How to Prepare Your Home for Winter
🏡 How to Prepare Your Home for Winter
As the crisp fall air settles in and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your home for the cold months ahead. Here in Pennsylvania, our winters can bring chilly temperatures, snow, and ice — and taking a few proactive steps now can help you protect your home, save money on energy bills, and avoid unexpected headaches later.
Here are my top tips to help you get your home winter-ready:
❄️ 1. Inspect and Service Your Heating System
Before the first frost hits, schedule a professional tune-up for your furnace or heat pump. A quick inspection ensures everything is running efficiently and safely.
✅ Replace your filters regularly (every 1–3 months)
✅ Test your thermostat
✅ If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have your chimney cleaned and inspected
🌬️ 2. Seal Up Drafts and Air Leaks
Drafts can drive up your heating bills fast!
Walk around your windows and doors and check for any gaps or cracks. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them up. Even small leaks can make a big difference in comfort and cost.
Pro tip: Adding a door sweep to your exterior doors can block cold air (and pests) from sneaking in.
💧 3. Protect Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter issues — and one of the most expensive to fix.
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, or garages.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
Shut off exterior water lines if possible.
If the temperature drops below freezing, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes.
🌲 4. Check Gutters and Downspouts
When leaves and debris clog your gutters, melting snow has nowhere to go — which can lead to ice dams and water damage.
Take a few minutes to clean out your gutters and make sure your downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.
🌨️ 5. Prepare for Snow and Ice
It’s always better to stock up early!
Keep ice melt or rock salt on hand
Check your snow shovels or snow blower
Mark your driveway edges if you use a plow service
And don’t forget to check your handrails and outdoor steps for stability — icy conditions can make small issues dangerous quickly.
🔦 6. Winterize for Comfort
Little touches make a big difference when temperatures drop:
Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air down
Add thermal curtains for insulation
Swap in cozy blankets and rugs for a seasonal refresh
🏠 Final Thoughts
Taking time now to prepare your home for winter means fewer surprises and a cozier, safer season ahead. Plus, maintaining your home not only keeps it comfortable — it protects your property value too.
If you’d like personalized advice on improvements that can boost your home’s value before the new year, I’d be happy to help!
📲 Reach out today to schedule a home review or market analysis before winter hits. Let’s make sure your home is ready — inside and out!
—
Brittany Burke
Realtor® | Century 21 Veterans
📞 267-306-0572 | 📞 267-352-8000 📧 [email protected]
📍 Proudly serving Lower Bucks County and surrounding communities
