Winter Prep Your Home!

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, it’s time for residents to prepare their homes for the winter months ahead. With its beautiful snowy landscapes and chilly weather, Boise can be a winter wonderland, but it also poses some unique challenges. To ensure your home remains warm, safe, and energy-efficient during the cold season, consider these essential preparation tips.

1. Inspect Your Heating System

Before the cold sets in, schedule a professional inspection of your heating system. This includes your furnace, fireplace, or wood stove. Ensuring that your heating system is cleaned and working efficiently can help prevent unexpected breakdowns during the coldest days. Replace filters and check for any necessary repairs to keep warm air flowing effectively.

2. Check Insulation and Sealing

Proper insulation is key to maintaining heat in your home. Look for gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and other openings. Weather-stripping and caulking can significantly reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency. Don’t forget to inspect your attic insulation as well, as a well-insulated attic can prevent heat loss and reduce heating bills.

3. Prepare Plumbing for Freezing Temperatures

Freezing pipes can lead to costly damage. To prevent this, insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as basements and attics. Let faucets drip slowly during extreme cold to keep water flowing, and if you plan to leave your home for an extended period, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes.

4. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Make sure you’re prepared for winter storms. Stock your home with essentials like bottled water, non-perishable foods, batteries, flashlights, and a first aid kit. Additionally, keep a supply of salt or sand for icy sidewalks and driveways. Don’t forget a sturdy snow shovel and a snow blower if you have a larger area to clear.

5. Winterize Your Outdoor Space

Protect your outdoor furniture and garden equipment. Bring inside or cover any items that may be damaged by snow or ice. Make sure to clean gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams. If you have potted plants, either bring them indoors or insulate them with burlap or bubble wrap.

6. Safety First: Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter is a peak time for house fires, often due to heating equipment. Ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly by testing them and replacing batteries if needed. Having a fire extinguisher readily available can also provide peace of mind.

7. Review Your Emergency Plan

Winter storms can lead to power outages and difficult travel conditions. Make sure your family has a communication plan in place. Identify a safe meeting spot and ensure everyone knows how to contact each other. Consider having a battery-operated or hand-crank radio on hand for emergency updates.

8. Embrace Energy Efficiency

As energy costs can rise in winter, consider energy-efficient practices to save money. Use thick curtains or thermal blinds to keep warmth inside and reduce heating costs. During sunny days, open the curtains to let natural light in, which can help warm up spaces.

Conclusion

Preparing your home for winter can make a significant difference in comfort and safety. In Boise, where winter can be unpredictable, taking these steps can protect your home, save on energy bills, and ensure you’re ready for whatever nature brings. By investing time in winter prepping, you can enjoy the beauty of the season with peace of mind, knowing that your home is warm and welcoming. Happy winter prepping!

As always let us know if you have any questions!