It’s the most wonderful time of the year—winter! But while it brings magical snow and cozy nights, winter can also bring colder temperatures and be hard on your home. Luckily, there are several things you can do to protect your home from the cold weather without having to hire a professional. 

How do you know if you need a professional vs. trying to fix the issue? We are here to help. This blog will look at some of the most effective ways to protect your home from cold weather—from sealing up cracks to investing in a smart thermostat. So, read on to learn how to keep your home safe and warm during the cold winter.

Thankfully, you can take plenty of steps to protect your home without needing to hire a pro. Here’s how to winter-proof your home on a budget to protect your biggest investment this season.

Insulate any exposed pipes

Bundling up your pipes (like you would your kids before sending them outside on a cold day) is one of the best ways to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Any pipes that are located outside or in unheated areas should be insulated. This will prevent water from freezing and the pipes from bursting.

Check around your house for any vulnerable pipes. You’ll usually find them in the:

• Basement
• Crawlspace
• Attic
• Garage

Once you’ve located the exposed plumbing, wrap them in insulation. You don’t need to hire a professional for this job — you can usually find affordable pipe insulation at your local hardware store.

Open your cabinets to prevent your pipes from freezing

Even pipes inside your home can freeze when temperatures drop. So it’s a good idea to open the cabinet doors around your sinks and other piping. This allows heat to circulate throughout those areas and keeps your pipes from freezing.

Get Spigot Covers

Take a stroll around the exterior of your home and check for any outdoor faucets (known as spigots). If you find any, investing in some spigot covers is a good idea. 

These foam or plastic covers prevent icy drafts from entering through the spigots. Without them, any water left over when not in use can freeze and expand, damaging both the spigot itself and any connected piping.

You can pick up these covers at your local hardware store or get one from Lee Company. They’re inexpensive and serve an invaluable purpose in protecting against winter plumbing damage!

Keep a water drip going to prevent frozen pipes

A leaky faucet isn’t usually good news, but it can be your best friend when temperatures are below freezing. Keeping a small drip of water running from an interior faucet is a great way to avoid frozen plumbing on the coldest days. The steady flow of water prevents the pipes from freezing because moving water has more difficulty freezing than standing water.

Are you worried about that wasted water? Catch it in a bucket for other tasks like watering house plants.

Check your roof for missing shingles

Santa shouldn’t be the only person on the rooftop. It’s important to make sure your roof is winter-proofed ahead of time. Cold weather can cause damage to any areas where the shingles may be missing or lifted. If this happens, snow and ice can seep through the cracks and melt into your home’s attic area. Check your roof for any missing shingles and take action before winter strikes.

While you’re up there, you may also want to clear your gutters of any debris. Clogged gutters can cause pools of water to collect on your roof, resulting in possible ice dams and further moisture damage.

Climbing on the roof isn’t everyone’s cup of tea…so if you’re afraid of heights or can’t make it up there, consider calling Lee Company.

Inspect your windows and doors for cracks

Checking your windows and doors for air leaks is one of the simplest and most effective ways to winter-proof your home. Look for spaces that allow cold drafts, then fill them with caulk or weatherstripping as needed. This cheap fix will help keep chilly winds out of your house while keeping warm air in (which reduces your monthly heating bill).

You can also invest in window insulation kits. These plastic coverings go right over your windows and help keep the cold out and warmth in.

Invest in a smart thermostat

Investing in a smart thermostat is one of the best things you can do to protect your home from the cold weather. Smart thermostats are designed to adjust your home’s temperature automatically, helping reduce energy use and save on utility bills. They can also be programmed to fit your lifestyle, allowing you to set schedules and adjust the temperature remotely. 

Smart thermostats can detect occupancy, automatically turning off when no one is home. This reduces energy costs and ensures your home is always at a comfortable temperature when you’re there. Investing in a smart thermostat is a great way to save money and keep your home comfortable during the cold winter months.

If you need help, Lee Company is ready and able

Winter can be harsh and unforgiving, but if you take the necessary steps to winter-proof your home, you can keep your family safe, warm, and healthy all season long.

And when you need the help of a professional, Lee Company has you covered! We can handle all your home’s winter needs, from frozen pipe repair to entire HVAC system tune-ups. Contact us today, and let us keep you cozy all season long.