How to Winterize Your Home Checklist: Kansas City Edition

Research shows us that Kansas City sees about one out of every seven winter days with at least an inch of snow on the ground. Knowing how to winterize your home can help you stay prepared no matter what winter weather comes your way.

There’s still time to get your Kansas City home winter-ready. Use this checklist to prioritize the right actions, right now.

Check Your Weather Stripping to Winterize Your Home

Weatherstripping along your doors and windows can crack and loosen over time. You need this stripping to be in good condition because it insulates your home from cold drafts and keeps out moistures. Replace weather stripping as needed to better seal your home.

Fill Holes and Cracks to Winterize Your Home

Caulk and putty are a homeowner’s best friends when it comes to winterizing your home. Cracks and small holes can appear over time for a number of reasons. This leaves your home susceptible to pests, not to mention higher energy bills. Use caulk or putty to fill these areas and provide a tight seal. 

Pay special attention to windows and doors since they’re often the most common culprits of heat loss. One thing to look for is moisture around glass panels. If you see beads of water on your window or door glass, it could be a sign that too much moisture is seeping through the cracks.

Clean Your Gutters to Winterize Your Home

With all the snow and rain Kansas City gets in the winter, having clogged gutters can lead to big problems. Now is the time to clear out the fall leaves and debris so your gutters are ready for the first winter storm. While you’re on the ladder, make sure your gutters are sturdy and in good condition. Look for missing screws, holes, and anything else that might compromise how they work.

Switch Ceiling Fans to a Clockwise Direction to Winterize Your Home

Ceiling fans spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air toward the ground. But in the winter, you can change the direction of your fans to more evenly disperse warm air. Heat rises, so all that warm air you’re producing is likely hanging onto the ceiling instead of lower (where you really need it).

Test Your Furnace to Winterize Your Home

Turning on your furnace for the first time when you need it isn’t a good idea. What if something has happened in the offseason and your furnace needs maintenance? Now is the time to test your heating system and address any issues ahead of time. When the cold winter days arrive, your HVAC system can keep you warm without the hassle.

Inspect and Clean Your Chimney to Winterize Your Home

If you plan on making fires this winter, you should first have your chimney professionally inspected. Research documents more than 25,000 chimney fires every year, and each one is usually preventable. Creosote from fires builds up in your chimney and needs to be cleared away. Otherwise, your entire home could be vulnerable.