As the chill settles in and the holiday season approaches, it's time to prepare your Minnesota home for winter while also embracing the beauty of the season. Along with winterizing steps to keep your home protected and energy-efficient, adding outdoor greenery and Christmas lights will bring festive warmth to your exterior. Here’s a guide on how to prepare your home and add a touch of holiday cheer.

1. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

Drafts can significantly increase heating costs. Inspect all windows and doors for gaps or cracks, then use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any leaks. Even a small draft can let in enough cold air to affect the temperature in your home, making your heating system work overtime.

• Tip: Use draft stoppers at the base of doors for extra insulation.

2. Clean and Inspect Your Furnace

Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm, so it’s essential to keep it in peak condition. Change the air filters and consider scheduling a professional inspection to ensure it’s running efficiently. This not only improves performance but also helps avoid potential breakdowns during the coldest months.

• Tip: Set a reminder to change your filters every 1-3 months during the winter.
  
  

3. Insulate Your Pipes 

Minnesota's freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze, leading to costly repairs. Insulate exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like the basement, garage, or crawl spaces. Foam pipe insulation is easy to install and helps prevent freezing.

• Tip: Letting faucets drip during extremely cold nights can relieve pressure in the pipes and help prevent freezing.

4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clearing gutters and downspouts ensures that snowmelt flows properly, reducing the risk of ice dams. Ice dams can cause water to back up under your roof shingles, potentially leading to leaks and water damage.

• Tip: After clearing leaves and debris, consider installing gutter guards to minimize buildup in the future.
  
  

5. Check Your Roof and Attic

Your roof is your first defense against harsh weather. Inspect for any loose or damaged shingles and get them repaired before snow arrives. In the attic, make sure you have adequate insulation. A well-insulated attic not only keeps your home warmer but also prevents the formation of ice dams on the roof.

• Tip: Consider adding a ridge vent if your attic doesn’t have proper ventilation; it helps regulate attic temperature.
  
  

6. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Most ceiling fans have a switch to reverse the direction of the blades. In the winter, set the blades to rotate clockwise to push warm air that rises back down into the room, which can help keep heating costs down.

• Tip: Use a lower speed to avoid creating too much draft while circulating the warm air.
  
  

7. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With more time spent indoors and increased use of heating systems, fireplaces, and ovens, it’s essential to have functioning carbon monoxide detectors. Test each detector and replace any dead batteries. For added safety, ensure there’s a detector installed on every level of your home.

• Tip: This is also a good time to check your smoke detectors!
  
  

8. Prepare for Snow and Ice Removal

Get ahead by stocking up on essentials like snow shovels, ice melt, and windshield scrapers. Check your snow blower to ensure it’s in working order before the first snowfall hits. Keeping these tools ready and accessible will make it easier to clear pathways and driveways quickly.

• Tip: Shoveling snow regularly during a storm prevents ice buildup and makes removal easier.

A great local company to help with snow removal is Beniek Property Services Inc.

9. Protect Outdoor Items and Faucets

Remove hoses and store them in a garage or shed. Blow out your sprinklers and shut off outdoor water valves and spigots to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. For outdoor furniture, consider covering or storing it to prevent damage from snow and ice.

• Tip: Use faucet covers for extra protection from freezing temperatures.
  
  

10. Schedule a Chimney Inspection

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning to remove soot and creosote buildup, which can pose a fire risk. Keeping your fireplace clean and ready to use will provide both warmth and ambiance on those cold winter nights.

11. Add Outdoor Greenery

Incorporating evergreen wreaths, garlands, and potted plants to your outdoor spaces brings a natural, festive touch. Add seasonal potted evergreens around your entryway, and consider decorating with pinecones, berries, and even faux snow for a rustic winter look.

• Tip: Wrap planters with burlap or weatherproof ribbons to protect plants from cold temperatures while adding style.

For festive outdoor greenery, I recommend Otten Bros.

12. Brighten Up with Christmas Lights

Nothing welcomes the season like the warm glow of Christmas lights. Decorate trees, shrubs, or rooflines with white or colored LED lights for a cozy, classic ambiance. String lights along the railings, doorway, or around wreaths for a polished, welcoming look.

• Tip: Opt for energy-efficient LED lights that last longer and reduce electricity costs.

Reach out to Russel Williams Home Services for holiday light installations.

Preparing your home for winter doesn’t mean sacrificing style. By taking these steps to winterize your home and adding simple holiday décor, you’ll be ready to enjoy the season safely and comfortably while boosting your home’s curb appeal. Enjoy a cozy, festive winter season!