Brace yourself – winter is coming. As the days become shorter and cooler weather rolls in, homeowners can take steps to prepare their home for the winter season ahead.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in November 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Winter weather is just around the corner, and its important to make sure your home is ready before the first cold snap hits and you turn your furnace on for the first time. In addition to brushing up on these safety precautions from the CDC, now is the time to ready your home to keep heat in and cold weather out. Your local Lennox^® dealer can also make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently to get you through the coldest of weather this winter.

Follow this guide to prep your home for winter and take comfort in a warm, cozy home all season long.

Block Out Cold Air

Keep icy drafts from chilling the air in your home this winter. Consider adding storm windows or doors, especially if you have an older home. Another way to keep the cold out and save on heating costs this winter is adding window insulation film. These simple steps will help prevent cold air from seeping in and help lock in warmth. 

Check Your Gutters 

It's a good idea to keep your home's gutters clear all year long, but in the winter it becomes essential. If leaves pile up in your gutter, the backup can cause melting ice and snow to spill into your attic or basement. If you haven't yet cleared away debris from your gutters, early winter is a great time to do it.

Prep Your Furnace 

When temperatures tumble, homeowners rely on their heating system to keep their home comfortable. Before winter is in full swing, take time to have your local Lennox^® dealer inspect your furnace to ensure it's ready to withstand cold weather.During this preventative check, your Lennox^® dealer will make sure your furnace is running properly and address any potential issues. Homeowners can also perform some DIY tasks, such as replacing air filters and ensuring vents are free of debris, to make sure their heating system operates efficiently all winter long.

Turn Off Exterior Faucets 

Homeowners often overlook this winterizing step because it's so simple. However, if undrained water remains in pipes in freezing temperatures, the pipes can burst as the ice expands. Disconnect your garden hoses and drain any remaining water in your exterior faucets to prevent the hassle of burst pipes this winter.

Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney 

There's nothing like the cozy warmth of a fire on a cold winter evening. However, before you light that first log, contact a professional chimney sweep to ensure your fireplace and chimney are in the best shape to safely heat your home. When you're not using your fireplace, keep the flue completely closed to avoid warm air from escaping through the chimney.

Stock Up on Cold-Weather Necessities 

If a snowstorm prevents you from leaving your house, make sure you have emergency supplies on hand. Always have a few hardy snow shovels within easy reach as well as extra firewood and propane. Before freezing weather strikes, it's also smart to stock up on water and non-perishable food items.

Cozy Up to Cold Weather 

The winter season sparkles with opportunities to enjoy a warm and inviting home. By taking some time to prepare for freezing weather, homeowners don't have to be caught off guard by snow, ice, and arctic air—they stand ready for whatever winter weather comes their way.