Winters in Indiana bring unpredictable weather—extreme cold, ice, and snow—that can challenge even the most prepared homeowners. Taking the right precautions can help you protect your home, save on energy bills, and ensure your family stays safe during these frigid months.

Here are ways to winterize your home for the extreme cold.

Insulate Your Home

Seal Drafts: If you have any doors or windows with noticeable airflow, put a towel or something under/over to prevent the cold air from entering your home. You can also use weatherstripping and caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, and outlets.

Seal Your Crawlspace/Basement: Make sure any crawlspace vents are sealed up around your home to prevent freezing pipes during extreme temperatures

Add Insulation: Insulate your attic, walls, and pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent freezing.

Install Storm Windows: Storm windows provide an additional barrier to keep cold air out and warm air in.

Protect Your Plumbing

Keep Exposed Pipes Warm: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to cover exposed pipes, particularly in unheated areas like basements and garages.
We also recommend you leave cabinet doors under sinks and vanities open during extremely cold temperatures, allowing for warm air to circulate around the pipes.

Keep Faucets Dripping: If you’re concerned about water lines freezing in a specific area of your home, leave a slow drip from the faucet only during extreme sub-freezing temperatures to reduce pressure and prevent pipe bursts.

Shut Off Outdoor Water: Drain and turn off exterior water lines and unhook and store hoses.

Schedule System Maintenance: Regular maintenance helps to keep your home’s plumbing in good working order. It can also identify potential problems and allow you to prevent problems before they happen.

Maintain Your Heating System

Check the Filters: Check your air filters to make sure they aren’t dirty. Replace air filters regularly to improve airflow and heating efficiency.

Set Your Thermostat: Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature, and don’t let it fluctuate or experience big swings in temperature.

Keep Vents Cleared: Leave the vents throughout your home open and clear from obstructions.

Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure detectors are functioning to monitor for dangerous gas leaks from heating systems.

Schedule a Tune-Up: Have your furnace or boiler serviced to ensure it’s working efficiently.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set ceiling fans to spin clockwise at low speed to circulate warm air.

Install Smart Thermostats: Programmable thermostats optimize heating and can reduce energy consumption.

Use Thermal Curtains: They add insulation to windows and help retain heat.

Winterize the Exterior

If you haven’t already prepared your home’s exterior for the colder weather, we recommend you:

Clean Gutters: Remove debris to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof.

Inspect the Roof: Check for missing or loose shingles and repair them to avoid leaks from melting snow.

Protect Outdoor Equipment: Cover or store grills, patio furniture, and other items to shield them from harsh conditions.

Stay Informed & Be Prepared

Monitor Weather Alerts: Sign up for local winter storm notifications and warnings.

Create an Emergency Kit: In case of a power outage, prepare a kit that includes: non-perishable food & water, first aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries, and keep extra blankets and warm clothing on hand.

Charge Devices: Keep cell phones and power banks fully charged ahead of storms.

Invest in a Generator: If there’s a power outage, a backup generator can keep essential systems running.

Taking these steps not only protects your home from winter damage but also ensures your family stays comfortable and safe during the coldest months. Preparation is key to thriving in the face of extreme weather!

To book your heating and/or plumbing system check, you can schedule online or give us a call!