Preparing your home for winter helps to keep it warm, energy efficient, and protected from the cold temperatures. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your home for winter:
1. Insulate and seal the home
- Check windows and doors: Poor sealing around windows and doors can lead to drafts and energy losses. Check for cracks and leaks and use sealing strips or silicone to seal.
- Thick curtains actually have a function, especially in old houses.
- Check attic and wall insulation. Make sure your attic and walls are well insulated to minimize heat loss. Extra insulation can be a good investment if needed.
2. Service and check the heating system
- Check the boiler: Make sure your boiler is working properly. Book a professional service to clean and inspect it before the winter season begins.
- Bleed the radiators: If you have water-based radiators, make sure to bleed them to ensure they heat efficiently. Vacuum, dust and wipe the radiators with a soft cloth and a little soap spray.
- Check flues and chimneys: If you use a fireplace, make sure the chimney is clean and free of soot. A professional sweeping may be necessary.
- If you heat with wood or pellets, make sure you have enough to last the winter.
- Review electricity contracts and try to eliminate unnecessary energy consumption, such as appliances in standby mode.
3. Prepare water pipes against frost
- Protect pipes against freezing: Insulate water pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures, especially those in uninsulated spaces such as basements, crawl spaces or garages.
- Drain outdoor faucets: Turn off and drain all outdoor faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Disconnect and store garden hoses and bring in any pumps.
4. Clean gutters and check the roof
- Clean the gutters: Leaves and other debris can clog the gutters and cause water to collect and freeze, which can damage both the gutters and the roof. Clean them before winter begins.
- Check the roof: Inspect the roof for loose tiles or cracks. Repairing roof damage can prevent leaks and ice formation during the winter.
- Make sure bushes and leaves are not against the house walls; this attracts moisture, mold and, in the worst case, pests.
5. Prepare electrical and safety systems
- Check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, gas alarms: Test and replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Heating systems and fireplaces can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. And now begins the season for candles, which are always a risk. If you use gas at home, check that everything is okay with that system and its warning devices.
- Review the generator: If you live in an area where power outages are common during the winter, make sure your generator is working properly and that you have enough fuel.
- Install timer for outdoor lighting: To increase safety and make it easier in the winter darkness, set up or adjust timers on outdoor lighting around walkways and entrances.
6. Protect outdoor furniture and equipment
- Store outdoor furniture: Cover outdoor furniture or store it indoors to protect it from snow, frost and moisture. Clean them with soap and a brush before storing them.
- Ensure snow equipment works: Check that snow shovels, snow blowers and other winter equipment are in good condition and working as they should.
- Put up snow markers to facilitate snow removal. Mark, for example, the width of the driveway, or if you have things like manhole covers that could be damaged by snow removal if they are not marked.
- If you have ground source heat loops or a sewer pipe in the ground that must not/should not freeze, also mark these so that snow is not removed here or that snowmobile drivers walk on the snow over these pipes. It can cause the pipes in the ground to freeze.
- Cover plants and garden tools: Protect sensitive plants and garden tools by covering them with fleece or storing them indoors.
7. Prepare the indoor climate
- Check humidity and ventilation: Increased heating can lead to dry indoor air. Consider using a humidifier to keep the air at a comfortable humidity level.
- Air out the house before the cold comes: Autumn is a good opportunity to air out the home before the windows have to be kept closed during the winter.
- Clean filters in the ventilation system: Clean filters in your ventilation system help to circulate fresh air and improve energy efficiency. Air heat pumps often have a service program and cleaning instructions that you can carry out yourself.
8. Window padding and curtains for extra insulation
- Install window padding: If you have older windows, window padding (a kind of window plastic) can help to improve insulation and reduce heat loss.
- Use thick curtains: Put up thicker curtains to help retain heat indoors. Close them at night to minimize heat loss through the windows.
9. Prepare storage spaces
- Organize the basement or attic: Clean out and organize storage spaces for winter so that you can easily find winter clothes and equipment when you need them.
- Check that the storage room is dry: Make sure the storage room is free from moisture and insulate it if necessary, so that your winter belongings are stored well.
10. Plan for emergencies
- Stock emergency supplies: Make sure you have a basic emergency kit ready for the winter, including flashlights, batteries, blankets, water, and food that lasts a long time.
- Prepare the car: Prepare the car for winter by checking the condition of the tires, topping up with winter windshield washer fluid, and having an emergency box with blankets, an ice scraper, and jumper cables ready.
- Always be prepared for the car to break down, especially in places where the temperature can drop to -40°C and even lower, it is wise not to trust that the car can actually handle that temperature. Stay home in extreme cold, but if you have to go out, make sure to have warm outerwear with you, always have a snowmobile overall in the car on these occasions. A power bank for the phone (batteries cannot handle much cold for a long time), candles and matches should also always be in the car under such circumstances. This is of course especially important if you live in rural areas and cannot count on help being nearby.
By following these steps, you are well prepared for a cold and snowy winter and can reduce both heating costs and the risk of damage to your home.
1. How can I prevent heat loss in my home during the winter?
Make sure to insulate and seal the home well, especially around windows and doors. Also check attic and wall insulation and use thick curtains.
2. What should I do to protect my water pipes from freezing?
Insulate exposed water pipes and drain all outdoor faucets to avoid pipes freezing and bursting during the winter.
3. How can I ensure that my heating system works optimally?
Book a service of the boiler, bleed the radiators, and clean chimneys and flues before the winter season begins.
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