February 24, 2025

in Best Real Estate Agents in Southern NH , Harmony Real Estate , Hudson NH , Investment , Litchfield homes for sale , Londonderry homes for sale , Nashua NH , South Hudson homes for sale , Southern Hudson NH , Southern Nashua NH , Southern NH homes for sale , Top Real Estate Agent in Southern NH , Virginia Kazlouskas Gregory by Virginia Kazlouskas

Last-Minute Winterization Tips for Your Home – Stay Warm & Safe

Winter in New Hampshire can be unpredictable. One day it's mild, and the next, you're digging out from a snowstorm. If you haven’t fully prepped your home for the season, don’t worry. These last-minute winterization tips can help you avoid costly damage and stay warm.

Thinking about making a move? Check out Londonderry Houses for Sale and Southern NH Houses for Sale—some come winter-ready!

Winterization Tips and Tricks

1. Seal Drafts & Insulate Quickly

Cold drafts make your heating system work harder. Walk around your home and feel for cold air near windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps. Adding door draft stoppers can also help keep the warmth in.

Quick Fix:

Apply clear plastic film over windows to trap heat.
Use rolled-up towels as temporary draft blockers.

2. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes can burst and cause major water damage. To prevent this:

Let faucets drip slightly during freezing temps.
Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.

If you’re considering a move, look at Southern NH houses for sale with modern insulation to avoid these issues in the future.

3. Check Your Heating System

A working heating system is crucial in winter. If you haven't serviced your furnace yet, schedule maintenance now. Replace filters and test your thermostat to ensure it's functioning properly.

Emergency Tip:

If your heat goes out, close off unused rooms and use safe space heaters. Avoid using ovens for warmth, as it can be dangerous.

4. Clean Gutters & Prevent Ice Dams

Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, which can cause roof leaks. Grab a ladder and remove leaves and debris before the next storm hits.

Bonus Tip: Install gutter guards to reduce future buildup. If you're in the market for a well-maintained home, Londonderry houses for sale might be a great fit!

5. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Don’t get caught unprepared! Keep these items on hand:

Ice melt and sand for driveways.
Extra blankets and emergency kits.
Flashlights and batteries in case of power outages.

6. Reverse Ceiling Fans

This simple trick can make a big difference. Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed. It helps push warm air back down into the room, reducing heating costs.

7. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

Heavy snow and ice can snap weak branches, causing damage to roofs, cars, and power lines. Trim trees now before winter storms arrive.

8. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With fireplaces and heaters running, the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning increases. Test your detectors and replace batteries as needed.

9. Keep Walkways & Driveways Safe

Icy sidewalks can be dangerous. Use salt or sand to prevent slips and falls. Consider a heated driveway if you're building or buying a new home—many Southern NH houses for sale offer this feature!

10. Plan for an Emergency

Severe winter weather can lead to power outages. Have an emergency kit ready, including water, food, medications, and extra fuel for generators.

blue and black jeep wrangler on dirt road during daytime

Thinking of Moving This Winter?

Winter may seem like a tough time to buy or sell a home, but it can actually work in your favor. Fewer buyers mean less competition, and sellers are often more motivated.

Explore Londonderry houses for sale and Southern NH houses for sale today. Some homes come winter-ready, so you can move in worry-free!