Home Winterization: How to Stop Drafts, Frozen Pipes & More

November 07, 2024

This cold weather calls for cozy nights, warm drinks, and snuggling up by the fire with your favorite blanket. But before you can do that, make sure your home is properly winterized! Proper home winterization not only keeps you and your family comfortable all season long, but it can also save you money on your energy bills and prevent costly repairs. Thankfully, you can take a few simple steps to help safeguard your home and ensure it stays warm and energy-efficient throughout the colder months:

Insulate Windows and Stop Drafts
Clean Out Your Gutters and Prevent Ice Dams
Insulate Water Pipes and Prevent Bursts
Schedule Your Annual Furnace Maintenance and Inspection

Follow along as Hanson’s Plumbing & Heating shares these essential tips on how to winterize your home.

1. Insulate Windows and Stop Drafts

Do you ever feel a chill creeping in, even when your heat is on? Drafty windows can be a significant source of home heat loss during the colder months. Proper insulation on your windows can be a crucial step when it comes to home winterization. When you invest time into insulating your windows, you’ll create a warmer and more inviting space to enjoy during the chilly winter months. Plus, with less heat escaping, you can focus on making cozy memories with loved ones rather than worry about costly heating bills.

There are many ways to insulate your windows. The first is with caulk. Before applying caulk, scrape away any old caulk or peeling paint and wipe away debris. Then use a caulking gun to apply a line of caulk along the window seam. Smooth it out with a damp finger or tool, then let it cure overnight.

In place of caulk, you can use weatherstripping. Just cut it into strips and apply it along the seam of your window. You can also use a window insulation film kit, which is an affordable alternative. If you only have a small draft in one area of your window, a simple draft stopper tube can do the trick.

2. Clean Out Your Gutters and Prevent Ice Dams

Gutter cleanup is a critical aspect of home winterization that should not be overlooked. Clogged gutters can lead to serious issues, including ice dams, water damage, and even roof leaks during the winter months. The accumulation of leaves and debris in gutters prevents proper drainage, which can cause water to back up and freeze.

There are two main ways to clean your gutters. The first is by using a ladder and removing debris with your hands or a scoop. If you choose this method, make sure to place your ladder in a flat, dry spot and have a spotter stabilize the ladder. Never overextend yourself when cleaning from a ladder. If you can’t reach the debris, climb down and move your ladder.

The second method is to attach a telescopic water pole to your garden hose. This will allow you to spray debris out of your gutters without climbing a ladder. This method is safer but may be less efficient than using a ladder.

To clean your downspouts, spray water into them from the top until it runs out the bottom cleanly and freely.

If you don’t love the idea of cleaning your gutters regularly, consider installing gutter guards to help keep debris out and minimize frequent cleanings.

3. Insulate Water Pipes and Prevent Bursts

When your pipes get too cold, the water inside them can freeze. The increased pressure from the expanding ice can then cause your pipes to crack and burst. If a pipe bursts in your home, it can result in costly repairs, significant water damage, and a major disruption in your home’s water supply. Additionally, it can make daily living a challenge, impacting essential activities like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. To prevent this from happening, you can insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as your basement, crawlspaces, attic, and along exterior walls.

Before insulating your pipes, clean them of any dirt or grease and make sure they are dry. Then wrap them with your insulation of choice. Foam pipe sleeves are easy to apply and come in long sections. Pipe wrap insulation is a little trickier to apply but is useful for short sections or sections with many curves. Both kinds of insulation come in self-adhesive varieties. Pipe sleeves will still need duct tape at the seam where two sleeves meet or where a sleeve meets pipe wrap insulation.

You can also insulate hot water pipes wherever you can reach them to prevent heat loss and keep water heating bills down.

Another smart winterization tip to prevent burst pipes is to let your faucets drip slightly on extremely cold nights. The flowing water will prevent your pipes from freezing.

If you do experience a burst pipe or other plumbing issues, contact the expert plumbers at Hanson’s Plumbing & Heating right away. We offer emergency service for when things just can’t wait.

4. Schedule Your Annual Furnace Maintenance and Inspection

Ensuring your furnace is in tip-top shape is essential as winter approaches. A well-maintained furnace keeps your home warm and cozy while operating efficiently, ultimately saving money on your energy bills. Regular professional furnace checkups are crucial for identifying potential issues before they become bigger problems. When you commit to annual furnace checkups and basic maintenance, you’ll ensure your heating system is fully prepared to take on the cold. With a reliable furnace in your home, you can enjoy warm, comfy nights without the worry of unexpected breakdowns or high energy bills. If you are in need of a furnace inspection or maintenance, contact Hanson’s Plumbing & Heating, and we will provide you with expert service to keep your heating system running smoothly.

Contact Hanson’s Plumbing & Heating

By taking these proactive steps in home winterization, you can significantly enhance your comfort, safety, and energy efficiency throughout the colder months. Proper insulation of windows and water pipes, thorough gutter cleaning, and regular furnace maintenance will help ensure your home operates at peak efficiency, reducing the risk of costly repairs and lowering your heating bills. If you are looking for guidance on winterizing, furnace inspection, or HVAC winter maintenance, contact Hanson’s Plumbing & Heating today.

Don’t wait to protect your home from the freezing temperatures. Contact us to schedule service or to sign up for our annual maintenance program to help keep your home warm and safe all season long!