As Illinois temperatures drop, proper home winterization becomes crucial for preventing costly damage and keeping energy bills manageable. This complete guide walks you through how to winterize a house, from basic DIY tasks to jobs that require professional expertise.
When to Start Winterizing Your House
September and October are ideal for winter preparation in Illinois. Starting early ensures you can complete all necessary tasks before the first freeze, which often arrives earlier than expected in our region. Some tasks become difficult or impossible once temperatures drop below freezing.
Essential Steps to Winterize Your House
Protect Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes can cause catastrophic water damage. Start with these crucial steps:
- Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses
- Install insulated covers on exterior faucets
- Identify and insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas
- Consider professional pipe insulation in hard-to-reach areas
Prepare Your Heating System
Your furnace becomes your home’s most critical system during winter. Proper preparation includes:
- Replace or clean air filters
- Test your heating system before cold weather arrives
- Schedule professional inspection and maintenance
- Check all heating vents for blockages
- Seal any ductwork leaks
Seal Your Home’s Envelope
Small gaps and poor insulation can increase heating bills significantly. Address these areas:
- Check windows and doors for drafts
- Seal gaps around pipes and utility entries
- Add weatherstripping where needed
- Inspect attic insulation levels
- Consider professional weatherization for the best results
Outdoor Preparation
Prevent winter damage to your home’s exterior:
- Clean gutters thoroughly
- Trim tree branches near your house
- Clear leaves from yard drains
- Store outdoor furniture
- Shut down irrigation systems
When to Call a Professional for Winterize Home Service
While many winterization tasks are DIY-friendly, some require professional expertise:
Heating System Service
Annual professional maintenance prevents mid-winter breakdowns and ensures safe operation. Tiger Services provides comprehensive furnace inspections and tune-ups.
Complex Plumbing Protection
Professional pipe insulation in crawl spaces and other difficult areas helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Professional weatherization can significantly reduce heating costs. Our technicians identify and seal energy-wasting gaps many homeowners miss.
Emergency Winterization Tips
If cold weather arrives before you’ve completed winterization:
- Keep faucets dripping in extreme cold
- Open cabinet doors under sinks
- Maintain consistent indoor temperature
- Contact professionals immediately for urgent heating system issues
Schedule Professional Winterization Help
Need help winterizing your house? Contact Tiger Services at (217) 885-2859. Our expert technicians serve Collinsville, Springfield, Bloomington, and Peoria with professional home winterization services.
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