5 Winter Weather Preparedness Tips for Your Home

Winter is well and truly upon us, but have you adequately prepared your home for winter this year?

We’re going to go over five of the best tips for winterizing your home, including everything you might need in terms of winter preparation for the colder months ahead.

5 Winter Weather Preparedness Tips for Your Home

1. Heating

The first thing on our list is also possibly the most important; ensuring your home is well-heated and your HVAC equipment is working safely in order to keep your family warm and healthy in winter. Below are some things to bear in mind:

  • Your furnace and HVAC equipment: these should be checked on an annual basis, preferably before the weather starts to turn colder.
  • Smoke and CO detectors: potentially vital in an emergency. Ensure your smoke and CO detectors are working correctly and batteries have been replaced.
  • Space heaters: do not leave these unattended.
  • Your chimney (if applicable) should be clean and free from obstructions.
  • Fire extinguisher: this should be easily accessible.

You may also want to ensure you have plenty of blankets and winter clothing for colder nights, or in case of emergency (such as your furnace breaking down).

2. Window and door insulation

You may have your heating sorted, but not checking your window and door insulation means you could be losing valuable heat and costing you extra in bills. In order to prepare for the colder months, you should:

  • Check all weather stripping around areas such as window and doorframes for any heat loss.
  • Check for any damage or gaps in your window or door frames
  • Feel for any drafts or air leaks
  • Add extra insulation where needed

If you do not have any insulation materials to-hand, you can always place plastic over the windows as a last resort until you’re able to install a more permanent solution.

3. Emergency kits

Emergency kits are absolutely vital for any unforeseen problems that may occur in the home over the winter, such as a power cut or problems with your HVAC system. You should ensure you have:

  • Flashlights, candles and matches
  • Bottled water and non-perishable food
  • A first aid kit
  • An emergency radio
  • Extra blankets

As an extra precautionary measure, you may want to invest in a generator to keep your home running in the event of a power cut.

4. Car care

If you’re travelling by car during the winter months, it’s a good idea to be prepared with everything you might need in the event of a breakdown where you may not be able to get help straight away. You should store the following items in your car:

  • Snow brush and ice scraper
  • First aid kit
  • Bottled water and non-perishable food
  • Blankets, along with extra hats and gloves
  • Flares
  • Jumper cables
  • Tool kit
  • Flashlight and waterproof matches
  • Road salt
  • Chains/rope

5. Outdoor equipment

Last but not least, you’ll need outdoor equipment, especially if your home easily gets surrounded in snow. You will need:

  • Snow shovels
  • A working snowblower

While you’re preparing your home for the winter weather, now would be a great time to go through an annual maintenance check for your garage door. Fortunately, we have two checklists that you can download for free! One if you have an old home, and the other for a new home.

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