Winterization in Wisconsin
Below-freezing temperatures and winter storms can wreak havoc on your home without the proper preparation. Thankfully, it’s easy to winterize your home once you know the steps. Winterizing will protect your home from the harsh Wisconsin winters.
As the seasons change, many people start thinking about winterizing. Getting ready for winter is important whether you are going to live in your permanent residence through the season or you are snowbirds leaving a house unoccupied for the winter. Learn everything you need to know about how to winterize your home in this comprehensive guide.
From heavy rainfall to winter winds, trust ARC Contracting’s Storm Team to help and restore your home.
What Does Winterization In Wisconsin Mean?
Winterization means preparing your home, automobile, or trailer for winter weather. The goal of home winterization is to keep the house warm and protected from harsh winter climates. This includes protection from ice, snow, hail, and extreme temperatures.
Generally, people winterize their homes in the fall, and the timeline will depend on where you live. The level to which you should winterize your homes depends on the climate where you live and the house’s ability to withstand. Because cities like Appleton, Green Bay and many other Wisconsin towns gets consistent below-freezing temperatures in the winter, homes here require extra winterization steps than a house in, say, Florida. In places with harsh winters, you should prep both the inside and outside of the home.
Why Winterization of Your Home and Roof Is Important
A winterized house will be safer and more comfortable to live in during cold months. Winterization is not just for homeowners. It can help you whether you are renting an apartment, property owners or your commercial property.
Benefits of home winterization:
- Prevents damage: Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can damage homes without the proper protection.
- More comfortable: Winterizing a home is also about keeping it dry and warm inside no matter the conditions outside.
- Reduces energy costs: When your home is winterized, less cold air will seep in, and less warm air will seep out. This means your furnace does not have to work as hard.
- More sustainable: Using less energy to heat your home helps conserve resources.
10 Steps For Your Home Winterization in Wisconsin Checklist
The easiest way to winterize a house is to make a checklist of all the steps you need to do. Organize the checklist based on the categories below. For each category, we have provided winter home tips for whether you are staying put all winter or heading south for a warmer season. Keep in mind that the list to winterize your home should be personalized to your home and the specific weather conditions where you live.
Check and Clean the HVAC System
You will rely heavily on your furnace in the winter. Cleaning and maintaining it before you need it will help it function as efficiently as possible during the winter. If you don’t have experience working on HVAC systems, definitely call in a professional for this part of the winterization process. Certain tasks like changing an air filter are easy to do, but anything more complicated requires technical training.
Furnace or Heating System Maintenance
If you live in a place with harsh winters, it’s a good idea to schedule any heating system maintenance over the summer. Technicians tend to get busy as temperatures drop.
Also, consider investing in a smart thermostat that you can program automatically. This is an excellent option for people leaving a house vacant in Wisconsin for the winter. Leave the thermostat at 55 degrees or higher to protect indoor plumbing and other systems.
Replace Air Filters
HVAC system air filters should be replaced every 30-90 days depending on the type of filter and the amount of use. Some filters can be cleaned and reused.
Check your furnace to see what size filter you need. After you install the new filter, set a reminder for the next replacement. The cleaner the air filter is, the more efficient your heating system will be.
Seal Drafts and Gaps-Maintain your Home!
Drafts can come from anywhere in your home and let in unwanted cold air in the winter. They are a sign that a part of the house is not properly sealed. Check for gaps around doors, windows, and in the attic. Hold a lit candle near areas to check for drafts. Once you locate them, you can seal them. This step is critical to winterize your home and can not only keep you warm but help you save on your heating bill. If you would prefer our expert exterior consultants to check your doors and windows, please contact us to set up a quick service call!
Materials needed:
- Weatherstripping and/or caulk
- Door sweeps or draft stoppers
- Insulation
Check Doors and Windows
You can use weatherstripping around doors and windows. It’s a thin strip of material that covers the small gap between the door/window and its frame to prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also use caulk to seal siding, doors, and windows, but it requires a caulk gun tool.
Use Draft Stoppers and Door Sweeps
To prevent drafts when the door is closed, add a door sweep or draft stopper if there is a space between the bottom of your exterior door and the floor. For crafty types, draft stoppers can be made at home, and they are very easy to install.
Insulate Your Attic-Professional Install Recommended!
The majority of heat in a home escapes through the attic. The more insulated your attic is, the better. You can add to or replace existing insulation. It’s a doable DIY project, but make sure to wear the proper protective equipment. Although this is a project you can do on your own, to properly insulate and get the most ROI, a professional insulation install from a trusted Wisconsin, family owned company is the best route to go.
Keep your home cozy and energy bills low with proper attic insulation from the professionals at ARC Contracting.
Check Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
If you leave your hose connected when the temperatures start to drop below 32 degrees, it may freeze to the faucet and be very difficult to remove. All outdoor hoses should be cleared of water and stored inside for the winter if possible. Check outdoor faucets to make sure they are not leaking or dripping at all. Turn off the water supply if needed.
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Inspect the Roof and Chimney
While winterizing your home, this is a great time to do an annual roof and chimney inspection. The time and complexity of winterizing a house, and completing this step depends on the size of your home and the condition of your roof and chimney.
Check Roof For Damage
Check the roof for signs of damage and repair them as needed. Strong winter winds can loosen roof shingles, and even a small leak can have detrimental effects, especially with freezing temperatures. If you live in a place where it hails, you should also check your home’s siding for hail damage.
Winterize your home with a FREE, No-Risk Inspection and Estimate From ARC Contracting
Does winterizing your home seem too overwhelming or are you short on time? Let ARC Contracting do the hard work for you. ARC’s expertise can help to keep your home safe through the harsh winter.
Our residential contractors and commercial contractors specialize in roofing, siding, gutter replacement, and insulation.. Contact us today to schedule your free no-risk home inspection, and enjoy warmth and peace of mind throughout the winter knowing your home is protected.
