Preparing Your Home For The Winter In Michigan

If you live in Michigan like me, you know the drill — the second that first snowflake hits the ground, productivity takes a nosedive and we all brace for the long, cold stretch ahead.

But before winter really sets in, there are a few things you should tackle to winter-proof your home. Neglecting even a few of these can lead to expensive repairs and unnecessary stress when the temperatures drop.

Here are 17 simple but important tips to get your home ready for another Michigan winter.

1. Create an Entryway Plan

Tracking snow and mud through your home can destroy floors fast. Add rubber mats inside and outside the main entry, plus a durable washable rug to catch moisture. If you have pets or kids, set up a boot tray and a small bench for shoes — you’ll thank yourself later.

2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Yes, you read that right. Most ceiling fans have a small switch that reverses the blade direction. Flip it to clockwise in winter — it’ll push warm air down and help heat circulate better. Keep it on the lowest setting to avoid drafts, especially if you have a crawl space or vaulted ceilings.

3. Tune Up Your Heating System

There’s nothing worse than your furnace quitting on a January night. Schedule a quick inspection before it’s running daily. Clean filters, check the pilot light, and replace batteries in your thermostat if needed. A $100 service call now can save thousands in mid-winter emergency repairs.

4. Protect Your A/C Unit

Cover your outdoor air conditioner for the season — but don’t wrap it tight. You want to protect it from debris while allowing airflow. Place a sheet of plywood or OSB on top and weigh it down with a few bricks. Avoid fully enclosed covers; they trap moisture and invite critters.

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5. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafts are the silent budget killer of winter. Check around your windows and doors for cold air leaks. Apply weather-stripping, caulk, or a window insulation kit (like the Duck Brand plastic film). For under $15, you can noticeably cut your heating bill.

6. Clean the Gutters

It’s not just about curb appeal. Clogged gutters trap snowmelt, causing ice dams and roof damage. Clean them out before heavy snow, and make sure your downspouts extend several feet away from your foundation to prevent water backup.

7. Inspect Overhanging Branches

Snow is deceptively heavy. Trim or remove any dead or leaning branches that hang near your roof, driveway, or power lines. One strong storm can easily snap a limb and cause major damage.

8. Extend Your Downspouts

Yes, downspout extensions are ugly — but they’re effective. They help divert melting snow and ice runoff away from your foundation. In spring, you can bury or upgrade them, but for now, function beats form.

9. Cover Foundation Vents

If you have a crawl space, cut foam board insulation (the pink stuff from the hardware store) to fit and cover your vents from the inside. This helps keep floors warmer and prevents frozen pipes. Just remember to remove them in spring to restore airflow and reduce moisture buildup.

10. Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the costliest winter disasters. Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to let warm air circulate. If pipes run along exterior walls, wrap them in pipe insulation or place a low-watt lamp nearby.

Pro tip: If you’re leaving home for a few days, set your thermostat to at least 55°F to avoid freezing while you’re away.

11. Check Your Chimney

If you use a fireplace, have it inspected or cleaned by a professional chimney sweep before lighting it up for the season. Birds, squirrels, or debris can easily block the flue — and that can become a fire hazard fast.

12. Shut Off and Drain Exterior Faucets

Locate all outdoor faucets, disconnect hoses, and shut off the interior water valves. Turn the exterior faucet on to drain any remaining water, then replace the bleeder cap. Frozen water lines can burst in just a few hours — and that’s not a fun repair bill.

13. Drain Your Water Heater and Irrigation System

Sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Drain it annually before winter to prevent corrosion.

If you have an irrigation system, shut off the main valve and open the drain valves (manual or automatic) to ensure no water remains in the lines.

14. Mow Your Leaves — Don’t Rake Them

Here’s a time-saver most people don’t know: mulch your leaves instead of raking. A mulching mower turns them into tiny pieces that decompose into natural fertilizer, improving soil health and adding nitrogen for a stronger lawn in spring.

15. Winterize Your Lawn Equipment

Before you store your mower, trimmer, and gas-powered tools, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent clogs. Drain leftover fuel from carburetors and let engines run until dry. This quick step ensures a smooth start come spring — no carb cleaning necessary.

16. Test Your Sump Pump

The average sump pump lasts about 10 years, but even a newer one should be checked before winter. Pour a few gallons of water into the pit to make sure it kicks on. A burnt-out pump can mean flooding during snowmelt or early spring rains.

17. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Before you get buried in snow, make sure your supplies are easy to grab — shovels, salt, snowblower, fuel, ice melt, and a roof rake. Keep these accessible, not buried behind your patio furniture.

The last thing you want is to dig through your garage during a blizzard.

Final Thoughts

Winter in Michigan can be harsh — but your home doesn’t have to suffer for it. With just a weekend or two of prep, you can prevent damage, lower heating bills, and keep things running smoothly until spring returns.

These 17 steps might seem like a lot, but they’ll save you time, money, and frustration when the snow hits. Take care of your home now, and it’ll take care of you all winter long.