When should I winterize my house?

Before the first hard freeze, usually in October or early November in most of the US. Schedule the heating system service a few weeks earlier, since technicians get busy once it turns cold.

Do frost-free outdoor faucets need to be winterized?

Yes, partly. You must disconnect the hose so water can drain from the valve. A hose left attached can trap water and cause the faucet to burst.

What temperature should I leave my house at in winter when I'm away?

Keep the thermostat at 55°F (13°C) or higher to protect the pipes, and consider shutting off and draining the main water supply.

How to winterize your house: a fall checklist to prevent frozen pipes and big bills

Searches for "how to winterize a house" peak in October and November, right before the first hard freeze. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars of water damage in a few hours. Most of the prevention takes one weekend.

1. Protect your plumbing from freezing

Disconnect garden hoses, drain them and store them inside.
Shut off and drain outdoor faucets. If you have an interior shutoff valve, close it, then open the outdoor spigot to let the remaining water out. Frost-free sillcocks still need the hose removed.
Blow out irrigation lines or have a sprinkler company do it.
Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, attics and along exterior walls with foam pipe sleeves.
Know where your main water shutoff is, and make sure it turns.

When temperatures drop well below freezing, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls and let a faucet drip slightly. Moving water is less likely to freeze.

2. Get the heating system ready

Schedule a furnace, boiler or heat pump tune-up before the cold sets in. Technicians are booked solid after the first freeze.
Replace the air filter. See how often to change your air filter.
Test the thermostat and replace its batteries if needed.
Clear the area around the furnace and water heater.
Keep the outdoor heat pump unit clear of leaves and, later, snow.

3. Chimney and fireplace

Have the chimney inspected and swept if you burn wood. The CSIA and NFPA recommend an annual inspection.
Check that the damper opens and closes, and that the chimney cap is in place.
Test your carbon monoxide alarms.

4. Roof, gutters and drainage

Clean gutters and downspouts after most leaves have fallen. Clogged gutters cause ice dams and water damage.
Make sure downspouts send water at least 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation.
Look for loose or missing shingles and damaged flashing from the ground or with binoculars.
Trim branches that hang over the roof or power lines.

5. Seal drafts and save energy

Check weatherstripping on doors and windows and replace it if it is cracked.
Caulk gaps around window frames, pipes and wires entering the house.
Reverse ceiling fans to turn clockwise at low speed and push warm air down.
Check attic insulation. If you can see the tops of the floor joists, you probably need more.

6. Safety and backups

Test smoke and CO alarms and replace batteries that are not sealed. See what to do if a smoke detector chirps.
Test the sump pump and its backup battery if you have one.
Stock up: ice melt, a snow shovel, flashlights, batteries and a few days of water.
If you have a generator, run it and never operate it indoors or in a garage.

Going away for the winter?

Keep the heat on, at 55°F (13°C) or higher.
Shut off the main water supply and drain the lines, or ask a plumber to winterize the plumbing fully.
Ask a neighbor to check the house, or use a smart water leak and temperature sensor.
Tell your insurer if the home will be empty for an extended period; some policies limit coverage for vacant homes.

Your winterizing checklist

Task	Done
Hoses disconnected, outdoor faucets drained	☐
Irrigation blown out	☐
Exposed pipes insulated	☐
Heating system serviced, filter replaced	☐
Chimney inspected	☐
Gutters cleaned, downspouts extended	☐
Weatherstripping and caulk checked	☐
Smoke and CO alarms tested	☐
Sump pump tested	☐