Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Jason Nguyen
Cold weather will see you spending as much time as possible inside your beloved home, but it also brings with it the need to make additional checks and maintenance, both inside and outside your property.
Winter is a crucial time where you can’t afford for things to go wrong at home, especially when you just want to stay safe and warm until the cold weather abates.
Here are 6 important points to remember when prepping your home for the cold season.
1. Salt the Ground
Cold weather and rainfall can bring opportunities for ice outside your home, even if you only have a small path. Be sure to remember to salt the ground to prevent slips and falls, especially if you have steps outside your property or a driveway that you use to park your vehicle.
It may also be a good idea to activate an outdoor light so that you can see more clearly where you are stepping during the darker nights, in order to move more safely or spot ice if it has formed before you have had the chance to salt the ground.
2. Check Your Furnace
You want to stay as warm as possible during the winter, and the last thing you need is your furnace breaking down when you need it the most. If your home feels constantly freezing despite you having turned up the thermostat to the highest temperature, this is an indication that something is wrong, and it may be time to check and potentially replace furnace replacement parts.
You should carry out all relevant checks of your furnace during the winter in order to catch any problems as quickly as possible so the situation can be resolved and your home’s temperature doesn’t have to suffer for it.
Related: 7 Worst Furnace Brands To Avoid
3. Stock Up
You don’t know what the bad weather will bring; heavy snowfall or dangerous weather may see you housebound until it’s safe to venture out again. It’s a good idea to stock up your kitchen with extra supplies, food, and water, just in case you’re unable to do your weekly shop as expected.
4. Make Sure Everything is Sealed
Even the tiniest gaps or cracks around your windows and doors can mean you suffer icy drafts, and they will make it harder for your home to heat up properly. Before the cold weather really sets in, make sure you weatherproof your windows and doors as best you can.
5. Safeguard Your Fireplace
Regular fireplace maintenance is a must regardless, but especially so before the winter season when you’re going to need it the most. Ensure you have your flue line inspected and your chimney cleaned before the cold season hits to make sure that it is in perfect working order and that the chimney is clear enough to allow the heat to circulate as it should.
Related: 20+ Types Of Fireplaces and Their Names
6. Protect Your Outdoor Items
If you have anything outside which can’t be used during the winter, such as garden furniture or outdoor plants, you should take measures to protect them, either by bringing them inside the home, storing them in a garage or shed, or covering them in a secure way so that they don’t suffer under the cold weather.