How to Get Your Home Ready for a Winter You’re Not Used To
If you’re new to any town in Michigan, well, anywhere in the north for that matter, then one thing that might surprise you is the winter weather. It’s not just a few snowflakes here and there; it’s snows enough to where you’ll actually need some winter prep going on for you. And this is something that really throws southerners (or anyone outside the US) off, for that matter.
But really, moving somewhere with a real winter is one of those things that sounds manageable until the first proper cold snap hits. If someone grew up in the South, or anywhere, winter mostly means a jacket in the morning and a lighter jacket by lunch, a Michigan winter can feel like a very different category of life. It’s not just snow either. It’s ice on the steps, wind that gets through tiny gaps around doors, roads that need planning around, and the kind of cold that makes a quick trip outside feel less quick.
Then, on top of that, winter storms can bring power outages, frozen pipes, and those awkward moments where the house feels colder than expected and everyone starts taking blankets very seriously. So, yeah, getting the home ready ahead of time is worth doing before the weather turns unpleasant. So, how can you prep for something like that?
Prep What You Can in Advance
It helps to have supplies before the first cold snap, especially before the first winter storm. There’s the joke about having “milk, bread, and eggs” the second that a snowflake falls. While you don’t necessarily need those, it can help to prepare some things, like a couple of cases of water, pantry items, wood if you have a fireplace or stove, things like that can help. If you haven’t experienced real Michigan weather yet, then you might even want to go ahead and buy yourself and your family some thermal socks, winter boots for the snow, a thick coat that can handle that icy wind, and so on.
Some homeowners will have solar panels and a battery installed in their home in case the power goes out, so this could be something you could look into for yourself.
Make the House Easier to Keep Warm
You can probably agree here that cold air loves finding the little weak spots in a home. That includes floors, windows, basements, older rooms, and drafty corners, which can make the whole house feel harder to heat. Most homes will already have weatherstripping in place. But it helps to double-check and make sure to have draft stoppers, heavier curtains, and rugs on cold floors too.
While most homes have HVAC, it could help to look into additional heating advice, such as getting a fireplace or stove installed (some people use kerosene heaters but tread with caution).
Dont Forget the Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of those winter problems that people from warmer states might not even think about until someone mentions it. But in Michigan, especially during intense cold, it’s worth knowing which pipes are more exposed and what needs extra attention. If you live in a modular home, you’ll especially have to look into this, as the pipes are usually exposed.
Cabinets under sinks can be opened during severe cold to let warmer air circulate. Outdoor hoses should be disconnected before freezing weather. If there are pipes in colder areas, like basements, crawl spaces, or garages, they may need insulation.
