To prepare your house for a Minnesota winter, you should: clean your gutters, inspect your attic, insulate pipes, test your heating system, seal air leaks around windows and doors, change your furnace filter, trim tree branches near your house, consider a programmable thermostat, and stock up on winter supplies like snow removal tools.
Key points to focus on:
- Exterior:
- Clean gutters: Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams.
- Trim trees: Cut back branches that could fall on your roof during snowstorms.
- Inspect roof: Check for damage or potential leaks
- Heating System:
- Test furnace: Ensure it’s working properly before the cold weather arrives.
- Change air filter: Replace the filter for optimal efficiency.
- Consider a programmable thermostat: Set heating schedules to save energy
- Insulation:
- Check attic insulation: Add more insulation if needed to prevent heat loss
- Insulate pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas like basements to protect against freezing
- Air Sealing:
- Seal leaks: Caulk around windows, doors, and other areas where cold air can enter
- Plumbing:
- Protect outdoor faucets: Disconnect hoses and cover faucets with insulation
- Consider letting faucets drip slightly during extreme cold: This can help prevent frozen pipes
- Other Preparations:
- Stock up on winter supplies: Salt, shovels, ice melt, etc
- Reverse ceiling fan direction: Set fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air down
- Check smoke detectors: Test batteries and replace if needed