Before the weather outside is frightful, take a look at these ways to winterize your home for a delightful holiday season. Winterizing is a win-win. It’s generally inexpensive to do, and it has the potential to save you money on energy bills. Not to mention, make your home more comfortable for the winter months.

Places to Winterize Your Home

Gutters and Downspouts

• Clean out your gutters and downspouts in fall and check them again before winter hits
• Install leaf guards in your cleared gutters to prevent any future debris

Roofing, Chimneys, and Decks

• Get out your binoculars and check for any loose or damaged shingles
• Hire a chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney before roasting any chestnuts
• Invest in a chimney balloon if your chimney will not be in use to prevent heat loss
• Give your deck a fresh coat of sealant to protect it from the harsh winter conditions

Doors and Windows

• Check doors and windows for any leaks that will let hot air escape
• Apply weatherstripping or caulk around any problem areas
• Draft guards or a rolled towel will help prevent drafts on exterior doors
• Window insulation film can seal it heat to reduce energy consumption

A/C, Water Lines, and Piping

• Drain any pipes or hoses coming from your A/C unit and vacuum out any pools of water in your unit’s drain pan
• Cover your central air unit with a plastic cover to prevent rust cause by snow and water
• Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off water
• Wrap your pipes with insulation to reduce heat loss and increase the temperature of the water delivered through your pipes

Water Heater

• Flush the water through the drain valve to clear out any material that may have collected
• Lower your water heater temperature to reduce heating costs by 6-10%

Heating System

• Replace your furnace filter as recommended
• Call a professional to inspect your furnace and give it a tune up, if necessary
• Do a test run with your heating system after the inspection so you know it will work when you need it

Although most weatherproofing jobs are something that homeowners can tackle themselves in a weekend, there’s no substitute for a professional inspection to ensure your home’s efficiency throughout the harsh winter. Find a trustworthy expert in your area who can do a thorough test and make recommendations for improvement.