5 Winterizing Projects Most First-Time Homeowners Forget Their First Winter Season 

Being a first-time homeowner usually comes with a long to-do list. Renovations, repairs, and routine maintenance can quickly pile up.

Now that winter is fast approaching, it’s also important to prep your home for the colder temps. 

While some winterizing tasks, like testing your furnace and checking your thermostat, are obvious, others are far too easy to overlook.

By knowing what these little-known but essential projects are, you can keep your home (and your loved ones) safe and sound all winter long.

How to prepare your first home for winter

Being proactive and taking preventive measures now—instead of when winter is already in full swing—can help you avoid headaches and costly emergencies down the road. 

Here are five affordable, beginner-friendly tips to help get your home ready for the chillier months ahead:

1. Clean your gutters

Some people only associate gutters with rain, and forget that snow and freezing temperatures can also wreak havoc on them.

“If your gutters get backed up with debris, ice can accumulate and create ice dams, which may weaken your roof and lead to serious home damage,” explains Mitch Coluzzi, head of construction at SoldFast in Des Moines, IA. 

You can clean your gutters yourself or take the safer route and hire a pro. Another option is to invest in a quality gutter now so you don’t have to worry about your gutters in the future.

2. Seal drafty windows 

During the winter months, windows become a prime spot for energy loss.

“Seal out the cold using a shrink film window kit. This can block drafts and air leaks that lead to high heating costs,” says Randi Bujnovsky, weatherization product manager at Duck, a home weatherization brand in Cleveland. 

Shrink film window kits are readily available online or at your local home improvement store. Just make sure you read the directions carefully before using one.

3. Protect gas-powered equipment kept outdoors

Coluzzi recommends you use up the rest of the gas in your lawnmower and leaf blower. Disconnect tanks for equipment like grills or heaters. 

“Also, ensure your valves are in good condition before storing them in a shed. If you notice cracks or damage, replace them immediately,” says Coluzzi. 

4. Insulate outlets and switches

Electrical sockets and switch plates on exterior walls may be a hidden source for drafty air, so don’t ignore them.

“To seal heat inside your home, install removable socket sealers that fit snugly behind the outlet or switch’s outer faceplate cover,” explains Bujnovsky.

Rest assured, socket sealers are a breeze to install. It takes minutes, and you don’t need any special equipment. 

5. Raise your items

“Elevate tools, garden equipment, coolers, sports gear, and anything else that you’ve stored on the floor, the shed, or the garage,” says Alan Bernau Jr., owner and construction expert at Alan's Factory Outlet in Luray, VA. 

This is essential as water always finds the lowest point in the winter. By keeping your items on shelves, you can protect them from moisture on the floor and ensure they stay in good shape throughout the colder months.

Don’t forget about your home insurance coverage

In addition to these winterizing projects, get familiar with your home insurance policy before winter hits.

“Do not enter a freeze event assuming that every type of damage will be covered,” says Russell C. Vent, vice president of Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Rochester in Rochester, NY.

It’s a good idea to call your insurance company or agent and review coverage for some of the types of issues listed above and others.

“Also, make sure you’re keeping your home heated properly and you can prove it. Some insurance companies will require proof from your energy supplier that your home was being heated properly before affording coverage of a claim,” explains Vent.

Lastly, check your property regularly during the winter to make sure there aren’t any minor issues that can be resolved early on before they become bigger problems. 

“A good rule of thumb is every two weeks, but it’s best to clarify this with your insurance company. Failure to monitor your property, in my experience, has led to insurance claim denials,” says Vent.