How To Prepare Your Home For Winter In Des Plaines, IL

Evo Lawn & Landscape In Des Plaines, IL - Home Winter Services 

As the cold months approach in Des Plaines, IL, preparing your home for winter is essential to keep your family safe, warm, and comfortable while avoiding costly repairs. Des Plaines winters can be harsh, with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and the occasional winter storm. Here’s a comprehensive guide to winterizing your home, saving on energy costs, and ensuring everything runs smoothly during the cold season.

1. Winterizing Your Home to Save on Energy Costs

One of the biggest concerns for homeowners in Des Plaines is rising energy bills during the winter months. To keep your home warm without breaking the bank, there are several steps you can take:

• Insulate properly: Ensure your attic, walls, and floors are well-insulated to keep heat from escaping. Insulating your home can reduce heating costs by up to 20%.

• Seal windows and doors: Gaps around windows and doors let cold air in and heat out. Caulking or weather-stripping can seal these gaps and keep your home cozy.

• Install energy-efficient windows: Consider upgrading to double-paned windows that trap heat inside and keep cold air out.

2. Preventing Frozen Pipes in Des Plaines Homes

Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter in Des Plaines, IL. Pipes that freeze can burst, causing significant water damage and expensive repairs. To avoid this:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap insulation around pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.

• Let faucets drip: During extreme cold, let water trickle from your faucets to keep water moving and prevent freezing.

• Open cabinet doors: Allow warm air to circulate around plumbing by opening cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom.

3. Preparing Your Roof and Gutters for Winter

Heavy snow and ice accumulation can put your roof and gutters at risk. Preparing them before winter can prevent costly damage:

• Clean gutters: Remove leaves, debris, and dirt from your gutters to prevent ice dams that can damage your roof.

• Check for loose shingles: Replace or repair any loose shingles to avoid leaks from melting snow.

• Install gutter guards: Consider installing guards to prevent debris buildup and improve water flow during the winter months.

4. Key Maintenance Tasks to Complete Before the First Snowfall

Des Plaines winters can arrive suddenly, and it’s important to be ready before the first snowfall. Here are essential home maintenance tasks:

• Inspect your chimney and fireplace: Make sure your chimney is clean and free from obstructions. Have your fireplace inspected for safety and efficiency.

• Service your furnace: Have a professional inspect and service your heating system to ensure it’s running efficiently.

• Stock up on winter supplies: Stock up on salt, sand, snow shovels, and emergency supplies before the snow starts falling.

5. Winterizing the Exterior of Your Home

Preparing the exterior of your home is crucial to keeping your property in good condition throughout the winter. Follow these steps:

• Protect your outdoor faucets: Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any water to prevent freezing.

• Bring in outdoor furniture: Store patio furniture and grills indoors to protect them from the elements.

• Trim overhanging branches: Snow and ice can cause weak branches to snap and fall on your home, causing damage. Trim back any branches hanging over your roof or near power lines.

6. Preparing Your Heating System for Winter

A well-maintained heating system ensures your home stays warm during Des Plaines’ coldest months. Here’s how to prepare:

• Change the air filter: Replace your furnace filter every 1-2 months to improve efficiency and air quality.

• Inspect the thermostat: Check that your thermostat is working properly and consider upgrading to a programmable model for better control.

• Schedule a furnace tune-up: Have a professional check your furnace for any issues before winter sets in.

7. Keeping Your Home Warm Without Overspending

Staying warm without skyrocketing energy bills can be challenging. Here are some simple tips to help:

• Close off unused rooms: Shut doors and vents in rooms you don’t use to direct heat where it’s needed most.

• Use heavy curtains: Hang insulated curtains over windows to trap heat inside your home.

• Add rugs: Laying down rugs on hardwood or tile floors can help retain heat and keep your feet warm.

8. Emergency Preparedness for Winter Storms

Winter storms can cause power outages and make it difficult to leave your home. Be prepared by having:

• A backup generator: Consider investing in a generator to power essential appliances during a blackout.

• An emergency kit: Include items like bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, and flashlights.

• Firewood: If you have a fireplace, stock up on wood to keep warm during a power outage.

9. Protecting Your Home’s Foundation from Winter Weather

Freezing temperatures and moisture can cause cracks in your home’s foundation. Take these steps to protect it:

• Check your drainage system: Ensure water is directed away from your home’s foundation by cleaning and maintaining gutters and downspouts.

• Seal foundation cracks: Use a concrete sealant to fill any cracks in your foundation before winter.

• Install a sump pump: A sump pump can prevent water from seeping into your basement during thaw cycles.

10. Preparing Your Lawn and Garden for Winter

Even though winter means a dormant period for most plants, it’s important to prepare your yard and garden:

• Rake up leaves: Remove leaves from your lawn to prevent mold growth and allow your grass to breathe.

• Mulch flower beds: Spread a layer of mulch to protect plant roots from freezing temperatures.

• Winterize your lawn equipment: Drain the fuel from lawnmowers and other equipment to avoid engine damage from freezing.

Conclusion

By taking these steps to prepare your home for winter in Des Plaines, IL, you’ll be protecting your investment, keeping your family comfortable, and avoiding unexpected costs. Whether you’re insulating your home, preparing your heating system, or protecting your pipes from freezing, proper preparation is key to surviving the harsh Des Plaines winter.

Winter Home Services | 224-777-0061

Is your home ready for winter? Let Evo Lawn & Landscape take the hassle out of winter preparations. From leaf removal to winterizing your lawn, we offer expert services to ensure your home is ready for the cold months ahead. Contact us today 224-777-0061 to schedule a consultation and get your home winter-ready before the first snowfall in Des Plaines!