Winter in Michigan can be a beautiful and magical time of year, with its picturesque snow-covered landscapes and the joy of the holiday season. However, it also brings challenges that can take a toll on your home, if you’re not prepared. The bitter cold, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures can certainly put your home to the test — but it doesn’t have to be that way!

To ensure a cozy and worry-free winter, it’s essential to prepare your home for the season. We’re exploring a handful of ways to get your home ready for a Michigan winter, from simple adjustments like reversing your ceiling fans to some more intensive projects, like updating your insulation.

 

Insulate Your Home

Michigan winters can be brutally cold, and proper insulation is your first line of defense. Make sure your attic, walls, and floors are well-insulated, so you can keep warm air in and cold air out. To check if your home is insulated properly, simply do the touch test. If the interior drywall or paneling of your home feels damp or cold to the touch, you need to add more insulation. And of course, you can hire a professional to get a second opinion and get the job done!

 

Seal Drafts

Drafts around windows and doors can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping — and if you have weatherstripping or caulking that is falling apart, now is an excellent time to replace it! Consider using draft stoppers at the bottom of doors to prevent cold air from creeping in.

 

Check Your Heating System

Before winter hits, have your heating system serviced by a professional. Clean or replace filters, check for leaks, and ensure your furnace or heat pump is in optimal condition. A well-maintained heating system is crucial for staying warm and efficient during the winter months. You might also consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat, which will make your system run more efficiently — and ultimately, save you some money on your monthly heating bill.

 

Clean Your Gutters

After all the leaves have fallen, it’s time to remove them from your roof and gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can damage your roof and potentially cause leaks. Ensure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris to allow proper drainage of melted snow and ice.

 

Inspect and Clean Chimneys and Fireplaces

If you have a fireplace, it’s essential to have it inspected and cleaned before use. Soot and creosote buildup can be dangerous — and can even lead to chimney fires. Make sure the damper is working correctly and consider installing a chimney cap to prevent debris and animals from entering. It’s best to hire a chimney sweep to inspect and properly clean your fireplace before you fire it up for the season!

 

Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Be prepared for winter storms by stocking up on essential supplies. This includes rock salt or ice melt, shovels, and a snow blower. Having these items on hand will make it easier to clear snow and ice from your driveway and walkways after a snow storm.

 

Reverse the Ceiling Fan

As soon as you switch the A/C to heat, it’s time to reverse those ceiling fans! Set them to rotate clockwise so they push the warm air near the ceiling down to the floor where you can feel it. This helps make the most of the heat circulating in your home — which can help you save significantly on heating costs during the winter!

 

Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements and attics — and cover outdoor faucets with foam covers. On extremely cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water flowing and prevent freezing.

 

Install a Humidifier

Winters can be exceptionally dry, and indoor heating systems can exacerbate the issue. Installing a humidifier in your home can help maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level, alleviate dry skin and respiratory problems, and protect wooden furnishings and flooring. Ensure you clean and maintain the humidifier regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth, and adjust the humidity level to around 30-50% for ideal comfort.

 

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety is paramount during the winter months, especially when you’ll be using the oven more, burning more candles, and firing up the fireplace. Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly by testing them and replacing batteries if needed.

 

Trim Tree Branches

Major wind storms or heavy snow and ice can cause tree branches to break and damage your home. Trim branches that hang over your roof or power lines to prevent accidents and damage to your property.

 

Create an Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, blankets, and a first-aid kit. In case of a power outage or severe weather, having these supplies readily available can provide peace of mind.

 

Have a Wonderful Winter!

Don’t wait until the first snowfall — start preparing your home for winter now. That way, you can spend the winter curled up by the fire, making snowmen or baking cookies — not dealing with home maintenance issues!