Preparing Your Home for Winter: Simple Steps to Stay Warm and Save Energy
As temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to make sure your home is ready to handle another New York winter. Proper preparation not only keeps your family warm and comfortable, but it can also lower your heating bills and prevent costly repairs later on. Here are a few essential steps to prepare your home for the cold season.
1. Schedule an Energy Audit
Before the snow starts falling, consider scheduling a home energy assessment. An audit identifies where your home is losing heat—through the attic, walls, rim joists, or ductwork—and helps you pinpoint areas for improvement.
Why it matters:
Uncover hidden air leaks and insulation gaps
Improve indoor comfort and air quality
Maximize rebates through NYSERDA programs like Comfort Home and EmPower+
2. Upgrade Your Insulation
Insulation is your home’s first line of defense against the cold. If your attic or walls aren’t properly insulated, heat will escape quickly, making your heating system work harder.
Tips:
Check your attic insulation depth—most New York homes benefit from at least R-49 or higher
Seal around attic hatches, rim joists, and plumbing penetrations
Use spray foam or dense-pack cellulose for the best performance
3. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks
Even small gaps around doors, windows, and outlets can cause chilly drafts and higher energy bills.
Quick fixes:
Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows
Use caulk to seal gaps around trim and exterior joints
Install foam gaskets behind light switches and outlet covers on exterior walls
4. Service Your Heating System
Your furnace or heat pump should be inspected annually to ensure it’s running efficiently and safely.
Don’t forget to:
Replace or clean filters every 1–3 months
Schedule a professional tune-up before the coldest months
Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient heat pump for both heating and cooling
5. Protect Pipes and Gutters
Frozen pipes and ice dams can cause severe water damage.
Prevent problems by:
Insulating pipes in unheated spaces like basements or crawlspaces
Cleaning gutters to prevent ice buildup
Disconnecting garden hoses and shutting off outdoor spigots
6. Make the Most of Natural Heat
Take advantage of the sunlight to help warm your home naturally.
Easy habits:
Open south-facing curtains during the day
Close blinds at night to trap heat inside
Rearrange furniture away from vents or radiators for better airflow
Final Thoughts
Winter preparation doesn’t have to be overwhelming—small upgrades can make a big difference in comfort, energy savings, and home durability. If you’re unsure where to start, Green Home Logic can help with a professional home energy assessment and insulation upgrades tailored to your home’s needs.
✅ Contact us today to schedule your energy audit and get your home winter-ready!
📞+1 877-505-6442
