14 Steps Every Homeowner Should Take to Winterize Their Home

Standard gas from the pump can gum up a small engine's carburetor in a few months. Remove the gas with a turkey baster and run the engine until it's dry, then add non-oxygenated gas or mix in a fuel stabilizer before storing it.

Turn off the power to your central air conditioner before winter — running it in cold weather can damage the compressor, and some units have crankcase heaters that waste energy and attract mice. Reenergize the system 24 hours before use to let the oil warm.

Leaving a hose connected traps water that can freeze, damaging the spigot, hose, or even indoor pipes — this risk exists even with frost-proof spigots.

Drain all water from the pump, disconnect hoses, and spray antifreeze into the pump to prevent freezing damage.

Avoid wrapping your air conditioner completely, as it can trap moisture and attract rodents — instead, place a piece of plywood over the unit to shield the fan from falling icicles.

Lubricate locks, hinges, window channels, and weather stripping with dry Teflon spray or lithium grease to prevent freezing and binding, then clean overspray with glass cleaner.

Don't store hoses without draining them — freezing water can split them. Drain using an air compressor or by stretching them on a sloped surface.

Winter blades feature a rubber boot that prevents snow and ice buildup, ensuring streak-free, safer visibility during storms.

Dust and debris clog attic vents, causing problems like ice dams, mold, and higher cooling costs — clean vents every few years with a leaf blower or compressed air, avoiding pressure washing, which can saturate insulation.

Creosote buildup causes chimney fires — have it cleaned every 50-70 fires depending on wood type, and call a professional sweep if you notice a 1/8-inch layer of buildup.

Blow out your sprinkler system with a compressor to prevent freeze damage — home compressors may not suffice, so consider renting a 10-CFM compressor and blowing out each zone one at a time.

Moist soil in pots can freeze and expand, cracking them — empty the soil before winter, especially for pots that will remain outside.

Clean your grill thoroughly and apply cooking oil to metal parts to prevent rust. For outdoor storage, keep the propane tank connected but turned off; for indoor storage, disconnect the tank and store it upright outdoors, away from vents and play areas.

Idle batteries lose their charge over time. Use a battery maintainer to monitor voltage, and charge the battery every six weeks to maintain optimal condition.