As cold weather approaches, it is important to take a few preventative measures to protect your home through the winter months. Weatherproofing your home is a task that can be done relatively inexpensively by the DIY homeowner. If you use the following checklist for winterizing your home it may make a big difference in how comfortable your home is and can save you money on energy bills too.

Easy DIY Home Weatherproofing:

Some small weatherproofing tasks require little to no effort, but can make a real difference once cold weather sets in. By doing a winterizing home inspection before the snow flies, you'll be saving yourself some hassle and possibly some money too.

Clean gutters and downspouts in mid-fall and double-check them before winter.
Replace the filter in your furnace.
Close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather.
Disconnect water hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water.
Buy a snow shovel and other winter supplies before the winter weather hits.
Keep extra water, canned and dry food available just in case.

Weatherproofing Inspections of the Home:

Check the attic, walls, and basement for adequate insulation.
Feel around electrical outlets and switch-plates for cold air, add insulation where necessary.
Look around doors and windows for gaps and potential places where warm air can escape.
Caulk or apply weather-stripping around problem draft areas.
Check for damaged roof shingles and loose gutters.
Have a heating technician look at your furnace if you are unsure of its efficiency.
Have chimneys and woodstoves cleaned early in the season.
Test the flue for each fireplace for a tight seal when closed.

Weatherproof Windows:

Though there are many places in the home where heat can escape and cold air can enter, windows are one of the biggest culprits. In older homes, especially, having weatherproof windows can make a marked difference in your energy costs and how comfortable your living areas feel. In some instances, you might only need a bit of caulk or weather-stripping to weatherproof windows, but if your windows are well past their prime, consider replacing them with energy-efficient double paned windows to create a more efficient space.

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