Winterizing helps prepare your home for the colder months ahead, protecting it from the damage that snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures can cause. The first step in this process is to perform a home inspection and identify vulnerable spots. Learn more about some of the most essential areas below, and ways to winterize each.

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

1. Clean the Gutters

Fall is the ideal time to tackle gutter cleaning, as this is the season when leaves fall and can cause clogs. If left alone, dirty gutters can be a serious problem come winter because water won't be able to effectively flow away from the home, raising the risk of water backups, roof leaks, and ice dams. Clean the gutters yourself or hire a professional, and install a wire mesh overlay to catch debris and protect your home further.

2. Program Your Thermostat

Set your thermostat for winter at 68 degrees to ensure a steady supply of heat that'll keep the pipes, fixtures, and other internal systems running smoothly and ensure all members of the household are warm. At the same time, 68 degrees isn't so hot that it'll cause unnecessary wear and tear on your furnace or markedly increase your heating bills.

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Check the pipes in your basement as part of your home inspection. If you have a finished, heated basement, you likely won't need to do anything to them. However, if the basement is unfinished and unheated, or even just noticeably colder than the rest of the house, you should insulate the pipes. Wrap both the cold and hot water pipes in heat tape or sleeves for the best results, as either can freeze if temperatures drop low enough.

If you need a professional home inspection for your winterization projects, trust New Home Inspectors. Since 2001, they’ve been offering home inspections, property condition assessments, and termite inspections to residents throughout Long Island, NY. Schedule an inspection by calling (631) 368-1800, or visit their website to learn more about their services.