Winterizing Your Home in Ohio, Are You Ready?

As the crisp autumn air blows in, it's a sure sign that winter is on its way to us here in the greater Toledo, Ohio area. Preparing your home for the cold, snowy season is essential for protecting your property, saving money on utility bills, and ensuring your family stays warm and cozy all winter

long. This guide will walk you through the most important winterizing tasks, including special considerations for our local waterfront properties.

Your essential winterization checklist

1. Tackle drafts and seal leaks:

Drafts are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss. Walk around your home, inside and out, to check for air leaks.

• Windows and doors: Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal gaps around all windows and doors. For older windows, clear plastic insulation film kits are an affordable and effective solution.

• Outlets: Install foam gaskets behind electrical outlet and switch covers on exterior walls to block drafts.

• Attic: Ensure your attic is properly insulated. An energy audit can help identify deficiencies.

2. Service your HVAC system:

A well-maintained heating system is critical for both comfort and safety.

• Get a tune-up: Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or boiler to ensure it's running efficiently and safely.

• Change filters: Replace your furnace filter at the start of the season and check it monthly during peak usage.

• Protect the AC unit: If you have central air, turn off the power to the outdoor condenser unit. Give it a good cleaning, then cover it with a breathable, waterproof cover to protect it from ice and debris.

3. Protect your plumbing:

Frozen pipes can lead to costly and messy plumbing disasters.

• Outdoor faucets: Disconnect all garden hoses and shut off the interior valve for outdoor spigots that are not frost-proof. Drain any remaining water. Consider using an insulated faucet cover for extra protection.

• Exposed pipes: Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like your basement, garage, or crawl space with foam pipe insulation or heat tape.

• During deep freezes: As a last resort during extreme cold snaps, let an interior faucet connected to vulnerable plumbing drip slightly to prevent freezing.

4. Clear the way for water:

Proper drainage is crucial for preventing water damage and ice buildup.

• Clean gutters: Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can damage your roof.

• Check the roof: Inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles. Make repairs before winter weather sets in.

• Test the sump pump: If you have a sump pump, test it to make sure it's functioning properly before the ground freezes.

  
  

A note for our waterfront neighbors on 

Lake Erie and the Maumee River

If your home is along the lake or river your winterization needs are even more critical due to heightened moisture and wind exposure.

• Elevated moisture: The constant moisture from the lake and river can increase the risk of mold and mildew. Ensure all crawlspaces are well-sealed and ventilated.

• Harsh winds: The strong, icy winds off the water can penetrate even the smallest cracks. Double-check all weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors, especially on the windward side of your home.

• Docks and boat lifts: If you have a private dock, ensure it is properly prepared for freezing conditions. Consider using a de-icer or bubbler system to protect your dock and pilings from ice damage throughout the winter.

• Boat winterization: Have any boats or watercraft properly drained and winterized according to manufacturer guidelines before putting them into storage.

DIY vs. hiring a professional: What's right for you?

Deciding whether to take on winterizing projects yourself or hire a professional depends on your skill level, time, and budget.

DIY winterizing

• Pros:

  • Cost savings: The biggest advantage is saving money on labor costs.

  • Convenience: You can work at your own pace and schedule the projects whenever you have time.

  • Control: You have complete control over the materials and quality of the work.

• Cons:

  • Time-consuming: Winterizing can be a lot of work, and some tasks require a full day or a weekend.

  • Knowledge and tools: You may not have the expertise for complex tasks like HVAC inspections or the specialized tools required for certain jobs.

  • Risk of mistakes: Mistakes can be costly, especially when dealing with plumbing or roofing.

    
    

Hiring a professional

• Pros:

  • Expertise and efficiency: Professionals have the knowledge and tools to get the job done quickly and correctly.

  • Peace of mind: You won't have to worry if the job was done properly, especially with critical systems like your furnace.

  • Convenience: Save your time and energy for other activities.

• Cons:

  • Higher cost: Paying for professional labor is the main drawback.

  • Scheduling: You have to work around a company's schedule, which can be busy during the fall.

    
    

Ultimately, a hybrid approach may be best. Handle the simple tasks like sealing drafts and cleaning gutters yourself, but hire a professional for specialized jobs like servicing your HVAC unit or inspecting your roof. This balanced approach helps you save money while ensuring your home is fully protected.