So, you’ve chosen to live in Wisconsin, land of the Frozen Tundra and more winter wonderland than most places dream about. But if you’ve been here longer than a hot second, you know that Wisconsin winters aren’t for the faint of heart—or faint of furnace. As your trusted Lake Geneva Realtors, we can tell you, prepping your home for the first snow is an annual ritual of survival that’s as Wisconsin as cheese curds and Friday fish fries.
Ready to winterize? Grab your checklist (and maybe a good pair of mittens) and let’s go!
1. Start with the Foundation: Seal Those Drafts
Wisconsin is notorious for finding every little gap, crack, and crevice in your home and pushing cold air through it. So, take a slow walk around your house (ideally with a mug of coffee) and check every window and door.
- Seal It Up: Add weather stripping to doors and windows, and fill in cracks with caulk. This is a cheap fix that can prevent you from heating the entire neighborhood.
- Storm Windows & Doors: If your house is an old beauty, you may have original windows that need a little extra love. Consider installing storm windows or swapping out screens for glass inserts if possible. Extra insulation here is worth it!
2. The Furnace: Your Best (and Most Expensive) Friend
Look, there’s no way around it—your furnace will be running a marathon all winter long. Just like you wouldn’t start a road trip with a car that’s overdue for an oil change, don’t enter a Wisconsin winter with an unchecked furnace.
- Furnace Check-Up: Call a professional to inspect and clean your furnace. They’ll make sure it’s running efficiently and safely.
- Filter Swap: Pop in a fresh air filter every month to keep things running smoothly. If you don’t remember to do this, your furnace will choke on dust bunnies!
3. Pipe Dreams: Prevent Freezing with Proper Insulation
Frozen pipes are a nightmare that no homeowner wants to deal with.
- Insulate Pipes: Wrap any exposed pipes in unheated areas (think basements, attics, and garages) with foam or fiberglass insulation.
- Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Drain and store garden hoses, and close off outdoor faucets. Wisconsin temperatures have no mercy on forgotten hoses, turning them into frozen pipes in the blink of an eye.
4. Chimney Sweep—Like Mary Poppins, But for Winter Prep
If you’re lucky enough to have a wood-burning fireplace, don’t just fire it up when the snow falls without some proper prep.
- Get It Cleaned: Call a chimney sweep to clear out soot and creosote that can cause chimney fires. A clean chimney is a safe chimney.
- Check the Flue: Make sure the damper opens and closes properly. You don’t want a wide-open flue letting in icy air (and who knows, maybe the occasional critter).
5. Test the Detectors: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Firing up the furnace, space heaters, and fireplaces can increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
- Fresh Batteries: Change the batteries and test all detectors to make sure they’re ready to scream at the first sign of trouble. Better safe than sorry.
- Bonus Tip: Get a smart detector that can send alerts to your phone. Peace of mind is a beautiful thing.
6. Clear Gutters and Downspouts (Because Ice Dams Are as Fun as They Sound)
When your gutters and downspouts are clogged, melted snow has nowhere to go, leading to roof-damaging ice dams.
- Gutter Sweep: Clear out all leaves and debris, and make sure your downspouts are securely attached and pointing away from the foundation.
- Consider Gutter Guards: If you’re sick of this job, gutter guards are your new best friend, keeping debris out and water flowing smoothly.
7. Insulate the Attic (Because Heat Rises and Escapes)
A poorly insulated attic is like wearing shorts in January. Just don’t do it.
- Add Insulation: Ensure your attic insulation is up to code, or better yet, go beyond. More insulation means more savings, and it helps prevent ice dams by keeping heat in where it belongs.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation helps moisture escape, preventing mold and keeping things cozy and dry.
8. Snow Gear for Your Driveway: Stock Up Before It’s Gone
When the snow falls, shovels, salt, and snow blowers fly off the shelves like hotcakes. Do yourself a favor and stock up on these essentials before the first flake.
- Salt or Sand: Keep plenty on hand to prevent slips and falls. If you’re feeling fancy, invest in eco-friendly salt to protect pets and plants.
- Shovel or Snow Blower: Choose your weapon, because in Wisconsin, snow is coming, and it’s not waiting for you to be ready.
9. Emergency Kit: Just In Case You Get Snowed In
Winter storms can cut power, so create an emergency kit that’s ready to go.
- Kit Contents: Include essentials like flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, and first-aid supplies.
- Portable Charger: Keep a portable phone charger ready. Instagram might have to wait, but you’ll still have a way to stay connected.
In Closing
Winterizing might sound like a lot of work, but the payoff is huge—lower heating bills, a warm home, and fewer chances of having to deal with broken pipes or chimney fires. Not to mention, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from knowing your home is snug and prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at it.