When the chilly air sets in over Crookston and the Red River Valley, you know winter's coming soon. Winter brings snug evenings and snowy views, but it also means your house needs some extra care to stay warm and run well. If you spend time now to winterize your home, you can avoid pricey fixes and stay comfy when it's freezing outside. Here's what you should do before the first snowfall.

Check and Get Your Heating System Ready

Tune Up Your Furnace and Put in New Filters

Your furnace plays a crucial role during Minnesota winters. Get a pro to check it out to ensure it runs well, and switch out the filters every one to three months. A clean filter lets air flow better and cuts down on heating costs.

Look at Your Thermostat

Check if your thermostat is working properly, and consider getting a programmable or smart one. These gadgets help keep temps steady and can lower your energy bills.

Seal up Windows and Doors

Spot Drafts

Drafts can make a warm house feel cold fast. On a windy day, walk through your home and look for air leaks around windows and doors.

Use Weatherstripping and Caulk

Plug gaps with weatherstripping and caulking to keep warm air inside and cold air outside. Even a few tiny cracks can cause big jumps in heating costs, so fixing drafts stands out as one of the simplest and most powerful actions you can take.

Safeguard Your Plumbing

Wrap Pipes

Frozen pipes rank among the most frequent and costly winter issues. Wrap exposed pipes in basements, attics, and crawl spaces with foam sleeves or heat tape.

Empty Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

Unhook hoses, empty outdoor spigots, and turn off sprinkler systems before freezing weather hits. This basic job can stop pipes from bursting when temperatures plummet.

Prepare Your Roof and Gutters

Clean Out Gutters

Leaves and debris can clog gutters, leading to ice dams and water damage. Give them a good cleaning and check downspouts to ensure water flows away from your house's foundation.

Inspect Roof Shingles

Keep an eye out for damaged or missing shingles and get them fixed before heavy snow hits. 

Check Safety Devices

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

People use heating systems and fireplaces a lot in winter, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Test all detectors and replace batteries if needed.

Prepare for Storms

Stock up on must-haves like flashlights, blankets, and self-stable food. Keep a winter emergency kit ready to handle surprise power outages or big storms.

Cut Down on Energy Use

Put in More Insulation Where You Need It

Consider adding insulation to your attic and walls if your house gets cold quickly. This can make your home cozier and lower your energy costs.

Flip Your Ceiling Fans

Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling, making rooms feel warmer without turning up the heat.

Get Ready Outside

Put Away Yard Tools and Outdoor Stuff

Clean and store your tools, mowers, and outdoor furniture to keep them safe from snow and ice.

Check Your Snow Removal Gear

Check your snowblower, get extra fuel, and have shovels and ice melt on hand. When you prepare, you'll feel less stressed about the first snowfall.

Prepping your house before winter arrives means more than ticking boxes—it brings peace of mind. These steps, from checking the heating to inspecting the roof, protect your investment and keep your family cozy during Crookston's winter. If you want to move or boost your home's value this season, our real estate agents can help. Get in touch with us today to learn about Crookston area homes and how we can support your real estate plans.