Preparing Your Home for Winter

Keeping Warm, Cozy & Safe During the Holidays and Beyond

As the days become shorter and autumn’s fallen leaves wrap up their final dance, Mother Nature reminds us that winter is just around the corner. Now is the time to make sure your home is ready for the holidays and beyond. Here are some Winter Home Preparation Tips to keep you warm, comfortable, and safe all season long.

1. Winter-prep your exterior

Take these steps to protect your home and ensure your peace of mind:

✔ Check your outdoor lighting and security. 

We’re in for some short days and long nights. Ensure your outdoor lighting and home security systems are working properly.

✔ Seal your doors and windows to prevent drafts.

To prevent cold drafts and energy loss, replace any worn-out weatherstripping around your doors and windows. Apply caulk where gaps exist, and ensure that your insulation and seals are in good condition.

✔ Pest-proof your home. 

Seal any gaps around your home’s foundation, vents, and pipes to keep the critters from seeking shelter inside.

✔ Prevent freezing.

Drain hoses and check the insulation around exposed pipes to prevent freezing.

✔ Remove debris from your gutters and downspouts.

This will help prevent leaks and ice dam build-ups.

✔ Inspect your roof.

Replace loose or missing shingles and trim any overhanging branches.

✔ Clear your entryways.

Check pathways, stairs, and railings for safety hazards.

2. Inspect your bathrooms and plumbing. 

Before guests arrive for the holidays, check your bathrooms and plumbing for any leaks or worn caulking. If you have a sump pump to protect against flooding, ensure it is functioning correctly before the wet and snowy weather arrives. Our licensed plumbers are here to assist you.

3. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Regardless of how you heat your home, every system comes with inherent risks. To keep your home and family safe, test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms at the start of the season. 

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is hazardous because it’s a colorless, odorless gas that displaces oxygen in the blood. CO poisoning accounts for over 100,000 emergency room visits and 400 deaths each year in the U.S. Leading safety organizations recommend placing CO detectors on every floor (especially near bedrooms), changing batteries annually, and replacing them according to the manufacturer’s instructions (5 to 7 years in many cases).

4. Restock your emergency preparedness kit.

To prepare for winter storms and emergencies, stock up on the following items: 

• Basic First-aid kit

• Essential medications

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Back-up battery for mobile devices

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Canned food and a manual can opener

• Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)

• Baby formula (if applicable)

• Food and water for pets

5. Ensure your heating system is ready for the season.

✔ Test your thermostat. 

Ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly by testing it before the cold weather arrives. If you still have an older model, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. With customizable schedules, these devices help minimize energy waste and lower heating costs—all while keeping your home comfortable.

>READ MORE: Choosing the Right Thermostat for Your Heating System

✔ Schedule an annual inspection and tune-up.

Your furnace, heat pump, or boiler works extra hard in the cold weather months. Schedule an annual inspection and tune-up to extend the lifespan of your heating system and ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.

Heating System Problems to Avoid:

Skipping annual heating system maintenance may save you some money in the short term, but it may lead to more significant (and costly) problems down the road, including:

• Higher energy bills due to clogged filters, leaks, or failing components

• Poor indoor air quality (Aggravating allergies and causing respiratory issues.)

• Excess moisture or overly dry air

• Unexpected system breakdowns and emergencies

• Lower system efficiency and lifespan

• Carbon monoxide leaks (from poor ventilation or a cracked heat exchanger) 

Even minor issues, such as a dirty air filter or clogged ductwork, can escalate into a significant problem if left unchecked.

Preparing for the Months Ahead

November is the ideal time to take a moment to prepare your home for the holidays and beyond. A little preparation and prevention now goes a long way toward staying warm, cozy, and safe this winter.

Home Heating Installation, Service, and Repair in MA and NH

Main Stream Mechanical is your home comfort specialist, and we are here to help you keep your heating system working safely and efficiently. Since 1996, we’ve proudly served homeowners in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Call us today at (978) 834-0849 or visit us online to discuss your home heating needs.