Home Winterization Checklist

Winterize in early fall before the first hard freeze. The goal: keep heat in, water flowing, and cold out.

Plumbing

• [ ] Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
• [ ] Shut off indoor valves to outdoor faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain
• [ ] Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas (foam sleeves)
• [ ] Know where your main water shut-off is

Heating

• [ ] Replace the furnace filter
• [ ] Schedule furnace service if due
• [ ] Test the thermostat in heat mode
• [ ] Vacuum radiator fins and baseboard heaters

Exterior

• [ ] Clean gutters (see gutter checklist)
• [ ] Seal gaps and cracks with caulk
• [ ] Add weatherstripping to doors; a door sweep if light shows underneath
• [ ] Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise (pushes warm air down)
• [ ] Store or cover outdoor furniture

Emergency kit

• Flashlights, batteries, blankets, water, non-perishable food, and a backup heat source that is safe for indoor use (never use a grill or generator indoors).

Frozen pipe? Leave the faucet open slightly — running water freezes slower. If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water immediately.