Winter Home Prep: How to Get Your House Ready for Cold Weather in Missouri

Published on 20 November 2025 at 13:24

Staying ahead of winter weather can save you from expensive repairs, frozen pipes, chilly drafts, and a whole lot of stress. Whether you prefer the DIY route or want Honey Do Crew to take care of the hard work, now is the perfect time to start winterizing your home.

Here are the essential steps every homeowner should take before temperatures drop.

1. Clean Your Gutters to Prevent Ice Dams

Clogged gutters are one of the biggest hidden causes of winter damage. Leaves, twigs, and debris trap water, which later freezes, expands, and creates ice dams that push water under your shingles and into your home.

Before cold weather hits, clear out all debris and make sure water flows freely. This protects your roof, siding, and foundation from costly winter leaks.

2. Seal Windows and Doors to Stop Drafts

Check around your window and door frames for cold air sneaking in. If you feel a draft, a fresh bead of caulk or new weatherstripping can make a major difference.

Sealing up air leaks keeps your home warmer, reduces strain on your heating system, and helps keep your utility bills under control.

3. Inspect Your Roof for Damage

Strong winds, rain, fallen branches, and summer storms can weaken your roof without you knowing it. A pre-winter roof inspection helps catch missing shingles, soft spots, or flashing issues before snow and ice make things worse.

If you’re unsure what to look for, Honey Do Crew can check it for you.

4. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

This simple trick saves energy and helps heat your home more evenly.
Set your fans to spin clockwise at a low speed, it pushes warm air downward instead of letting it stay trapped near the ceiling.

5. Schedule a Chimney Checkup

Fireplaces are great in winter, but a dirty chimney can be dangerous. Birds’ nests, soot buildup, and blockages increase fire risk and reduce airflow.

Have your chimney inspected and cleaned before lighting your first fire of the season.

6. Service Your HVAC System

Your heating system has been sitting unused for months, now is the perfect time for a tune-up. A licensed HVAC technician can:

Inspect and clean burners
Replace filters
Check wiring and safety components
Ensure everything is ready for heavy winter use

This protects against breakdowns on the coldest days of the year.

7. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

Snow and ice add weight to branches. If any limbs hang over your roof, vehicles, or power lines, remove them now.

A little trimming now prevents downed branches, structural damage, or electrical hazards later.

8. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in crawl spaces, garages, basements, and exterior walls are extra vulnerable to freezing. Add pipe insulation or heat tape to prevent expensive bursts and water damage.

It’s a cheap upgrade that protects you from a costly disaster.

9. Give Your Shed Some Attention

Small outdoor structures often get ignored until winter, but they matter, too. Seal openings, repair holes, and clean out clutter to prevent animals from moving in. Add insulation if needed to protect tools and equipment.

10. Test and Upgrade Outdoor Lighting

As days get shorter, reliable outdoor lighting becomes more important. Make sure:

Bulbs are working
Fixtures aren’t cracked
Wiring isn’t exposed or damaged

Upgrade to LEDs for better visibility and lower energy use.

11. Test Your Heating System Early

Don’t wait until the first cold night to flip on your heat. Test your furnace now so you have time to schedule repairs if something isn’t working correctly.

12. Why Winter Prep Matters

Winterizing your home isn’t just about comfort, it helps protect your biggest investment. Cold weather can strain your roof, HVAC system, plumbing, and siding. Proper preparation helps prevent:

Expensive emergency repairs
Higher utility bills
Heat loss
Water damage
Frozen pipes

A little work now keeps you warm, safe, and stress-free all winter long.

Need Help Winterizing Your Home? Honey Do Crew Has You Covered.

Winter home prep isn’t just a seasonal chore, it’s one of the smartest ways to protect your property before the cold Missouri weather sets in. Taking care of small tasks now helps prevent frozen pipes, roof leaks, heating issues, and unexpected repairs when temperatures drop.