7 Tips to make your home safer this winter

Winter brings some unique challenges to homeowners, from snow and icy conditions to high heating bills. Making your home warm and cozy becomes a top priority for most, but comfort shouldn’t come at the expense of safety.

We’ve rounded up weatherization tips to improve your home’s safety and energy efficiency during the colder months. The best part? Most of these improvements are simple DIY projects that require little to no upfront cost and can help you save on your energy bills all winter long.

Nine out of 10 U.S. homes are under-insulated, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you have central heating but fluctuating temperatures between rooms, you likely have air leaks or improper insulation in some areas of your home. Air sealing and insulating your home prevents cold air from entering and heated indoor air from leaving. It also reduces the chances of polluted air, allergens, dust, and mold in your home.

Simple tasks or improvements can lead to big energy savings; the EPA says homeowners save 11% on energy costs on average when they add insulation and air sealing. A properly insulated attic also helps to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof, which reduces the risk of leaks and structural damage.

A safe and functional heating system is crucial for warmth and safety throughout the winter. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires. Heating systems are also the main cause of carbon monoxide leaks, which can be deadly.

You should have your furnace or boiler inspected annually to ensure it’s working efficiently and safely, especially if it’s older. Is your heating system due for an upgrade? Consider switching to an air-source heat pump; it’s an all-electric, energy-efficient alternative that provides heating in the winter and cooling in the summer—truly a win-win.

The importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors goes without saying, but there are heightened risks in the winter. According to the NFPA, home fires happen more in the winter because of home heating, fireplaces, candles, and holiday cooking.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says carbon monoxide exposure and poisoning are more likely to happen in winter because people use their furnaces and heaters more often. Carbon monoxide is a deadly chemical, especially because it comes with no warnings—it has no color, no odor, and no sign of visibility—so having a working detector is the only way to stay safe.

Power outages are inconvenient and potentially dangerous any time of year, but winter can bring bigger risks, especially if severe weather keeps you indoors. Most modern homeowners have electric, energy-efficient appliances, but the downside is that these appliances are mostly unusable during outages. We all saw the devastating effects of the Texas freeze in 2021. Preparing backup means of lighting, warmth, and communication can save money—and, more importantly, lives.

If power outages are common where you live, investing in a solar panel plus storage system can be a game-changer. The setup allows you to generate your own electricity to power your home during the day and use the stored solar energy from your battery to keep the lights at night, ensuring you’ll stay comfortable and connected even during extended outages.

You should inspect your roof before winter weather starts to get ahead of any potential issues. If there are any signs of deterioration, sagging, or leaks (even minor ones), call a professional for a full inspection.

If a roof replacement is necessary, consider adding solar panels. They'll make your roof more durable, can bring down your roofing costs, and, if you have a home battery, keep it powered during outages (as long as there's sun).

If your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris, water can get trapped and freeze in your gutters, which can cause damage. Ice-filled gutters are heavy, which may lead your gutters to sag, pull away from your house, or even break. Ice dams can also lead to roof leaks or issues with your foundation if you’re not careful. On that note, you should also remove your downspout extenders to reduce ice dams.

These might seem like small chores, but disconnecting your hose and protecting your pipes from freezing can help you avoid costly damage to your home. It’s best to turn off your outdoor water supply and disconnect garden hoses before winter weather starts for the season. 

Indoors, let a small trickle of water run from your faucets when temperatures dip to prevent your pipes from freezing. If you're going to be away during the winter, turn off your water and open all of your faucets (including showers and toilets) to drain your pipes. Or, have a plan in place for someone to come over and do it for you should a cold snap occur. Trust us: We've seen burst pipes cause a lot of damage that costs a lot of money. It's best to be prepared.

Many of the above tips help optimize your home’s overall efficiency, which reduces the risk of winter-related hazards. For example, sealing air leaks and improving insulation keeps your home’s temperature warm and consistent throughout the season, and maintaining or upgrading your heating system reduces the risk of fire and carbon monoxide leaks. Many of the tips we’ve provided are DIY-friendly,  but if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to address some of these tasks, call a professional.