Blog
New Homeowner Guide To: Prepping Your Home for the Winter
September 29, 2026
Every Adams Home currently exists in a Subtropical Climate, and while that may sound like year-round comfort, the winter months bring freezing temperatures and various weather storms. Today we break down simple but effective ways for you to keep your home protected against the elements.
On the Inside:
Destratification of Fans
The average homeowner may not know the directional physics involved in their ceiling fans. A fan spinning counterclockwise pushes air straight down toward the floor, creating a direct breeze and maximizing the "wind chill" effect on those in the room. In the wintertime, fans should be reversed to a clockwise rotation. Air will pull upward from the center of the room toward the ceiling, displacing warm air trapped near the top and forcing it down along the walls without creating a direct, chilly draft. This process is known as destratification.
Maintain your Chimney
Your chimney, and the flue that lines it, adds architectural interest to your home, but its real function is to carry dangerous flue gases from your fireplace, or furnace safely out of your home. A chimney helps your household air stay breathable… just as your windows and your bathroom, attic and kitchen vents do. Unlike those other exhaust points in your home, however, fireplace and wood stove chimneys need a special kind of care. If you have a working fireplace, get your chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a pro to help decrease the risk of fire from buildup or blockages, says the Chimney Safety Institute of America. These yearly inspections may also help to prevent carbon monoxide intrusion.
Adjust the Temperature on Your Water Heater
While making home adjustments, consider lowering the temperature on your water heater. Most are set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit as a default, but some households only need a setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for comfort. A lower temperature may also reduce wear and tear on the pipes, and according to the Department of Energy (DOE), save you as much as $30 per year for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit the temperature is lowered.
Block Drafts
This winter, you do not want cold drafts making their way into your living room. Use weatherstripping, window film and caulk to help control heat loss around doors, windows and baseboards. According to the DOE, a reduction in drafts may save up to 30% in energy costs per year. To check for or find air leaks, there are simple do-it-yourself tests that can be done in less than 10 minutes. Pick a cool or windy day, turn off all fans and any appliance that moves air, and close all windows and exterior doors completely. The Candle Test: Light a candle or stick of incense and move the flame slowly along the edges of windows, door frames, baseboards, and electrical outlets. Watch if the flame flickers or if the smoke blows sideways to spot a leak. The Dollar Bill Test: Open an exterior door, place a dollar bill across the frame, and shut the door. Pull on the bill; if it slides out easily, the door seal is weak.
On the Outside:
Avoid a Burst Pipe
A top concern for homeowners is water freezing in the pipes and the pipe bursting. To help combat this, shut off the water to exterior faucets and drain the lines. Some homeowners will then place insulated foam covers over the bibbs for good measure. You will also want to insulate any pipes near the exterior walls of your home or in unheated areas like a garage. Foam sleeves and insulation wraps can be found at any home improvement store. It is also wise to locate your home's main water shut-off valve in case of an emergency.
Prevent Pests
When it's cold out, pests may seek shelter in a warm home. Fun fact: a mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime. This means you will want to seal any holes and cracks around the exterior of your home to help keep these pests out. Proper landscaping is also something to watch and clear out potential hiding spots. Stack firewood at least 20 feet away from the home and raise it off the ground. Cut back tree branches and shrubs so they do not touch or hang over your roof, and routinely clear debris that collects around the base of your foundation.
Roof and Gutter Maintenance
Most Adams Homes will not experience severe snowstorms but rather heavy winter rains that bookend the Southeast hurricane season. Preventative maintenance includes clearing out the gutters, checking downspouts, and inspecting shingles. These measures will help your home weather a storm at full strength and negate potential repairs. A cold front also brings high winds, which can throw your favorite planter halfway down the street in the blink of an eye. To avoid damage, store or tie down lightweight items and yard decorations that may be easily blown away.
With these winterizing tips, your home may feel cozier and safer while saving you money. Be prepared for the chilliest time of year so you can sit back and enjoy the season from your warm, winter-ready home.
