Winter storms can strike with little warning, turning a cozy home into a freezing liability. Preparing your home now isn't just about comfort—it's about protecting your biggest asset from costly damage.
Whether you're facing a blizzard or just a deep freeze, taking a few proactive steps can save you thousands in repairs and energy bills. Here are the three most critical things to do before the first flake falls.
1. Close Your Ducts
It sounds simple, but it's often overlooked. If you have a crawl space or attic, ensure your ductwork is properly sealed and insulated. Leaky ducts can lose up to 30% of your home's heated air before it even reaches your living spaces.
- Inspect visible ducts: Look for gaps, holes, or disconnected sections.
- Seal leaks: Use mastic sealant or metal tape (not duct tape!) to seal connections.
- Check vents: Ensure foundation vents in crawl spaces are closed if you don't have a conditioned crawl space, to prevent pipes from freezing.
2. Have Salt on Hand
Don't wait until the store shelves are empty. Stocking up on de-icing agents now ensures you can keep your walkways and driveway safe.
Pet Safety Tip
Many common de-icers are toxic to pets. Look for "pet-safe" options containing urea or magnesium chloride instead of rock salt.
3. Get a Thermal Audit
The best way to know if your insulation is up to code is to see what your eyes can't. A thermal audit uses infrared cameras to detect heat loss around windows, doors, and in your walls.
Identifying these "cold spots" allows you to add insulation exactly where it's needed, preventing ice dams on your roof and keeping your pipes from bursting in extreme cold.
Is your home ready for the freeze?
Don't guess about your insulation. Connect with a trusted local partner to perform a professional thermal audit today.
Find a Thermal Audit Pro