Long Island winters can be harsh, with freezing temperatures, high winds, snow, and ice. Winterizing your house will keep you warm, save you money on heating bills, and avoid costly repairs. Whether you’re searching for tips for winterizing your home or want a complete guide on how to winterize your house, this blog has everything you need to get started.
Winterizing Tip #1: Seal Out the Cold
Drafts can make your home feel colder than it should, even with the heat cranked up. The first step in winterizing your home is sealing up all those little gaps where cold air sneaks in.
- Check around windows, doors, baseboards, and attic hatches for drafts. Don’t forget about overlooked spots like electrical outlets on exterior walls.
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal cracks and gaps. It’s a quick and inexpensive fix that makes a big difference.
- Add draft stoppers to the bottoms of exterior doors to block chilly air.
Pro Tip: Installing a storm door can provide an extra layer of insulation and help protect your entryways from harsh winds. Unified Home Remodeling installs high-quality storm doors from Home Guard, HMI, and ProVia.
Winterizing Tip #2: Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation
Good insulation is one of the best defenses against Long Island’s winter chill. Without it, your home loses heat, forcing your HVAC system to work even harder and your energy bills to climb.
- Start with the attic. Since heat rises, poorly insulated attics are often the biggest source of heat loss. Adding insulation here is a game-changer.
- Don’t overlook crawl spaces and unfinished walls. Proper insulation in these areas can keep floors warm and reduce drafts.
- For a quick fix, apply window insulation film to create a nice, airtight seal and block out cold air.
Pro Tip: If you’re ready to improve your insulation, Unified Home Remodeling offers professional insulation installation to help make your home more energy-efficient.
Winterizing Tip #3: Maintain Your Heating System
Your heating system is the heart of your home during the winter, so give it the care it needs to keep running smoothly.
- Schedule a professional tune-up before the temperatures drop. A technician can clean your system, check for issues, and make sure it’s ready to handle the winter.
- Replace your air filters every 1-3 months to improve airflow and efficiency.
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat for better temperature control and energy savings.
Winterizing Tip #4: Protect Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes can be a nightmare, but with a little preparation, you can avoid them entirely.
- Wrap foam insulation around pipes in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off water to exterior faucets. Drain the faucets to prevent freezing.
- On especially cold nights, let your indoor faucets drip very slightly to keep water moving and reduce pressure in the pipes.
Winterizing Tip #5: Upgrade Your Windows
If your windows are old or drafty, they might be one of the biggest sources of heat loss in your home. Replacing them with energy-efficient options is a great way to winterize your house and improve your comfort.
- Unified Home Remodeling installs top-rated windows, including Andersen 100 Series and Andersen 400 Series with Fibrex® material. These windows are designed to withstand Long Island’s winters while reducing heat loss.
- Brand-new, modern windows can also lower your energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and add value to your home.
Winterizing Tip #6: Roof and Gutter Maintenance
Your roof and gutters work hard to protect your home during winter storms, so don’t forget to show them some love.
- Clean your gutters to remove branches, leaves, twigs, and debris. This enables melting snow and ice to drain properly, preventing ice dams and water damage.
- Check your roof for missing shingles, cracks in flashing, or other signs of damage. Fixing these issues before winter hits can save you from costly repairs later.
- Consider installing gutter screens to reduce clogs and make maintenance easier.
Pro Tip: Unified Home Remodeling installs gutters, leaders, and gutter screens to help protect your home all year long.
Winterizing Tip #7: Outdoor Preparations
Your home’s exterior needs just as much attention as the interior when it comes to winterizing.
- Store or cover patio furniture, grills, and planters to protect them from snow and ice.
- Trim overhanging branches to prevent them from snapping under the heavy weight of snow and causing damage to your home.
- Protect shrubs and plants with burlap wraps or mulch to shield them from frost.
Winterizing Tip #8: Fireplace and Chimney Prep
A fireplace can be a cozy way to stay warm, but it requires maintenance to keep it safe and efficient.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to remove creosote buildup and check for blockages.
- If you don’t use your fireplace, consider installing a chimney balloon to block drafts and keep warm air inside.
- Stock up on firewood and keep it stored in a dry, covered location.
Winterizing Tip #9: Emergency and Safety Measures
Long Island winter storms can bring power outages and other challenges, so it’s important to be prepared.
- Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they’re working properly. Replace the batteries if needed.
- Create a well-stocked emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and blankets.
- If power outages are common in your area, consider investing in a backup generator.
Winterizing Tip #10: Small Comfort Upgrades
Sometimes, the little things can make the biggest difference in how cozy your home feels during the winter.
- Reverse your ceiling fans to spin clockwise, which pushes warm air down into the room.
- Swap lightweight bedding for heavier comforters and add area rugs to cold floors.
- Use thermal curtains to block drafts and keep warmth inside.
Winterizing your house is easy. These tips will keep your home warm, energy-efficient, and safe. The difference that small changes can make is enormous, whether they are sealing drafts, upgrading insulation, or replacing windows. Stay ahead of the season and enjoy a stress-free winter in your cozy, winter-ready home.
Ready to Winterize Your Home? Let Us Help!
From upgrading your windows to installing durable gutters and storm doors, Unified Home Remodeling is here to make your home winter-ready. Our team specializes in high-quality installations that protect your home from Long Island’s harsh winters while boosting energy efficiency and comfort. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get started on your winterization projects!