This Is How To Winterize Your Home

Living in Chicago, winter can feel unpredictable. One week brings temperatures in the 40s and 50s, which is surprisingly mild for December, and the next can usher in the kind of deep freeze the Midwest is known for. While the warmer days might make it tempting to delay seasonal prep, colder weather always arrives eventually. Taking time now to winterize your home helps protect your space from damage, improves energy efficiency, and keeps your family comfortable when the temperatures inevitably drop. Preparing early means you will not be scrambling when the first real cold snap hits.

Furnace Checkup

There is nothing worse than having your furnace go out in the dead of winter.  I have had that happen (Madison was a toddler at the time).  When it is cold, the HVAC guys will be busy.  It took us almost 3 days to get our heat back.  It’s been over 10 years, and I still remember how cold it was!

Heaters

Invest in a space heater like the De’Longhi Slim Style Panel Heater (ERV:  $149).  By heating a single area, such as your bedroom or living room, you can lower your thermostat and start saving immediately.  I work in the basement, so it doesn’t make sense to heat the whole house for just the one area I’ll be in all day.  Plus, with a footprint of just three inches (eight inches including the feet), with the option to wall mount, Slim Style is unobtrusive and uses minimal floor space.  It also has a sleek high gloss frame with sensor touch points, LED display, and digital controls that allow for simple, effortless use, and its modern, slim design looks great in any room of the house.  Its eco-function capability saves energy for cost savings on your energy bill

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Ceiling Fans

Reverse your ceiling fans.  The fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air from the ceiling and you’ll be able turn down your thermostat by a degree or two for greater energy savings.

Gutters

Clean your gutters!  If water can’t get down your gutters, it can cause damage to your roof, siding and cause ice dams.

Outdoor Faucets

Turn off your outdoor faucets.  If you don’t, the water left in your pipes can freeze and burst!  We turn off the shut-off valve inside our home.

Outdoor Storage

Store your lawn mower away and get your snowblower out.  There is nothing worse than the first big snowstorm and finding that your snowblower either doesn’t work or needs gas!

Chimney Inspection

If you have a chimney, ensure you inspect it before use.  Ensure your chimney and vents are clean and in good repair.  You don’t want a chimney fire or carbon monoxide in your home.

Caulk

Caulk your windows and door.  Those drafts can make your home cold!

Winter Gear

Pull out all your winter gear and try it on if you have kids!  My kids outgrow boots, hats, and gloves every year!

Supplies

Make sure you have some canned goods and hot chocolate at home in case you’re snowed in!

Winter in the Midwest has a way of reminding us why preparation matters. By taking a few simple steps now to winterize your home, you can prevent costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and create a warm, comfortable space for your family all season long. A little effort before temperatures plunge can make all the difference when snow starts falling and winds pick up. Think of winterizing not as another chore on your to-do list, but as an investment in your home’s safety, longevity, and peace of mind.