Preparing Your Home for Fall & Winter

Preparing Your Home For Fall Winter

What to Check – Inside & Out

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to get your home ready for the colder months ahead. Preparing now can save you time, money, and stress when Wisconsin’s winter weather arrives in full force.

🏠 Inspect and Maintain Your Heating System

Before temperatures drop, schedule a professional inspection for your furnace or boiler. A quick tune-up ensures your system is running efficiently and safely. Don’t forget to:

  • Replace filters regularly.

  • Check that your thermostat is working properly.

  • Clear space around vents and heating units.

Tip: Test your heat early in the season to avoid surprises on the first cold night!

💧 Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes can lead to costly water damage. To prevent this:

  • Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.

  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.

  • Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving.

  • Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.

🍁 Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Falling leaves may be pretty — but they can clog gutters and cause water to back up into your roof or foundation. Make sure to:

  • Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.

  • Ensure water flows away from your home’s foundation.

  • Consider installing gutter guards to reduce maintenance.

🔥 Check Fireplaces and Chimneys

If you plan to use your fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before lighting the first fire. This helps prevent chimney fires and improves air quality inside your home.

Pro tip: Always use a sturdy screen to keep sparks from escaping, and never leave a fire unattended.

💡 Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With furnaces and fireplaces in use, it’s especially important to make sure detectors are working properly. Replace batteries twice a year — a great reminder is when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.

🌨️ Prepare for Snow and Ice

Stock up early on essentials like salt, sand, shovels, and snowblower fuel. Check your roof for loose shingles or flashing issues that could cause leaks under heavy snow.

If you have a generator, test it now to make sure it’s ready for use in case of a power outage.

🚪 Weatherproof Windows and Doors

A little insulation goes a long way in keeping heating costs down. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and prevent drafts around windows and doors.

❤️ Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation

Taking these simple precautions now can help protect your home — and your peace of mind — through Wisconsin’s fall and winter seasons.

At Mutual of Wausau, we’re proud to serve our policyholders with coverage and care designed for the way you live. If you’d like to review your homeowner’s policy or discuss coverage options, reach out to your local agent today.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy all that the season has to offer! 🍂

Have questions about your coverage or want to schedule a policy review?
📞 Contact your local agent.