Around the House

Around the House: How to Winterize Your Home

November 16, 2025 /

By Mark McNease

Our little house in the woods has terrible insulation, in part because it was once a one-room structure! It’s been added onto over the years, and while it’s still small, it has the look and feel of something designed by a less ambitious Dr. Frankenstein. The heating vents are here and there, snaking into various rooms and not being very effective in heating them. Only the bathroom seems to be consistently warm in the winter, and no  one wants to spend their time in the house huddled by the bathroom sink.

My writing desk in the living room is especially susceptible to the cold air. The A/C in the window next to me, and the window itself, do very little to keep out the cold. So how can we winterize our homes and apartments? Blankets, towels, and taped trash bags only go so far. Here’s a list of ways we can tackle the winter freez.

How to Winterize Your House or Apartment: A Practical Guide

Preparing our homes for winter can save money, prevent damage, and keep us warm all season long. Whether we live in a house or an apartment, a little preparation now goes a long way. Here’s a simple guide to help you get ready—without spending a fortune or needing special skills.

Seal Out the Cold

Stopping drafts is the most cost-effective way to improve warmth and energy efficiency.

Where to Start

  • Weatherstrip or apply removable caulk around windows and doors.
  • Seal gaps around baseboards, outlets, and plumbing entries.
  • Hang thermal or blackout curtains for extra insulation.

Apartment-Friendly Tips

  • Use removable draft stoppers at door bottoms.
  • Apply clear shrink-film insulation to windows.
  • Add thick curtains or layered blinds to reduce heat loss.

Optimize Your Heating System

A well-maintained system works better and costs less to run.

For Houses

  • Replace or clean furnace filters every 1–3 months.
  • Schedule a seasonal HVAC maintenance check.
  • Ensure vents and registers are open and unobstructed.

For Apartments

  • Confirm with management when heaters or boilers were last serviced.
  • Ask maintenance to bleed radiators if needed.
  • Use a programmable or smart thermostat if allowed.

Protect Your Pipes

Preventing frozen pipes protects your home from leaks and expensive repairs.

Simple Prevention Methods

  • Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C) when away.
  • Open cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes.
  • Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves.

For Houses

  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
  • Shut off and winterize exterior faucets.
  • Install insulated faucet covers for extra protection.

Improve Home Insulation

Increasing insulation helps retain heat and lowers energy use.

House Options

  • Add insulation to attics, crawl spaces, or basements.
  • Install door sweeps to block cold air.
  • Insulate garage doors in attached garages.

Apartment Options

  • Lay down area rugs to reduce heat loss through floors.
  • Use foam tape or draft stoppers on interior doors.
  • Add layered window treatments for additional warmth.

Prepare for Winter Emergencies

Unexpected storms or cold snaps can lead to outages or travel delays. Keep essentials on hand.

Recommended Supplies

  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Bottled water and nonperishable food
  • Warm blankets
  • Portable power banks
  • A safe, approved space heater (if allowed)

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps—many of them inexpensive and renter-friendly—you can stay warm, avoid damage, and keep your energy bills under control. Consider it a seasonal tune-up for a more comfortable winter ahead.