Oct 25, 2023 2 min read

Winter is quickly approaching, which means it’s time for homeowners to start winterizing their homes in preparation for Pennsylvania’s frosty temperatures and snowy weather.

“It’s a good idea to begin winterizing your home before cold weather hits,” said Washington-Greene Association of Realtors® President Beverly Herndon. “This will help save energy and avoid damage that may be caused by cold temperatures and winter storms before they happen.”

Homeowners should make sure they clean out their gutters before the first snowfall of the season to prevent water damage. It’s also a good idea to inspect roofs for leaks and replace or add insulation in the attic if necessary.

“Don’t forget to weatherproof your doors and windows, especially if you have older ones that aren’t energy-efficient,” Herndon added. “Place weatherstripping around the edges, apply caulk to seal gaps and consider adding window film to keep the drafts out. Door sweeps can help, too.”

It’s important for homeowners to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Not only will this help keep them warm, but it helps save energy and avoid costly heating expenses.

Another task for the checklist? Clean chimneys and check HVAC systems. Dirty chimneys and faulty furnaces can pose dangerous fire as well as health hazards. Once checked, homeowners can stay warm and stay safe.

“It’s crucial that you remember to protect your pipes,” Herndon advised. “When pipes freeze and burst, they can cause major problems, such as flooding, water damage and high repair costs.”

Homeowners should make sure they know the location of their main water shutoff so they can access it quickly in an emergency. They should also drain water from outdoor sprinklers and hoses and store them away. Covering pipes in a pipe wrap can also prevent them from freezing.