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Protect your home from freezing temperatures, drafts, and expensive repairs. Here’s everything you need to know about how to winterize your house inside and out.
Key takeaways
Proper winterization can lower heating costs and prevent expensive repairs caused by frozen pipes or leaks.
Start winterizing your home in early fall before the first freeze to avoid last-minute emergencies.
Simple steps like insulating pipes, sealing windows, and servicing your HVAC system can make your home more efficient and comfortable all winter long.
Winter weather can be fierce—bringing cold air, ice, and storms that test every part of your home. The last thing you want is to deal with frozen pipes, heat loss, or unexpected repairs when temperatures drop, especially when you’d rather be staying cozy indoors. That’s where winterization comes in.
As residential energy costs continue to rise each year, preparing your home for the cold season is about more than comfort: it’s also about protection and savings.1 This guide walks you through how to winterize your house step by step, helping you keep your systems running smoothly, your energy bills under control, and your home ready for whatever winter brings.
What does winterizing a house mean?
The best time to start winterizing your house is early fall, before temperatures drop below freezing. Once nights start dipping into the 40s, it’s smart to inspect your heating system, clean gutters, and check windows and doors for drafts.
If you live in a colder region, begin the process in late September or early October. In milder climates, late October or November may be fine, but don’t wait until the first frost. Early action gives you time to fix small issues before they become big ones.
How do you fully winterize a home?
The goal of winterizing a house is to protect both your home’s exterior and interior from freezing temperatures, moisture buildup, and cold-weather wear and tear. By taking time to winterize home systems and surfaces now, you can help prevent big repairs down the line.
Follow this checklist to make sure your home is ready for winter inside and out.
Exterior winterization
Start outside. Before freezing temperatures hit, check for weak spots where water or cold air can creep in.
Remove leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts. These clogs can trap melting snow and ice, leading to roof leaks and foundation issues.
Disconnect sprinklers and hoses:
Detach the garden hose and drain your outdoor faucet. If you have an irrigation system, shut off the water supply and blow out the lines to prevent freezing.
Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or sagging gutters. You don’t want winter storms to get in, possibly causing water damage or leaks.
Protect or bring equipment inside:
`Move outdoor furniture, grills, and garden tools into a shed or garage. Use weatherproof covers to keep remaining outdoor items in good shape through the winter months.
Give grass a final short mow before the first freeze, rake away leaves, and apply winter fertilizer if needed.
Expert Tip:
Even if your home has gutter protection, dust and smaller bits of debris can get through the mesh and create gutter sludge. Scoop it out as part of your gutter cleaning process– and feel free to hold onto it to use as garden compost, if so inclined.
Interior winterization
Once the exterior is secured, move inside for heating maintenance and HVAC maintenance, and take other precautions that make sure your home stays warm, efficient, and safe.
Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up before winter begins. A Pro can check your system for efficiency and safety issues. And check out our tips for replacing your HVAC filter yourself.
Weather-strip windows and doors:
Apply weather stripping or caulk around gaps in windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out. Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can provide up to a 10% savings on your annual energy bills, according to EnergyStar.
Maintain your fireplace and chimney:
If you use a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned. Clear out ashes, test the damper, and make sure the flue is unobstructed to reduce fire risk.
Check and refresh insulation:
Inspect your attic, basement, and crawl spaces for thin or damp insulation and replace as needed. Don’t forget to insulate exposed pipes to avoid freezing.
Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup, check for leaks, and adjust the temperature to around 120°F for efficiency. While you’re there, locate your breaker or fuse panel box and make sure all circuits are clearly labeled—it’ll save time if you need to shut off power in an emergency this winter.
Don’t let winter catch you off guard.
Download our Winter Home Prep Checklist for a step-by-step guide to protecting your home inside and out this season.
Before you leave your home empty for the season, taking a few precautions can prevent major problems down the line. Simple steps like turning off the water supply, draining pipes, and setting your thermostat properly can help protect your home from freezing temperatures and costly repairs. Here’s how to winterize a vacant home before you go.
Turn off the water supply
The most important thing you can do before winterizing your house is shut off the main water valve. Leaving water in the lines while the home sits unused increases the risk of frozen or burst pipes.
The shutoff is usually located outside, often in a utility box or near the foundation. If your home uses a well, flip the breaker to the pump instead. And if you’re unable to turn off the water supply completely for whatever reason, you can leave a small trickle running through faucets at opposite ends of the home to help prevent freezing.
Drain the pipes
Once the water is off, open every faucet and flush every toilet to drain remaining water. Let them run until only a slow drip remains. After toilet tanks have emptied, flush again to drain the bowls. If your home has a well, drain the pressure tank. If you plan to shut off the water heater, drain it too.
Insulate exposed pipes
Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas—like garages, basements, and crawl spaces—with foam or fiberglass insulation. This simple step helps keep pipes warm enough to prevent freezing. Seal gaps around pipe openings with caulk or spray foam, and consider using electrical heating tape on especially vulnerable sections.
Set thermostat to around 60°F
Don’t turn your heating system off entirely. Keeping your thermostat (or smart thermostat) around 60 degrees helps protect both your pipes and your home’s interior systems. You’ll save on energy while maintaining a safe indoor temperature.
Unplug appliances
If you’re leaving the power on, unplug appliances such as TVs, microwaves, and coffee makers. This reduces the risk of electrical issues and saves a little energy while you’re away.
Empty trash/fridge
Before leaving, clear out trash cans and dispose of perishable food from the refrigerator. Nothing says “welcome home” like a fresh-smelling house—so don’t skip this final step.
Install security features
A vacant house can attract unwanted attention, especially during the winter months. Make your home appear occupied and secure before you leave.
Use timers or smart plugs to turn lights on and off at scheduled times.
Add motion-sensor exterior lighting to deter potential intruders.
Check your security system before you go to ensure all alarms and sensors are working properly.
Forward your mail and arrange for snow removal so the property looks lived-in.
With a few smart upgrades, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is both protected and prepared for the cold season.
Stay warm, protected, and prepared all winter long
Pipes can start to freeze when outdoor temperatures drop to around 30°F or lower, especially if they’re exposed or uninsulated. Even at slightly higher temperatures, pipes along exterior walls or in unheated areas—like basements or crawl spaces—are at risk. Insulating vulnerable pipes and keeping your home heated to at least 55–60°F can help prevent freezing.
Most homeowners can complete basic winterization in a weekend, depending on the size of the home and its condition. Tasks like gutter cleaning, weather-stripping, and draining exterior pipes can be done in a few hours, while larger projects—like insulation updates or HVAC tune-ups—may take longer.
Yes, even in warmer regions, cold snaps can cause damage. A light freeze can still burst pipes or strain your heating system. Focus on insulating exposed pipes, checking window seals, and having your HVAC serviced to stay ready for sudden temperature drops.
