Steps to get you started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Inspect your windows and doors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/happy-father-with-daughter-standing-near-open-balcony-smiling.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis task is more relevant for older, resale homes, but it\u2019s generally a good idea to take a look at each of your doors and windows to be sure they don\u2019t have any gaps where cold air could get in. Even the slightest draft could make it difficult to keep your house warm, which might mean higher energy bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you identify a draft?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOne easy way is to run your hand along the edges of windows and doors on a windy day to feel for any noticeable breeze or change in temperature. You could also hold a lit candle near a point of concern and, if the flame flickers or goes out, you likely have a gap. If you don\u2019t have a candle, an incense stick can be equally as effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simple fixes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Use weatherstripping<\/a> on door or window frames.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Apply caulk around window edges and baseboards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Swap out your lighter window treatments for heavier coverings, such as insulated curtains<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Install door sweeps to block drafts under exterior doors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Service your heating system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/young-engineer-adjusting-autonomous-heating.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBefore you turn on the heat for the season, it\u2019s helpful to make sure everything is in proper working order. There\u2019s nothing worse than having your furnace go out the first night temps fall below freezing. Test your heat in the fall, before the weather gets too cold. Change filters as necessary and, if you notice any issues, call a professional to inspect, clean, and repair your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other key tasks might include changing the batteries in your thermostat, checking your water heater for any leaks, and vacuuming or clearing any vents in your home to make sure the warm air can circulate properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bonus tip:<\/strong> Consider installing a programmable thermostat to reduce heating costs while you’re asleep or away.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Protect your pipes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/service-maintenance-worker-repairing.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFrozen pipes can burst and cause serious damage\u2014as much as $3,000, according to an article from Consumer Reports<\/a>. There are a few ways you can prevent this from happening, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Insulate<\/a> exposed pipes with wrap, tape, or a cable, which you can purchase and install yourself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Disconnect and store garden hoses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- When the temperatures drop very low, let a small drip run from your faucets to keep water moving through the system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add insulation to areas where exposed pipes may be, such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Leave cabinet doors open under sinks on freezing nights to let warm air in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep the heat set at no lower than 55\u00b0 F if you will be away from your house for an extended period of time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Clean the roof and gutters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Gutters](\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rain-falling-metal-roof.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSnow and ice buildup can cause leaks or damage to your roof, particularly if there are any loose, broken, or missing shingles. You can inspect the roof yourself or hire a licensed professional to take a look and repair as needed. You may also want to blow off any dead leaves or debris lingering up there, as these items could hold moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gutters should typically be cleaned twice a year<\/a>, although homes surrounded by a lot of trees may require more frequent upkeep. In the fall, leaves, pine needles, sticks, and other debris can quickly accumulate in gutters, causing them to clog and not function properly. Gutters serve the important purpose of directing and draining water, which helps prevent water damage to your home. In addition to regular cleaning, you can also install gutter guards as a preventative measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Check out the chimney and fireplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/rear-view-woman-arranging-firewood-fireplace-home.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf your home comes with a wood-burning fireplace, it\u2019s necessary to inspect and clean that space before use. Burning wood leaves behind a substance called creosote<\/a>, which consists of trace chemicals and can be highly flammable. With that in mind, creosote buildup in a chimney and fireplace can potentially lead to a damaging fire. This isn\u2019t so much an issue for new-construction homes, where the fireplace is unused, but you should consider hiring a professional to inspect and clean the system if your home is older.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdditionally, be sure to check the damper to ensure it opens and closes properly. Don\u2019t forget to open the damper any time you use your fireplace, then close it after in order to prevent heat from escaping and rain or snow from entering the chimney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Prep your patio and yard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/full-shot-woman-raking-outdoors.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWinterizing a house isn\u2019t complete without taking care of your outdoor spaces as well! If your home has a patio<\/a>, take the time to cover any exposed furniture to protect against the elements. Trim dead or damaged tree limbs that could pose a risk if weighed down by heavy snow. Rake fallen leaves off the ground before the first snow in order to help your lawn stay healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor homeowners with a garden, there are a few tasks you may want to accomplish in order to keep your flora happy, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Bringing certain plants<\/a> inside<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cutting back perennials, then adding a layer of mulch around them once the ground has frozen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Covering annuals with burlap or cloth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digging up tender bulbs, covering them in newspaper, and storing them in a cool, dark place indoors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Collecting seeds or cuttings from annuals you\u2019ll allow to die off<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wrapping newly planted trees or bushes in burlap<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Harvesting any vegetables you\u2019ve grown<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
7. Stock up on essentials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/male-standing-snowy-field-holding-snow-shovel.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHaving the right supplies and equipment ahead of time can make a big difference once the first winter storm hits. Some items to have on hand might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- A snow shovel and\/or snow blower<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ice melt or sand<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Extra batteries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flashlights<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bottled water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blankets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nonperishable food<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Space heaters<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Power banks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A backup generator (if you live in an area with heavy and frequent snowfall)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. Additional tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As simple as it sounds, setting your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise could do wonders for evenly distributing heat throughout your home. Many fans have a switch that allows you to change the direction of the blades and setting that to clockwise at a low speed can pull cool air up and push warm air down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Placing rugs on hard flooring can add insulation and increase warmth throughout your home. Also, shutting doors in unused rooms may help you save on heating costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Winterizing a house may feel overwhelming at first, but it\u2019s really just a series of simple steps that can make a positive difference in the long run. Preparing your home for colder weather can help increase your comfort, extend the life of its systems, lower your energy bills, and provide lasting peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start early and take on your tasks one weekend at a time. If you have room in your budget, consider hiring a professional for the larger projects, such as repairing roof shingles or cleaning out the chimney. Also, though prepping for winter is helpful for homes of any age, buying a new-construction home<\/a> could help eliminate some of the more extensive to-do list items.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThinking of purchasing a home this winter<\/a>? Contact our New Home Specialists! These local pros save you time and energy by narrowing down community, floor plan, and listing options based on your wish list. Call 888.799.8322<\/a> or chat with them online<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis task is more relevant for older, resale homes, but it\u2019s generally a good idea to take a look at each of your doors and windows to be sure they don\u2019t have any gaps where cold air could get in. Even the slightest draft could make it difficult to keep your house warm, which might mean higher energy bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you identify a draft?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One easy way is to run your hand along the edges of windows and doors on a windy day to feel for any noticeable breeze or change in temperature. You could also hold a lit candle near a point of concern and, if the flame flickers or goes out, you likely have a gap. If you don\u2019t have a candle, an incense stick can be equally as effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simple fixes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you turn on the heat for the season, it\u2019s helpful to make sure everything is in proper working order. There\u2019s nothing worse than having your furnace go out the first night temps fall below freezing. Test your heat in the fall, before the weather gets too cold. Change filters as necessary and, if you notice any issues, call a professional to inspect, clean, and repair your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other key tasks might include changing the batteries in your thermostat, checking your water heater for any leaks, and vacuuming or clearing any vents in your home to make sure the warm air can circulate properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bonus tip:<\/strong> Consider installing a programmable thermostat to reduce heating costs while you’re asleep or away.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious damage\u2014as much as $3,000, according to an article from Consumer Reports<\/a>. There are a few ways you can prevent this from happening, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Snow and ice buildup can cause leaks or damage to your roof, particularly if there are any loose, broken, or missing shingles. You can inspect the roof yourself or hire a licensed professional to take a look and repair as needed. You may also want to blow off any dead leaves or debris lingering up there, as these items could hold moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gutters should typically be cleaned twice a year<\/a>, although homes surrounded by a lot of trees may require more frequent upkeep. In the fall, leaves, pine needles, sticks, and other debris can quickly accumulate in gutters, causing them to clog and not function properly. Gutters serve the important purpose of directing and draining water, which helps prevent water damage to your home. In addition to regular cleaning, you can also install gutter guards as a preventative measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your home comes with a wood-burning fireplace, it\u2019s necessary to inspect and clean that space before use. Burning wood leaves behind a substance called creosote<\/a>, which consists of trace chemicals and can be highly flammable. With that in mind, creosote buildup in a chimney and fireplace can potentially lead to a damaging fire. This isn\u2019t so much an issue for new-construction homes, where the fireplace is unused, but you should consider hiring a professional to inspect and clean the system if your home is older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, be sure to check the damper to ensure it opens and closes properly. Don\u2019t forget to open the damper any time you use your fireplace, then close it after in order to prevent heat from escaping and rain or snow from entering the chimney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winterizing a house isn\u2019t complete without taking care of your outdoor spaces as well! If your home has a patio<\/a>, take the time to cover any exposed furniture to protect against the elements. Trim dead or damaged tree limbs that could pose a risk if weighed down by heavy snow. Rake fallen leaves off the ground before the first snow in order to help your lawn stay healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For homeowners with a garden, there are a few tasks you may want to accomplish in order to keep your flora happy, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having the right supplies and equipment ahead of time can make a big difference once the first winter storm hits. Some items to have on hand might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As simple as it sounds, setting your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise could do wonders for evenly distributing heat throughout your home. Many fans have a switch that allows you to change the direction of the blades and setting that to clockwise at a low speed can pull cool air up and push warm air down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Placing rugs on hard flooring can add insulation and increase warmth throughout your home. Also, shutting doors in unused rooms may help you save on heating costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winterizing a house may feel overwhelming at first, but it\u2019s really just a series of simple steps that can make a positive difference in the long run. Preparing your home for colder weather can help increase your comfort, extend the life of its systems, lower your energy bills, and provide lasting peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start early and take on your tasks one weekend at a time. If you have room in your budget, consider hiring a professional for the larger projects, such as repairing roof shingles or cleaning out the chimney. Also, though prepping for winter is helpful for homes of any age, buying a new-construction home<\/a> could help eliminate some of the more extensive to-do list items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thinking of purchasing a home this winter<\/a>? Contact our New Home Specialists! These local pros save you time and energy by narrowing down community, floor plan, and listing options based on your wish list. Call 888.799.8322<\/a> or chat with them online<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
2. Service your heating system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Protect your pipes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
4. Clean the roof and gutters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Check out the chimney and fireplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Prep your patio and yard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
7. Stock up on essentials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
8. Additional tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"First-time](\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/content\/globalmedia\/media-5097.webp\")
<\/a>\n <\/div>\n