How to Prepare Your Home for Winter | Central PA Real Estate Tips

 How to Prepare Your Home for Winter: A Practical Guide for Central PA Homeowners

Winter is coming—and if you’re a homeowner in Central PA, that’s your cue to get your house ready for the cold, snow, and ice that’s just around the corner. Skipping prep can mean higher energy bills, frozen pipes, and costly repairs that could’ve been avoided.

Here’s a deeper dive into how to get your home winter-ready—without making it a full-time job.

1. Seal Your  Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors are like leaving money on the table—and letting the cold in. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps. It’s a cheap fix that can noticeably lower your heating bills and keep you cozier all winter long.

Pro tip: Hold a candle near window edges. If the flame flickers, you’ve found a draft.

2. Get Your Heating System Serviced

You do not want to find out your heat doesn’t work in the middle of a snowstorm. Have your furnace or heat pump professionally inspected and serviced. Replace filters, check for leaks, and make sure your thermostat is working properly.

Bonus points if you have a programmable or smart thermostat—it can save you big money over the season.

3. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Did you know ceiling fans have a winter setting? Flip the switch so the blades spin clockwise. This pushes warm air back down into the room, especially helpful in homes with high ceilings.

4. Prep Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are no joke. Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawlspaces. If you're going away, leave your heat on at a minimum of 55°F to prevent freezing.

5. Clean Out Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can damage your roof and siding. Clean them out before the snow hits and make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.

6. Inspect Your Roof

A quick visual inspection can save you thousands. Look for missing or damaged shingles and check flashing around vents and chimneys. Snow and ice will exploit any weakness.

If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder, hire a pro or use a drone for a safer check.

7. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Don’t be that neighbor scrambling for rock salt and snow shovels after the first storm. Stock up early—while the shelves are still full.

And if you have a snowblower? Now’s the time to test it, fuel it, and make sure it runs.

8. Winterize Outdoor Plumbing

Disconnect hoses, shut off outdoor spigots, and drain sprinkler systems. Even one overlooked hose bib can lead to a burst pipe and a flooded basement.

9. Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As we seal up our homes and crank the heat, the risk of carbon monoxide buildup rises. Test all detectors and replace batteries. If you don’t have CO detectors, get some—especially if you have a gas furnace, fireplace, or appliances.

Final Thoughts

Winter in Central PA can be beautiful—but it can also be brutal on your home if you’re not prepared. Spending a weekend getting ready can save you a season of stress, repairs, and high energy bills.

If you ever need a trusted vendor for roof inspections, HVAC servicing, or plumbing winterization, I’ve got a local list ready to go. Just reach out—I’m always happy to help.