How to Winterize Your Home

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, preparing your home for winter is about more than comfort; it’s about safety, savings, and peace of mind. Winter brings extra risks: more time indoors, more heating, more cooking, and higher chances of house fires or carbon monoxide leaks.

Staying ahead with regular maintenance can:

• Protect your family from fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
• Prevent costly damage like frozen pipes and roof leaks.
• Save money by improving energy efficiency and reducing repair bills.

According to the National Association of Realtors’ Houselogic, neglected maintenance can reduce a home’s value by up to 10 percent, a $15,000 to $20,000 hit for many homeowners.

Use this guide to learn the most important winterizing steps to keep your home safe, warm, and efficient, plus how Guardian smart devices can add another layer of protection. 

Tips for Winterizing Your House

Electrical and Cooking Equipment Safety

Winter means more indoor time, and more cooking, baking, and heating. Unfortunately, these activities also raise fire risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking equipment is the second leading cause of home fires caused by electrical failure or malfunction. 

To reduce the risk:

• Clean your stovetop and oven to remove grease, crumbs, and buildup.
  
• Check oven seals and range hood filters; replace or clean as needed.
  
• Empty dryer lint traps and vents regularly to prevent overheating.
  
• Avoid overloading outlets and never run cords across doorways.
  
• Use only one heat-producing appliance per outlet (coffee maker, toaster, or space heater).
  
• Keep hot light bulbs away from curtains, paper, or other flammable items.
  

Smart home devices can add protection:

• A smart thermostat helps control heating schedules safely.
  

Room temperature sensors and light control modules provide automation that lowers fire hazards.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 50,000 ER visits annually due to accidental CO poisoning.

To stay protected this winter:

• Replace batteries yearly in standalone smoke and CO alarms.
  
• For plug-in detectors, press the test button monthly to confirm they’re working.
  
• Test all detectors monthly — whether smoke or CO.
  
• If you have monitored devices, follow your provider’s guidelines. Guardian recommends testing monthly to ensure communication with the monitoring center.
  

Guardian customers benefit from added peace of mind: monitored smoke and heat detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are tested and professionally monitored 24/7. 

Seal Walls, Doors, and Windows Against Drafts

Cracks around walls, doors, and windows let in cold air and drive up heating costs. Addressing them early can save money and keep your home warmer.

Simple fixes include:

• Adding weatherstrips to windows.
  
• Installing door sweeps at the base of exterior doors.
  
• Sealing cracks with caulk to stop drafts.

These steps reduce energy bills and make your home more comfortable during freezing months.

Winterize Pipes to Prevent Freezing and Leaks

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter hazards. When water freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can burst pipes and cause expensive flooding. 

To protect your plumbing:

• Insulate pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
  
• Wrap outdoor hose bibs and disconnect hoses before the first freeze.
  
• Keep indoor faucets dripping during severe cold spells.
  
• Install monitored water sensors to detect leaks before they spread.

Taking these steps can prevent costly damage and give you peace of mind all winter long.

Home Heating

Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires, with half of the incidents happening in December, January, and February. Use heaters and fireplaces with caution:

• Space heaters: Place at least 3 feet from curtains, bedding, or furniture. Choose models with an automatic shut-off and always turn them off before sleeping or leaving the room.
• Fuel-burning heaters: Only use the manufacturer’s recommended fuel type.
• Fireplaces: Schedule a professional inspection annually to clear soot, debris, and blockages.
• Furnaces/HVAC: Replace filters quarterly to improve efficiency and reduce fire risk.

Guardian tip: A smart thermostat helps manage heating schedules and prevent overuse, while monitored smoke detectors provide peace of mind all winter.

Open Flames Require Extra Caution

Candles, wood stoves, and fireplaces add warmth during the holidays, but also increase fire risk. To stay safe:

• Place a protective screen in front of fireplaces.
  Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Keep decorations, holiday trees, and fabrics at least 3 feet away from open flames.

For added safety, install monitored smoke detectors to ensure fire alerts reach you and Guardian’s monitoring center, even if you’re not home.

Clean Gutters Before Winter

Leaves and debris clog gutters, trapping water that can freeze and cause ice dams. This leads to leaks, roof damage, and costly repairs. Clear gutters once the leaves have fallen so that melting snow and ice can drain properly.

Prepare Your Roof 

Before snow builds up, inspect your roof for:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Signs of deterioration
• Debris like sticks and leaves

Fixing issues early prevents leaks, ice dams, and structural damage during harsh winter storms.

Protect Plants from Freezing Temperatures

When temperatures drop below 45°F, bring potted plants and flowering trees indoors. Place them where they still receive sunlight. For outdoor plants, cover with burlap or protective fabric to shield from frost.

Outdoor Furniture and Appliances

Winter weather can damage outdoor furniture and appliances. To protect them:

• Roll grills indoors, and store propane tanks away from freezing temps.
• Move furniture into storage when possible.
• Cover immovable items with a tarp, secured with bungee cords.
  

Build a Cold Weather Survival Kit

Winter storms can cause power outages that last for days. Prepare a kit that includes:

• Flashlights with fresh batteries
  
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water
  
• First aid kit
  
• Blankets and warm clothing
  
• Backup phone charger or power bank
  

Having these essentials ready keeps your family safe and comfortable during emergencies.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Use this checklist to stay on top of winter prep inside and outside your home:

Inside the Home

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly
  
• Perform a security system test to ensure monitoring communication
  
• Replace HVAC filters quarterly
  
• Clean dryer vents and stove interior
  
• Check plumbing for frozen pipes
  
• Install monitored water sensors to prevent flooding
  
• Inspect fireplaces and furnaces annually
  
• Update smart thermostat schedules for efficiency
  
• Review and update smart door lock user codes
  
• Organize storage and update your home inventory

Outside the Home

• Shovel snow away from the foundation and walkways
  
• Clear gutters and downspouts of ice and debris
  
• Inspect the roof for ice dams and icicles
  
• Check outdoor security cameras for snow or ice obstruction
  
• Wrap/insulate exterior hose bibs and pipes
  
• Trim branches away from siding and windows
  
• Inspect and seal driveways, patios, and walkways
  
• Stock de-icing salt and spare fuel
  

Plan Ahead for Spring

• Donate unused coats and winter clothing
  
• Create home improvement project lists
  
• Start budgeting for renovations
  
• Watch for early supply sales

Preparing your house for winter can be a lot of work. If you need help securing your home this winter, call Guardian at 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328) for a free quote on professionally monitored smart home security!