Winter might be the season of goodwill, twinkly lights, and hot chocolate by the fire, but if you aren’t careful, it could always be the winter of blue toes, burst pipes, and a house that has lost the battle against the cold once and for all.
The good news is, there are tons of things you can do to ensure that is not the case, and that your home does not freeze this winter…
Don’t Let Snow Take Over Your Life
Looking out of your window to see that your property has been covered in a beautiful blanket of glistening white snow might be delightful, but it will be less so when you realize that you can’t get out of your driveway, and that the snow is melting in through the cracks of your home. That’s why you are going to want if you live in an area prone to snow, invest in the best battery snow blower you can afford.
When you see the snow has piled up, once the kids have had their fun making a cute little snowman, then you can use your snowblower to clear driveways, doorways, and any spaces close to your home, so that the ice does not melt indoors, and you can get out when you need to
Keep Your Pipes from Becoming Popsicles
Frozen pipes are winter’s cruelest joke. One minute you’re enjoying your morning coffee; the next, you’re dealing with a burst pipe and a small indoor flood.
Prevent this nightmare by insulating pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages. Heat tape or pipe insulation can work wonders, and for extra protection during extreme cold, let your faucets drip—just a little. A slow drip keeps the water moving and reduces the risk of freezing.
Oh, and don’t forget to disconnect those outdoor hoses. A frozen hose can wreak havoc on your pipes faster than you can say, “Why is my garden spouting water?”
Show Your Furnace Some Love
Your furnace is the hero of winter, but it can’t do its job if you neglect it. Start by replacing the air filter—it’s cheap, easy, and makes a huge difference in efficiency.
Next, schedule a professional checkup to ensure everything’s running smoothly. A quick tune-up now can save you from an emergency repair when it’s -10°F, and you’re huddled under every blanket you own. Bonus points if you install a smart thermostat, which lets you control your heat from your phone. Goodbye, unnecessarily high heating bills!
Stop Drafts in Their Tracks
Cold air sneaking in through your windows and doors is like leaving the fridge open—it’s wasteful, expensive, and downright annoying.
Seal those sneaky gaps with weatherstripping or caulking. For extra insulation, consider window film kits or thermal curtains, which not only keep the cold out but also add a touch of cozy chic to your home. And hey, draft stoppers aren’t just practical—they’re also an opportunity to buy something shaped like an adorable sausage dog.
Gutter Maintenance is Great
If you think cleaning your gutters is optional, think again. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which sound like something out of a superhero movie but are really just water backups that destroy your roof and walls.
Before winter hits, clear out leaves, dirt, and debris from your gutters. If you’re feeling fancy, install gutter guards to keep the mess out. Your future self (and your roof) will thank you.
Stock Up on Winter Essentials (Because “Oops, We Ran Out of Salt” Isn’t Fun)
A well-prepared home is a happy home. Stock up on rock salt or ice melt to keep your walkways safe and your guests upright. While you’re at it, grab some extra batteries, flashlights, and blankets for those inevitable winter power outages.
And don’t forget a best battery snow blower for when the driveway turns into a tundra. Yes, I’m mentioning it again because it’s that important.
Don’t Forget Your Roof
Snow looks beautiful on rooftops… until it doesn’t. Heavy snow can strain your roof and lead to leaks or even collapses.
Invest in a roof rake to safely remove excess snow. While you’re up there (figuratively—leave the climbing to the professionals), check for loose or damaged shingles. A small repair now can save you from a massive headache later.
Mind Your Chimney (Santa Isn’t the Only One Using It)
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, winter is the perfect time to use it. But before you channel your inner lumberjack and start burning logs, make sure your chimney is clean and clear of obstructions.
A dirty chimney is a fire hazard, and nobody wants a holiday season that includes a visit from the fire department. Call in a pro for a quick sweep, and you’ll be roasting marshmallows in no time.
Smart Home Tech: Your Winter Best Friend
Technology isn’t just for scrolling through TikTok—it can also make winter a breeze. Invest in smart plugs, smart thermostats, and motion-sensing lights for your outdoor spaces.
Not only do these gadgets make life easier, but they also improve safety and efficiency. Because nothing says “cozy” like controlling your lights and heat without leaving your blanket cocoon.
Prepare for Power Outages Like a Pro
Winter storms and power outages go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows—but without the fun. Make sure you’re ready with a backup generator, or at least a stash of batteries, flashlights, and candles.
A portable phone charger is a must-have because if you can’t Instagram your snow-day snacks, did they even happen?
Keep an Emergency Kit Handy
Even if you’re not the “prepper” type, a winter emergency kit is a no-brainer. Stock it with essentials like bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit, and warm blankets.
Pro tip: include a manual can opener—because nothing’s worse than staring at a can of soup you can’t open.
Bonus: Make Your Home Smell Like Winter Bliss
Okay, this one’s more about vibes than survival, but hear me out. Scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or even a stovetop potpourri can make your home smell like a winter wonderland instead of wet boots.
Think cinnamon, pine, and orange—not eau de slushy driveway. It’s the little things that make winter less miserable.
Here’s to a warm and cozy winter!