12 Ways to Prep Your Entire Home for Cool Weather

Make sure your home is ready for winter from the inside out.

By: Farima Alavi

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It may still be 80 degrees in some parts of the country, but the weather will cool down before we know it. Is your home winter-ready? Follow our tips on how to maintain your home's exterior and interior, plus get ideas on how to cozy-up your space for the upcoming seasons' holidays, too.

OUTSIDE

Repair Loose Roof Shingles

Roof Gable

Your roof and gutters need to be in good shape to keep moisture and icy accumulation away. Start by looking for any loose shingles and making sure they're nailed down properly. Consult a professional for big damages, or follow DIY Network's instructions on how to repair a damaged roof.

Clean Out Gutters

Scraping Leaves Out of Gutter

Removing debris isn't only a fall chore in some yards; many trees such as black locust, oaks and maples drop litter in spring and summer. While you're clearing the gutters, also check for cracks in the seams. Use an old chisel to scrape the old caulking out and dry the area thoroughly. Use new bead silicon sealing to keep water from getting behind the gutters and rotting the boards.

While you're on the roof, clear gutters from leaf debris, and install a leaf guard if you haven't already. Clear downspouts by spraying water through it on a warm day. Follow our instructions for proper gutter cleaning and repair.

Turn Off Exterior Faucets

Hose Bib

On the home’s exterior there’s a male/female adapter on the hose bib. This allows for a simple garden hose to provide a water source.

Photo by: Don Hamilton Studio

Don Hamilton Studio

Disconnect your hose and drain any remaining water from the faucet to prevent pipes from bursting.

Protect Plants From Frost

Frost Defense

“We find that our winter crops do better if we get them planted in late September-early October,” Smith states, “and using frost blankets really help.” Another option for protecting your edible plants from plummeting temperatures is creating little hoop houses or tunnels covered in plastic to shelter them. Just remember to vent them when the sun comes out and the heat rises under the plastic.

Photo by: Image courtesy of P. Allen Smith, photography by Hortus LTD

Image courtesy of P. Allen Smith, photography by Hortus LTD

Tender, young plants won't survive winter frost. To protect them, cover with a blanket or plastic sheet overnight. If you cover with plastic, be sure to remove before the sun hits the plant or it'll cook.

Add Extra Mulch

Add Mulch

Cover bare soil with mulch to help slow water evaporation. A mulch layer that’s 2 to 3 inches deep helps retain soil moisture and reduce weed sprouting.

Photo by: Preen at Preen.com

Preen at Preen.com

Protect perennials from the cold weather by simply adding more mulch. Add enough to cover the crowns of the plant — about 2 to 4 inches. Straw, hay and leaves work just as well.

INSIDE

Reverse the Direction of Ceiling Fans

Neutral Transitional Master Bedroom With Round Ottoman

In the grand master bedroom, floor-length curtains call attention to the sky-high ceilings. Lots of plush, rounded surfaces, like the ottomans, are an easy way to make a room comfortable as well as family friendly. Designed by Bill Moore, Chris Reebals and Emory Ratliff

From: Christopher Architecture and Interiors

Photo by: Chris Luker Photography

Chris Luker Photography

You probably don't think about the ceiling fan during winter, but it can actually save energy by pushing rising heat back into the room — at the same level as what your thermostat registers. Most fan models have a switch that reverses the blades' direction. Make sure the fan is spinning clockwise during the season (and counterclockwise during summer).

Seal Window Gaps

Caulking Window

Caulking is the air-sealing method of choice for stationary parts of your home, like window frames and electrical outlets. Wait for a warm, dry day; clean the area you’re caulking and remove any loose debris; hold the gun consistently at a 45-degree angle; and apply the caulk in a smooth stream without stopping.

Photo by: ©iStockphoto.com/Halfpoint

©iStockphoto.com/Halfpoint

Prevent cool air from entering your home by filling any large gaps around your windowsill with caulk.

Hang Heavy-Duty Drapes

Grey Silk Drapes With Metallic Hardware

Custom faux silk draperies add a tailored, metallic and masculine touch. To add masculine flair to window treatments, choose drapery hardware that's sleek and stripped of fussy, ornamental detail.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Another easy way to keep the draft out is by hanging thermal or heavy-duty window treatments.

Clean Your Chimney

Southwestern Home Office With Tiled Fireplace

Cozy Seating in Southwestern Home Office

Small cobalt blue tile is used for the fireplace surround, adding color and Mexican flair to the seating area of this home office. Exposed wood beams, bookshelves and rustic mantel add warmth to the space, while comfortable armchairs create the ideal spot for relaxing by the fire.

From: Astleford Interiors

Photo by: Dan Piassick, Piassick Photo

Dan Piassick, Piassick Photo

'Tis the season to light a fire. Before you do, shine a flashlight up the chimney. If you see cracks and black soot, call a chimney pro. Follow our other fireplace safety tips.

GET COZY

Swap Out Your Bedding

Silver and Blue Bedroom With Patterned Wallpaper and Menswear Pillows

Winter Bedroom With Menswear Pillows

The cool silvers and blues of the contemporary bedroom give it the look of a winter wonderland. Delicate patterns found on the headboard, wallpaper and bedding add depth to the space, while upcycled menswear pillows make a unique style statement.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Nothing is as satisfying as a warm bed after coming in from a blustery day. Choose thick fabrics, like flannel and knits, and layer blankets to your heart's desire.

Add Scents of the Season

Stove-top Scent: Candy Cane

Photo by: iStock/karandaev

iStock/karandaev

The holidays are fast approaching, and your home should reflect that. Warm some natural ingredients on the stovetop — you'll want to curl up with a blanket and a good book. Try one (or all!) of our DIY natural scents.

Hang String Lights

Contemporary Neutral Living Area With Black Sofa and White Rug

Cozy Family Room Features Playful Lighting

Whimsical lighting steals the show in this cozy family room. Behind the sofa, string lights gracefully adorn the wall, and above the armchair, a lighted art installation adds a cool, crisp pattern to the space.