Published November 9, 2022
How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter in Minnesota
It's almost that time of year that every Minnesotan dreads: winter! Between subzero temperatures that freeze our nose hairs and inconveniently-timed snowfalls that force us to shovel when we least want to, Minnesota winters earn their infamous reputation. Most Minnesota natives have learned to adapt to the cold climate, but new residents might find themselves unprepared, and failing to prepare properly could result in damage to your house!
If you're a new homeowner in Minnesota, whether you're from a warmer place or you've just bought your first house here, it would be wise to catch up on everything you need to do to winterize your home before the first snow falls. Here's a guide to the most important steps!
5 Key Steps to Prepare Your MN Home for Winter
Keep Air In - One thing every Minnesota homeowner needs to brace for is the fact that energy bills will go up in winter due to the cost of keeping the house warm. To improve your home's energy efficiency and limit your heating expenses, you should make sure to locate any door or window frames that are letting hot air out and letting more cold air in. Use caulks to seal off these leaks and prevent this issue.
Adjust Your Thermostat - Aside from preventing leaks, another way to save on energy costs in the winter is to pay close attention to your thermostat. There's no reason to keep the house hot when everyone is sleeping or away from home. Try to keep the thermostat set as close to 60º as possible during times when no one is up and about in your Minnesota home. Even during the day, avoid the temptation to set your home to the high 70s; try to stick to 68-72º to avoid a monstrous heating bill.
Shut Your Hoses Off - Something that former residents of warmer states might not realize is that pipes can freeze and burst in Minnesota winters, both inside and out. The pipes at the biggest risk are those which lead to faucets outside of your house, like those connected to gardening hoses. To prevent your house from flooding, make sure to turn off the valves leading to your hoses, then drain all remaining water from your exterior faucets.
Insulate Your Pipes - Although external pipes are at the most significant risk of a freeze, it gets so cold during Minnesota's winters that the pipes inside your house might freeze, too. At particular risk are any pipes running through less insulated areas of your home, such as your unfinished basement, attic and garage. Purchase insulation to fit around pipes in these areas to greatly reduce the risk of a destructive freeze.
Check for Roof Damage - If you haven't had a home inspection in awhile, fall is a good time of year to schedule one. Roof damage that your home sustained last winter will make it more vulnerable to worse damage this winter. When snow builds up on your roof, if there are any leaks, it will lead to water damage and mold growth. An inspection can help to catch these vulnerabilities, allowing you to have your roof repaired for winter arrives.
Searching to Buy or Sell a Home in Minnesota?
Whether you've just arrived in Minnesota and want to buy a new home and get settled in before winter hits, or you've had one winter too many and it's time to sell your house and move, a professional real estate group can help you out. Give the Chris Fritch Team with eXp Realty a call today to enlist the aid of our local realtors with buying or selling a home in the Greater Twin Cities area!
