Winter brings challenges, but you can avoid common issues with proper steps to handle the cold and wet months ahead.
Winters in Chicago are known for their cold and often harsh conditions, and this year, an even colder and wetter winter is forecasted. While there might be less snow than average, most of it is expected toward the end of December. The climate here is typically continental: cold winters with constant temperature fluctuations.
Admit it, when you read forecasts like this, thoughts like, "Maybe it’s time to buy a new winter jacket? Or a warmer hat? How about waterproof boots?" immediately comes to mind. But wait, it’s not just about us! What about your home? It needs to be prepared for the winter as well. Here are a few simple tips for you!
Winter Home Prep: Essential Indoor Tasks
Preparing your home for winter is very important. Simple steps can help keep your house warm, reduce heating costs, and prevent damage from the cold.
1. Seal Your Windows and Doors to Keep Out the Cold
Be sure to check the rubber seals or foam tapes on windows and doors and replace them if they are worn, as they play an important role in retaining heat. Use a sealant to close even small gaps to prevent cold air from entering. These measures, which are affordable and easy to implement, will ensure comfort and energy efficiency in your home even on the coldest winter days
2. Check Your Heating System
Your heating system works hard in winter. Schedule a yearly HVAC check to keep your furnace running safely and smoothly. Replace air filters often to improve air quality and help your system perform better. If you have an older furnace, consider a professional inspection to catch issues early and avoid losing heat on cold days.
We recommend scheduling an expert inspection to ensure no small details are missed when identifying potential issues.
3. Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney
Clean your fireplace and chimney before winter to keep your home safe. This removes soot and creosote, which can cause fires. Additionally—check the chimney for blockages like bird nests or leaves that can stop proper airflow. Inspect the chimney cap and damper to make sure they work properly. A clean chimney reduces smoke and toxins in your home and helps firewood burn better. Regular maintenance lowers risks and makes your fireplace safer to use in winter.
For a thorough job, hiring a professional chimney sweep is also a good idea.
4. Protect Your Pipes
When it’s cold, pipes in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces can freeze and break. To prevent this, wrap your pipes with foam sleeves to keep them warm. Check for cracks or gaps near the pipes in walls or floors and seal them to block cold air. These simple steps can help you avoid frozen pipes and costly repairs.
5. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
In winter, the risk of carbon monoxide buildup from furnaces or fireplaces, as well as fires caused by improper use of heaters, increases significantly. And if smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are faulty, they can pose a serious threat to life.
So, before turning on your heating, don't forget to check your detectors! Replace the batteries if they're old, and press the test button to make sure the alarm is working. If the detectors are outdated (for example, over 7-10 years old), it's time to upgrade to new ones. Safety comes first!
Winter Maintenance for Your Home’s Exterior
Have you finished preparing your home for winter indoors and are already taking a breather? Hold on! Exterior preparation is just as important. Here’s a list of simple steps to help make your home safe and energy-efficient.
1. Inspect Your Roof
Check your roof to avoid damage. Look for broken or missing shingles. Check the flashing around chimneys and vents—it should fit tightly with no gaps. Clean the gutters to stop water from pooling. Inspect the attic for water stains or mold, which could mean a leak. Working on a roof can be dangerous, so use the right equipment and stay safe.
2. Protect Outdoor Furniture and Tools
Take care of your tools and hardware left outside during summer and fall. Clean off dirt and dry them to prevent mold or rust. Cover garden furniture with waterproof covers or store it inside. Treat metal tools with anti-corrosion spray and keep them in a dry area. Detach your garden hose, drain the water, and store it dry.
3. Turn Off Outdoor Water
After disconnecting the garden hose, turn off the water to outdoor faucets and ensure any leftover water is drained. To protect the faucets, cover them with insulation.
4. Clean Up Your Yard
Start by raking up the fallen leaves to avoid excess moisture that could harm the grass. Next, trim dry and damaged tree branches to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow. And don’t forget to carefully cover plants and shrubs with mulch to keep their roots warm during the winter.
We recommend completing the work in this order—this way, your house and yard will look tidy in the end, and the cold, snow, and ice won't become a serious challenge.
Are Tools Needed? Preparing the Basics
Getting your home ready for a Chicago winter is simple. You only need a few basic tools and some time.
- Seal and insulate: If you feel drafts, use a caulking gun, weatherproof tape, foam insulation, and heavy curtains to keep the cold out. This will help make your home warmer.
- Take care of the outside: Don’t forget about the exterior of your home. Use a ladder to reach high areas, a roof rake to remove snow, and pruning shears to trim branches. A gutter scoop will help clear debris so water can flow freely. Wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands.
- Keep winter tools ready: Have a flashlight and power station ready in case of outages. Use a snow shovel or snow removal machine to clear paths and de-icing salt to prevent slips on walkways.
If you don’t have the tools or need help, consider hiring a local handyman. With these steps, your home will be ready for the cold weather.
When Should You Call a Handyman?
Winter is here, and some jobs are best left to professionals. Here are a few tasks where expert help makes sense:
- Roof Repairs: Working on a roof in winter can be unsafe. A handyman can inspect and fix the damage without risk.
- HVAC Maintenance: Your furnace works hard in cold weather. A technician can check it to keep your home warm.
- Chimney Cleaning: Cleaning a chimney takes specific tools and care. A professional can handle it to keep your fireplace safe.
- Insulation Work: For big insulation projects, a professional can ensure proper installation to keep your home warm and energy-efficient.
FixHome+ handymen in Chicago and the suburbs can help prepare your home for winter. They handle the tasks so you can stay warm and safe.
Final Thoughts
Getting your home ready for winter is simple. With a few steps, you can keep it warm and comfortable while avoiding common issues.
Start by sealing drafts around windows and doors, insulating pipes to prevent freezing, and checking your heating system to ensure it works properly. These steps help keep your home cozy, reduce energy costs, and avoid costly repairs.
If you need help, consider hiring a local handyman for the bigger tasks.
By preparing now, you can enjoy a warm and trouble-free winter. A little effort makes a big difference.
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