Cold-Weather Home Prep: A Practical Checklist

Even in milder climates, a cold snap can catch a home off guard. Drafty windows push up heating bills, unprotected pipes can freeze and a heating system that sat idle for months may not start when you need it. A little preparation goes a long way.

Stop Drafts and Hold In Heat

Air leaks around windows and doors let warm air escape. Walk through your home on a breezy day and feel for drafts, then:

• Replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Re-caulk gaps where window frames meet siding or trim.
• Add door sweeps to exterior doors that let in light at the bottom.

Check your attic insulation as well. Heat rises, and a poorly insulated attic can let much of it slip away. Adding insulation is one of the more cost-effective energy upgrades for many homes.

Get Your Heating System Ready

Do not wait for the first chilly night to find out your heat is not working. Replace the furnace or heat pump filter, clear the area around the unit and schedule a professional inspection. Regular service can help prevent breakdowns and keep your system running efficiently. If you have a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned before use.

Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious water damage. To lower the risk:

1. Wrap exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces and exterior walls with foam sleeves.
2. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets and irrigation lines, and disconnect garden hoses.
3. During a hard freeze, let faucets on exterior walls drip slightly and open cabinet doors to let warm air reach the pipes.
4. Know where your main water shutoff is, in case you ever need it quickly.

Clear Gutters and Trim Trees

Clean gutters and downspouts so water can drain away from your foundation. Clogged gutters can overflow and, in freezing areas, lead to ice dams along the roof edge. Trim branches that hang over the roof or power lines, since wind, ice or heavy rain can bring them down.

Check Safety Devices and Supplies

You will likely spend more time indoors, and heating equipment is running more often. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. Keep a basic emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water, nonperishable food and blankets in case of a power outage.

Plan for Bigger Projects

If your checklist reveals larger needs, like an aging furnace, drafty old windows or a roof near the end of its life, it may be smart to plan ahead rather than wait for an emergency. Many homeowners use equity to fund improvements through a home equity line of credit or a cash-out refinance, depending on their situation.

If you would like to explore your options, reach out to FLO Mortgage. A loan officer can help you find a financing path that keeps your home comfortable all year.

This article is for general education and is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and program availability. FLO Mortgage, Company NMLS #1835856. Equal Housing Opportunity.