Posted on January 27th 2026

 

Winter in Chicagoland has a way of finding every weak spot in a home. A tiny draft becomes a cold room, a small roof issue turns into a leak, and a neglected furnace decides it’s done right when the temperature drops. The best approach is simple: handle the biggest risks before the first real freeze, then keep a short routine once the season is in full swing. If you’re focused on preparing homes for the winter, this guide breaks down the steps that protect comfort, reduce surprises, and help your home hold heat better when it matters most.

 

 

Preparing Homes for the Winter Starts Outside

 

Before you touch the thermostat, start outdoors. Exterior issues cause many winter headaches: ice dams, frozen pipes, slippery walks, and water intrusion. Cold weather doesn’t create these problems on its own. It makes existing weak points obvious, and it makes small issues expensive.

 

Here are outdoor steps that support preparing homes for the winter in Chicagoland:

 

• Clear gutters and check downspouts for proper drainage

• Inspect roof areas for loose shingles, worn flashing, or sagging spots

• Trim branches that hang over the roof or driveway

• Store hoses, shut off exterior water lines if possible, and cover spigots

• Fill driveway and walkway cracks to reduce ice buildup

• Create a snow plan for where shoveled snow will go

 

After those basics, think about traction and safety. Stock ice melt that fits your surfaces, and consider sand or traction grit for stairs. If your home has older concrete, using harsh deicers can cause surface wear, so choose products with care.

 

 

How to Check My Heating Before Cold Hits

 

The heating system is the heart of winter comfort, and it’s also one of the most common points of failure when it hasn’t been maintained. If you’re asking how to check my heating, focus on a few practical steps that confirm the system is running safely and efficiently before you need it at full capacity.

 

Here are heating checks that help when you’re focused on how to check my heating:

 

• Run the system for a full cycle and confirm consistent airflow

• Replace the filter and mark the date for the next change

• Confirm vents are open and not blocked by furniture or rugs

• Check carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

• Schedule a professional tune-up if the system is older or inconsistent

 

After you do these checks, pay attention to your utility bills. If last winter’s bills were unusually high, the home may be losing heat through drafts, poor insulation, or underperforming windows. Sometimes the furnace is doing its job, but the home can’t hold the heat. That’s where weatherization steps make a bigger difference than thermostat adjustments.

 

 

Preparing Homes for the Winter by Sealing Drafts

 

Draft control is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep a home comfortable in Chicagoland winter. It also makes your heating system’s job easier. Drafts can come from obvious places like windows and doors, but they can also come from attic hatches, basement rim joists, and gaps around pipes or vents.

 

Start with doors. Weatherstripping is inexpensive and often makes an immediate difference. If you can see light around the door frame, or if the door feels loose when closed, you may be losing warm air every time the wind picks up. Door sweeps are another quick fix, especially for exterior doors leading to garages or basements.

 

Here are practical draft and seal steps for preparing homes for the winter:

 

• Add or replace weatherstripping on exterior doors

• Install a door sweep if you feel cold air at the threshold

• Re-caulk windows where gaps are visible or drafts are felt

• Seal small gaps around pipes and vents with appropriate materials

• Check attic access doors and add insulation or sealing if needed

 

After sealing drafts, focus on humidity. Many Chicagoland homes get very dry in winter, which can make the house feel colder. A humidifier can make a home feel more comfortable at a slightly lower thermostat setting. That can support comfort and cost control, as long as humidity is balanced to avoid window condensation.

 

 

Snow Removal Services and Safe Walkways

 

Snow and ice management isn’t just a convenience issue. It’s a safety and liability issue. Slips and falls happen quickly, and Chicagoland winters create conditions where ice can form overnight even when the day looks mild. A reliable routine keeps walkways safe and reduces last-minute panic when snow piles up.

 

Here are steps that support safer winter walkways and smart snow planning:

 

• Create a clear plan for snow placement away from walkways

• Keep ice melt near every exterior door, not just the garage

• Use traction grit on steps and shaded areas where ice lingers

• Clear snow early before it compacts into heavy, icy layers

• Consider snow removal services for consistent clearing

 

After you’ve handled clearing, check drainage. Meltwater that pools near walkways often becomes a refreezing hazard. Redirecting downspouts or adjusting runoff paths can reduce icy spots that show up after every snow event.

 

 

Homes With Good Heating in Chicago Have Key Clues

 

If you’re shopping this winter or planning to buy soon, winter prep becomes a buyer’s advantage. Cold weather reveals how a home performs. Instead of guessing, you can observe. Does the home feel evenly heated? Do certain rooms stay cold? Are there drafts near windows? Do pipes run through cold areas? These are practical signals that help you spot homes with good heating in Chicago.

 

Here are practical buyer questions tied to winter performance:

 

• What type of heating system is installed, and how old is it?

• Are there temperature differences between rooms?

• Do windows feel drafty or show moisture buildup?

• Has the attic been insulated or air-sealed in recent years?

• Are there records of furnace service or upgrades?

 

After you ask these questions, you can make smarter decisions about the true cost of a home. A house that looks affordable can become expensive if it needs a furnace, insulation work, and draft fixes immediately. A home that holds heat well can save money and stress every winter.

 

 

Related: Maximizing Benefits: Selling Your House Without A Realtor

 

 

Conclusion

 

Chicagoland winters reward homeowners who plan early. The best winter prep focuses on the big categories: exterior drainage and roof checks, reliable heating performance, draft control, and a clear snow and ice routine. These steps support comfort, reduce surprises, and protect your property during freeze-thaw cycles. They also make daily life easier when snow arrives and temperatures drop.

 

At Washburne Realty Group, we help buyers and homeowners focus on properties that perform well in real Chicagoland conditions. If you’re thinking about a move or want a home that feels warm, efficient, and easier to maintain in winter, we can help you find the right fit. Need a new property? Tell what you're looking for here or call (773) 572-0339 to start the conversation.