your heating system before peak winter use.
- Check Your Thermostat: Make sure it’s functioning properly, and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better energy efficiency.
- Seal Air Leaks: Inspect doors and windows for drafts and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to reduce heat loss.
Conserve Energy
- Use Heavy Curtains: Close curtains or blinds at night to keep the warmth in and open them during the day to let sunlight naturally heat your home.
- Adjust Your Thermostat: Set your thermostat to 68°F (or lower) when you’re home, and lower it a few more degrees when you’re sleeping or away.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans: Switch your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air down and evenly distribute heat.
- Unplug Unused Electronics: Reduce energy usage by unplugging devices and appliances when not in use.
Emergency Preparedness
- Have Supplies Ready: Stock up on extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food in case of power outages.
- Keep Your Phone Charged: Ensure you have a way to communicate if you lose power.
- Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test your alarms to ensure they’re in working order and replace batteries if needed.
By taking these steps to winterize your home, you could save on energy costs, avoid costly repairs, and ensure your family stays warm and safe during these cold snaps.
Do you have any tried-and-true winterizing tips? Share them with us in the comments!