Preparing Your Home for Freezing Temps

A guide from a home inspection perspective

As temperatures drop, your home becomes more vulnerable to issues that can lead to costly repairs. Freezing pipes, hidden drafts, and unnecessary heat loss are some of the most common problems we see this time of year. A little prep now can keep your home safer, warmer, and more efficient all winter long.

1. Protect Your Pipes Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive cold weather problems for homeowners. To help prevent them: • Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, garages, and attics • Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior faucets • Keep cabinet doors open when temps drop to let warm air reach plumbing • Let faucets drip during extreme cold to keep water movingIf you notice slow water flow or a pipe that feels unusually cold, take action quickly before it freezes solid.

2. Seal Out Drafts Drafts not only make your home uncomfortable, they make your heating system work harder. Look for gaps around windows, doors, attic hatches, and exterior wall penetrations. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive fixes that can make a big difference. If you still feel cold spots, it may be worth having a professional assess insulation or ventilation issues.

3. Check Your Attic and Insulation Levels Warm air rises, and a poorly insulated attic is one of the biggest sources of heat loss. Make sure insulation is even, dry, and at an appropriate depth. While you’re up there, check for any signs of moisture or daylight peeking through small gaps in the roof structure. These can be early warnings of leaks or ventilation problems.

4. Service Your Heating System A simple tune up can improve efficiency and help your furnace run smoothly all winter. Replace filters, check thermostat batteries, and make sure your vents are clear of furniture and dust. If you notice uneven heat or strange noises, schedule a check before the cold gets worse.

5. Prep Your Exterior Walk your home’s exterior and look for anything that could lead to trouble once freezing temps hit. Check gutters for clogs, ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation, and inspect siding and trim for gaps where cold air and moisture can creep in. Even small openings can cause larger issues once ice forms.

6. Don’t Forget Garages and Basements These areas cool quickly and can impact your whole home. Seal the door between the garage and the living space, insulate exposed pipes, and make sure basement windows are properly sealed.

7. Consider a Pre Winter Home Check If you’re unsure where your home stands, a professional inspection can identify hidden issues before they turn into expensive winter repairs. From insulation concerns to early plumbing problems, a trained eye can help you prepare with confidence.

Getting ahead of freezing temperatures doesn’t take long, but it can make a big difference in how your home performs through the colder months. If you’d like help evaluating your home or want to schedule a seasonal inspection, we’re here to help.