How to Winterize Your Home for a Minnesota Winter

As Minnesota real estate agents, we’ve seen what happens when homes aren’t ready for our subfreezing winters — frozen pipes, roof leaks, and heating bills that make you cringe.

Preparing your home for the harsh Minnesota winter is essential to maintain comfort, reduce energy costs, and prevent damage. Here’s your complete checklist to get your home ready before the snow flies. Follow these practical steps to winterize your home effectively:

🧊 Protect Your Pipes

A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage. If you’re heading out of town or just want to be safe during cold snaps:

• Keep your thermostat at 55°F or warmer.

• Insulate pipes — especially those in basements, garages, or exterior walls.

• Keep garage doors closed to trap warmth.

• Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can circulate around the plumbing.

• Let faucets drip slightly to relieve pressure and prevent freezing.

• Open both hot and cold taps if both lines are exposed.

🌬️ Seal Drafts and Leaks

Drafts steal your heat (and your money). Walk around your home and check for cracks around:

• Windows, door frames, and cable/internet openings

• The sill plate where your home rests on its foundation

• Plumbing and vent penetrations

Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them up. Consider adding storm doors for extra insulation and check attic insulation while you’re at it.

🔥 Check Your Fireplace

Before you light that first cozy fire:

• Schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning to remove soot, nests, or creosote buildup.

• Clear old ashes from the firebox.

• Make sure your damper opens and closes properly.

🏠 Get Your Furnace Ready

Your furnace works hard all winter — give it a tune-up:

• Replace the filter before winter and every 3 months after.

• Schedule an HVAC inspection to keep things running efficiently.

• Test your thermostat and replace batteries if needed.

Bonus: consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat so you can lower temps while you’re out and still come home to warmth.

🪜 Clean the Gutters

Once the last leaves fall, clean out your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams and roof leaks when snow starts melting and refreezing.

🌿 Bring Plants, Furniture & Grills Inside

When temps dip below 45°F, it’s time to:

• Bring plants indoors to keep them from freezing.

• Store patio furniture and grills in a garage or shed.

• If space is tight, use weatherproof covers to protect them.

• For gas grills, disconnect and store propane tanks outside, in a spot above –40°F.

🧰 Prep Your Outdoor Equipment

• Clean and store mowers, trimmers, and garden tools.

• Inspect your snowblower early — don’t wait until the first storm!

• Mark your driveway with reflective stakes if you hire plowing service.

🏡 Check Your Roof and Attic

Minnesota winters are hard on roofs.

• Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or clogged valleys where debris gathers.

• Clear leaves and branches, and trim overhanging limbs.

• Check for attic leaks, stains, or poor ventilation, which can lead to mold.

• Add heat cables or snow guards in problem areas to prevent ice dams.

💧 Don’t Forget the Exterior Water Systems

• Drain outdoor spigots and irrigation lines.

• Disconnect hoses and store them indoors.

• Test your sump pump to make sure it’s ready for snowmelt in spring.

• Add insulation to exposed pipes or the water heater if they’re in unheated areas.

🧯 Test Safety Devices

Closed windows and heating systems mean higher carbon monoxide risks.

• Test smoke and CO detectors and replace batteries.

• Check your fire extinguisher and make sure it’s accessible near the kitchen or fireplace.

🧤 Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Make sure you’re ready when the snow hits:

• Shovels and snow blower fuel

• Ice melt (for both driveway and vehicle traction)

• Ice scrapers for every car

• Flashlights, extra batteries, and a weather radio

• Car emergency kit: blankets, jumper cables, food, water, first aid, cat litter, and a collapsible shovel

🌡️ Bonus Energy-Saving Tips

• Reverse ceiling fans (clockwise on low) to push warm air down.

• Swap to heavier, lined curtains to keep the warmth in.

• Close curtains on shady windows; open them when the sun’s out.

• Add plastic window film on older, drafty windows for quick insulation.

• Use boot trays and mats near doors to protect floors from salt and slush.

🏘️ Quick Homeowner Pro Tip

Now’s a great time to review your homeowners insurance to ensure you’re covered for winter hazards like ice dams or roof damage — better to confirm before you need it!

Final Thoughts

Winter in Minnesota can be beautiful — if your home is ready for it. A weekend spent on these prep steps can save you thousands (and a lot of stress) down the road.
If you’re ever unsure about your home’s readiness or want contractor recommendations, we’re happy to help connect you with trusted local pros.