The BRE Guide to Home Winterization (+ Downloadable Checklist!)
In the midst of a turbulent year, our homes have undoubtedly become our sanctuary as we’ve adapted to new routines, responded to crisis, and embraced a new normal. While that crisp fall air signaling the end of the year might have you more excited than usual to engage in your favorite fall and winter rituals—from pulling out your favorite sweaters to consuming all things pumpkin spice—make sure you remember to winterize your home for the season ahead.
Why You Should Winterize
If you are a first-time homeowner, you may be wondering if this is a necessary part of homeownership or merely a suggestion. We say it is not only necessary, it’s essential. Here’s why:
Save Money: Keeping the cold out and the heat in will result in less energy to heat your home and more savings on your utility bill.
Prevent Costly Repairs: Throughout the warmer months, several winter amenities go untouched, allowing maintenance issues to go unnoticed. An annual checkup ensures all the appliances you might rely on the most in the colder months are in tip-top shape so you won’t have to worry about repairs mid-season.
Secure Your Home: If you are accustomed to a Utah winter like us, you know all about the below-freezing temperatures and icy conditions. Just like we take certain precautions to protect our loved ones during extreme weather conditions, we also need to protect our home from weather-related damage.
To help you welcome winter with open arms, we’re sharing our Home Winterization Checklist to help you keep all of the most important to-dos in one place.
Your Checklist for Home Winterization
The to-do list that will save you money, prevent repairs, and secure your home for the winter season.
BRE Home Winterization Checklist
The to-do list that will save you money, prevent repairs, and secure your home for the winter season.
PROOF YOUR ROOF
[ ] Locate loose shingles
[ ] Check for broken and displaced coverings
PROTECT YOUR DECK
[ ] Add a fresh coat of sealer to your deck to prevent damage from weather exposure
[ ] Empty and store planters
[ ] Clean and store patio furniture
[ ] Inspect and repair deck boards or porch cracks
SPRINKLERS & IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
[ ] Turn off your sprinkler timers as soon as the weather starts to change.
[ ] Winterize your irrigation system and blow out the sprinkler system if necessary.
SEAL THE HEAT IN
[ ] Examine doors and windows for gaps that may be letting cold air in
[ ] Add or replace caulk or weather stripping around drafty areas
[ ] Close vents in unused rooms
CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS
[ ] Clear any loose debris from your gutters
[ ] Install a gutter filter to prevent clogging and leaks
PREPARE YOUR FURNACE
[ ] Clean or replace your furnace filter to ensure heat is evenly flowing through your home
[ ] Test your heating system to ensure it will work properly when you need it
[ ] Hire a contractor to conduct an evaluation of your furnace efficiency if you identify any issues
TEST YOUR EQUIPMENT
[ ] Locate your snow shovel so it’s ready for you when you need it
[ ] Ensure your snowblower is working properly to avoid mid-season repairs
* Don’t forget your swamp cooler, if you have one, and winterize by disconnecting and turning off the supply and draining the system.
