Winter in the Treasure Valley can be unpredictable. Some winters are mild and others bring freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and abrupt temperature changes. Winterizing your home before winter arrives can prevent frozen pipes, roof leaks, ice dams, heating problems, and expensive water damage.
When should you start? Winterizing your home should start now, in early November, before the first hard freeze. Here's a few practical ideas to add to your checklist to protect your home and your family this winter.
1. Protect your pipes from freezing
Frozen pipes are the most expensive problem homeowners face in the winter.
Disconnect all garden hoses from outside faucets.
Shut off interior valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, if available.
Drain exterior faucets and install insulated faucet covers.
Insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
Pay particular attention to crawl spaces and plumbing along exterior walls.
Seal openings around pipes where cold air enters.
Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, especially when traveling.
Open cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks during extreme cold if pipes are on exterior walls.
Know where your main water shutoff valve is located.
2. Protect your furnace and heating system
Depending on the severity of the weather this winter, your heating system may be working hard during Idaho’s cold months.
Replace your furnace filter.
Schedule and annual furnace inspection and tune-up.
Check that all heating vents are open and unobstructed.
Make sure your thermostat is working properly.
Test your carbon monoxide detectors.
Test smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.
Check that your furnace exhaust and intake pipes are clear of snow and debris.
If you have a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned as needed.
3. Protect your roof and gutters
The Treasure Valley’s snow and freeze-thaw cycles can create problems with roofing, gutters, and drainage.
Clean leaves and debris out of gutters.
Check downspouts to ensure water drains away from the foundation.
Inspect roof shingles for missing, damaged, or loose areas.
Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Look for signs of previous roof leaks.
Trip branches hanging over your roof.
Make sure attic insulation and ventilation are adequate.
Ice dams can develop when heat escapes through the attic and melts snow on the roof. Proper attic insulation, air sealing, and ventilation are important preventative measures.
Check for depressions and holes near your foundation caused by roof or gutter problems.
4. Seal windows and doors
Preventing drafts helps lower heating bills and makes your home more comfortable.
Inspect weatherstripping around exterior doors.
Replace cracked or missing door sweeps.
Apply caulk around window frames where needed.
Check weatherstripping around garage doors.
Seal gaps around exterior electrical and plumbing penetrations.
Examine your siding for damage.
5. Prepare your sprinkler system and landscaping
This is particularly important in the Treasure Valley because underground irrigation systems can be damaged by freezing temperatures.
Have your sprinkler system professionally blown out with compressed air.
Water remaining in irrigation lines can freeze and cause expensive damage.
Turn off the irrigation controller or set it to winter mode.
Shut off the irrigation water supply.
Drain backflow preventers according to manufacturer instructions.
Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
Drain outdoor water features and fountains as appropriate.
Store hoses, sprinklers, and other equipment.
6. Prepare your driveway, walkways, and yard
Idaho’s snow and occasional ice can make walkways hazardous.
Check your snow shovel or snowblower.
Stock up on pet-safe ice melt or sidewalk deicer.
Keep sand available for tractions.
Check exterior lighting.
Secure patio furniture, umbrellas, and grills.
Cover or store outdoor furniture.
Trim dead tree limbs that could break under snow or ice.
7. Prepare for winter power outages
Winter storms can cause temporary power outages. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management recommends having at least three days of essential supplies available.
Keep these items on hand:
Flashlights and extra batteries
Battery-powered radio
Portable phone chargers
Drinking water
Nonperishable food
Blankets and warm clothing
First-aid kit
Fire Safety Equipment
Prescription medications
Pet food and supplies
Backup heating arrangements
Generator safety: Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, or enclosed space. Keep it at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and air intakes.
Make sure to inspect and clean your fireplace before use.
Helpful Idaho Resources
Idaho Office of Emergency Management – Winter Preparedness
Idaho Power – Preparing for Outages
Idaho Community Associations – Irrigation Winterization
