We’ve broken down how to winterize your home into ten basic tasks ranging from quick and easy inspections to thorough cleaning in some hard-to-reach areas. The entire checklist should take less than a week to complete so you can sit comfortably in your winterized home.

Not every house will require the same amount of work, so take a look at the checklist and see what fits the needs of your home. While you will need to know how to winterize your windows and doors, you may not have a fireplace or a jet ski. You can add or subtract elements on the list to create your official ‘winterize my house’ checklist.

Keep the Cold Out of Your Windows

Winterizing windows is all about creating a tight seal along the border to keep the cold air out. There are a few different ways to winterize your windows that may involve weatherstripping, foam tape, or caulk.

If your window panes themselves are letting in cold air you can use insulated curtains or plastic wrap to help reduce heat loss before getting a window replacement. Installing insulated replacement windows is truly the best way to winterize windows, as you can avoid the ugly foam or plastic borders.

If you’re wondering how to winterize windows and in need of a quick fix, try one of these options:

• Weatherstripping
• Foam tape
• Re-caulking

Winterize Your Exterior Doors

The small air leaks around your doors and windows can contribute significantly to your heating bill. You can minimize these gaps by replacing any faulty caulking or worn-out weatherstrips. Check for air leaks by feeling around the doors for incoming air and sealing it with the appropriate tools, or for sliding glass doors try one of these methods.

Depending on the exposure of your exterior doors you may also want to consider installing a storm door. These additional exterior doors provide another layer of protection from the elements and can extend the lifespan of your main doors.

If you’re struggling with a cold draft coming through the entryway, try one of these methods:

• Weatherstripping
• Re-caulking
• Install a storm door

Ensure Your Roof and Gutters are Winter-Ready

A quick inspection of your roof, either by yourself or a hired professional, will ensure that your shingles, flashing, and gutters won’t be damaged by the build-up of snow and ice. Look for missing or damaged shingles and have them replaced. Check the flashing around the chimney and other roof vents, as these are a common source of leaks as well.