Pre-Freeze Residential Checklist

January 23, 2026

Cold winter temperatures require more than just heavy coat layers and emergency supplies in your car. When harsh conditions such as freezing temps and heavy snow come around, homeowners should have a to-do list ready to go. See our tips below on how to prepare your home for winter before the weather has the chance to do any damage.

 

Winter Checklist

  1. Insulate: Start in the attic to ensure you’ve insulated thoroughly. This is not only to keep the heat in, but also to prevent it from going out.
  2. Check for drafts: Caulk or apply weather stripping to doors and windows, vents and fans, and other openings as needed. To be safe, also check for tiny entry points that allow mice and other unwelcome guests in and seal those off.
  3. Inspect your roof: Too much snow on your roof can weigh in and cause it to collapse. Clear this snow by purchasing a roof rake and either carefully remove the accumulated snow or hire a professional to help.
  4. Keep your gutters clean: When gutters are filled with leaves, there’s a higher chance of them freezing, leading to frozen blockages and obstructed water flow. Install mesh or leaf guards to avoid this pesky job.
  5. Seal your concrete: Sealing any cracks in your walkways and driveway will help prevent those cracks from growing in size as water seeps in, freezes, and expands in the cold.
  6. Buy thick furnishings: Thicker, darker curtains and area rugs can help retain the heat inside and block the cold air radiating off your windows.
  7. Use a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermometer ensures you’re only heating your home when needed. You can remotely make adjustments when there are sudden changes in the weather. It’s always a good idea to keep the thermostat no lower than 50 degrees (F) while you are away for long periods in order to avoid frozen, bursting pipes in the winter.
  8. Install environmental monitoring detectors: Instantaneously know when any of the following leaks or conditions happen with environmental monitoring:
    • Low and high temperatures (low temps can lead to frozen, bursting pipes)
    • Flooding and other water leaks (furnace, washer, refrigerator, freezer)
    • Sump pump failure
    • Gas
    • Carbon monoxide

Preventative Carbon Monoxide Tips

We tend to focus on how to prevent frozen pipes and cold homes the winter, but rivaling all of those safety concerns is carbon monoxide (CO). CO is referred to as the silent killer for good reason. Not only is it odorless, colorless, and tasteless but it works very quickly. Read below to find out how you can prevent carbon monoxide during the winter months.

  1. Check your appliances: Service your chimney, furnace, water heater, and any gas or coal-burning appliances. Get these checked annually by a certified and reputable company.
  2. Use certain appliances outside: Do not use generators and portable flameless chemical heaters or gas camp stoves inside.
  3. Warm your car outside: Do not warm up your car if it’s in the garage, even if the garage door is open.

There is no reason your home should not be completely safe—and your mind at ease—at all times. We are in the business of protecting you, your family, and your home 24/7. Contact us  for more information on environmental monitoring and our other home security services. You can request a free quote on a fully customized home security system to keep your loved ones safe.