Make sure your home is safeguarded against subfreezing temperatures. Lowe’s put together this checklist that will help you ensure you’re prepared.
- Protect Your Pipes
Depending on the region of the United States you’re in, you’ll need to protect your pipes from bursting this winter.
Frozen Pipes: Prevention and Repair
Shop Pipe Insulation - Time to Weatherproof
Weatherstripping or installing storm doors and windows will prevent cold air from entering your home or heat from escaping it, which will reduce your power bills.
Install a Storm Door
Install a Door Sweep
Weatherstrip Your Doors
Weatherstrip Your Windows
Shop Door Sweeps
Shop Weatherstripping - Check your Fireplace
Animal nests or creosote buildup in your fireplace can be hazardous. Have an annual inspection before building your first fire of the season.
Clean Your Fireplace
Shop Fireplaces and Stoves - Block the Cold
Caulk around windows and use foam outlet protectors to prevent cold air from entering your home. However, the majority of heat loss typically occurs via openings in the attic. Check to make sure that you have enough insulation.
Caulk Buying Guide
How To Caulk
Insulation Buying Guide
Install Insulation
Shop Caulk
Shop Insulation and Accessories - Change Your Thermostat
Have you switched out your thermostat to a programmable version? If not, add this one to your list. A programmable thermostat lets you customize your heating so the system doesn’t run when you don’t need it. You can program the thermostat for one temperature when you’re at home and another when you’re away.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Shop Programmable Thermostats - Protect Your Plants
You’ll need to bring plants and flowering trees inside before the first cold snap. Typically, you should bring your plants in before temperatures dip below 45 degrees.
Winterize Your Garden
Understanding Frost and Freeze Dates
Shop Plant Protection - Bring in the Outdoors
Cold temperatures, snow and ice can damage outdoor furniture and grills. If possible, store them in the garage or basement. If you have a gas grill with a propane tank, close the tank valve and disconnect the tank first. It must be stored outside. If you don’t have storage space for your items, purchase covers to protect them from the elements. You also need to maintain your grill and cover it before putting it away for the season.
Clean and Maintain Your Grill
Shop Grill Covers
Shop Outdoor Furniture Covers - Maintain your Outdoor Equipment
Outdoor power equipment such as mowers and string trimmers need to be cleaned and maintained prior to storing them. If you have a snow blower, it’s time to inspect it before the first snowfall to ensure it’s working properly. This is also a good time to stock up on ice melt.
Why Own a Generator
Caring for Outdoor Power Equipment
Shop Outdoor Power Equipment
Shop Ice Melt - Save on Your Energy Bills
Call your local power company to see if they conduct energy saving assessments. It’s often a free service in which a representative will identify specific changes to make your home more energy efficient and save you money. In addition to the suggestions above, LED light bulbs and hot water heater blankets can also make a difference.
Shop LED Light Bulbs
Shop Water Heater Blankets