Being a homeowner in Minnesota, means dealing with the ever changing seasons. Here are some tips to get your house ready for a Minnesota winter.

Outside tips for MN Homeowners

Roof Items for MN Homes

Lets start at the top of the house and work our way down. If it’s possible to get on the roof, make sure all of the vents on the roof are clear and unobstructed. This includes, sewer vents, attic vents, exhaust fan vents, and HVAC vents.

Are you ready for a Minnesota winter?

Also, make sure to look for damaged shingles that might lead to water intrusion. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and operational. Remember that safety is very important as any time you get on the roof there is risk. If this is something you are not able to do, please hire a professional.

Siding and Windows for Winter

Make sure that your siding is in good shape and wont allow cold air or moisture into the house. Depending on the type of siding you have perform the appropriate repair. Go around to all of the windows and make sure the seals are good and that that there are no leaks. IF there are leaks make sure to get them repaired. Leaky windows can drastically increase your heating bills. Some people will also choose this time of the year to remove their screens.

Landscaping and Yard Tasks.

If you have an irrigations system, make sure that is blown out and winterized. Make sure your outdoor faucets have a frost free mechanism or that you have shut off the water supply. If you have any water features at your house, make sure they are drained so that they wont break when they ice up. If you have an AC unit, remember to flip the breaker and cover the unit. This will make sure it doesn’t accidently get turned on and will also protect the condenser from the elements.

If you have a septic system, this is a good time to apply straw or coverage to any part of the main line, tanks, or drainfield that could potentially freeze.

This is also a good time to take in any patio furniture and grills.

One last thing is make sure your sidewalks and driveway are ready for snow removal.

Inside the House

Make sure that all fire alarms, carbon monoxide, and gas detectors have fresh batteries and are operational.

Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

It is a good idea to replace these items on the end of daylight savings time and check on them every month during the winter. Winter in Minnesota comes with an increased fire risk. Make sure your furnace or other heat source is working in tip top shape. It might be a good idea to have a licensed HVAC tech do an inspection. Also be sure to change your filters monthly.

Once again, look at the windows and doors from the inside and make sure the seals are good and insulated. If not this is a great to time repair. Sometimes just some simple weather stripping can save you 15% on your energy bills.

This is by no means a complete list, but this addresses the most common items that will cause a Minnesota homeowner trouble in the harsh Minnesota winters.