How to Winterize Your Home in Wisconsin

Q: What is the most important step when you winterize a house?

The most important step in winterizing a house is controlling heat loss and moisture. Start with insulation and air sealing in the attic, roofline, doors and windows, and around plumbing penetrations. This helps prevent ice dams, frozen pipes, and unnecessary energy use.

Q: What temperature should I keep my house at in winter to prevent frozen pipes?

To prevent frozen pipes, keep your home at 55°F or higher, even when you are away. Open cabinets under sinks on exterior walls and insulate exposed pipes in basements and crawl spaces for additional protection.

Q: How do I winterize a home I'll be away from for a long trip?

Before a long trip in winter, set the thermostat to at least 55°F, shut off and drain exterior hose bibs, insulate exposed pipes, and have a trusted person check on the home periodically. Close windows, lock doors, and make sure gutters are clear so melting snow can drain away instead of causing water damage.

Q: When should I start winterizing my home in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, start winterizing your home in early fall, before overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing. This gives you time to schedule insulation work, furnace tune-ups, and any drywall or painting projects before winter storms arrive.

Q: How can winterizing my home reduce my energy bills?

Winterizing your home reduces energy bills by sealing drafts, improving insulation, and maintaining your heating system. These steps help your furnace run more efficiently, so you use less energy to keep your home comfortable in cold weather.

Wisconsin winters are no joke. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ice dams can lead to burst pipes, water damage, and sky-high energy bills if your home isn’t prepared.

This guide walks you through how to winterize your home step by step so you can protect your investment, stay comfortable in cold weather, and reduce your energy use all season long.

What does it really mean to winterize a house?

To winterize a house, you’re preparing your roof, insulation, doors and windows, plumbing, basement, and heating system to handle freezing temperatures. The goal is simple:

Keep warm air inside and cold air out
Prevent water damage from leaks, ice dams, and burst pipes
Make your home more energy efficient so you spend less on energy bills

Use the checklist below before the first major cold snap.

Step 1: Protect your roof and gutters from ice dams

Ice dams form when heat escapes into the attic, melts roof snow, and the water refreezes at the roof edge. That trapped water can seep under shingles and into your drywall.

Add or upgrade attic insulation to reduce heat loss.
Seal major gaps around vents and light fixtures.
Clear gutters and downspouts so melting snow can drain.
Use a roof rake after heavy snowfalls to remove buildup along the roof edge.
If you’ve already had ice dams, consider professional insulation services to correct the root issue.

Step 2: Seal doors and windows to keep warm air inside

Drafty doors and windows are one of the biggest energy leaks in older homes.

Check weatherstripping around doors and replace any that are cracked or missing.
Use caulk around window and door trim where you feel cold air.
Add plastic window film and thermal curtains to reduce heat loss.
If you’re installing storm doors or upgrading old windows, do it before the worst of the cold weather hits.

These simple steps make your home feel warmer and help reduce your energy use without constantly cranking the thermostat.

Step 3: Insulate pipes, basements, and crawl spaces

Exposed pipes in unheated areas are a major risk for winter water damage.

Wrap pipes in foam or fiberglass insulation in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls.
Seal gaps in rim joists and around hose bibs.
Close foundation vents that allow cold air into crawl spaces in the winter.
In the basement, add wall insulation and seal around basement doors and windows to keep the space more comfortable.

If you notice cold spots or persistent drywall cracks, it’s often a sign that insulation or framing needs attention.

Step 4: Tune up your heating system and thermostat

A little furnace maintenance goes a long way toward comfort and safety.

Replace furnace filters before heating season, then check them monthly.
Schedule a professional tune-up to make sure the system is running safely and efficiently.
If you travel in winter, set your thermostat to at least 55°F to prevent frozen pipes.
Consider a smart thermostat so you can monitor and adjust temps remotely; some systems pair with advanced tools and battery packs to keep controls responsive even during brief outages.

Pros like JB Custom often use pro-grade cordless tools with smart electronics and features similar to REDLINK PLUS Intelligence to work efficiently in cold, unfinished spaces with less noise between screws and smoother contact with drywall. That same level of precision is what you want to protect your home.

Step 5: Stock up on winter safety and snow gear

A well-winterized home isn’t just sealed and insulated; it’s ready for storms.

Keep snow shovels, ice melt, and a roof rake accessible.
Prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, a charged battery pack, blankets, and bottled water.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed.

Interior winter projects that improve comfort

Winter is a great time to tackle indoor projects that improve comfort and efficiency:

Upgrade insulation in problem areas like attics, basements, and over garages.
Repair or replace damaged drywall caused by previous water damage, settling, or ice dams.
Refresh interior paint to seal surfaces and make rooms feel brighter and more inviting during long winter nights.

JB Custom can help you with insulation improvements, drywall repair and installation, and interior painting so your home is comfortable, efficient, and ready for whatever winter brings.

Ready to winterize your home?

If you’ve spotted drafty areas, recurring ice dams, cold basements, or drywall issues while you winterize your home, it’s a great time to call in a professional team.

JB Custom serves homeowners across Southeastern Wisconsin with:

Custom insulation solutions
Expert drywall repair and installation
Interior painting and finishing

Contact JB Custom today to schedule a consultation and get your home truly ready for winter.

FAQs: How to winterize your home

What is the most important step when you winterize a house?

The most important step is controlling heat loss and moisture. Focus first on insulation and air sealing in the attic, roofline, doors and windows, and around plumbing penetrations. This helps prevent ice dams, frozen pipes, and unnecessary energy use.

What temperature should I keep my house at in winter to prevent frozen pipes?

Most experts recommend keeping your home at 55°F or higher, even when you’re away. Open cabinets under sinks on exterior walls and insulate exposed pipes in basements and crawl spaces for extra protection.

How do I winterize a home I’ll be away from for a long trip?

Set the thermostat to at least 55°F, shut off and drain exterior hose bibs, insulate exposed pipes, and have someone check the home periodically. Close windows, lock doors, and make sure gutters are clear so melting snow can drain away instead of causing water damage.

When should I start winterizing my home in Wisconsin?

Start in early fall, before overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing. That gives you time to schedule insulation services, furnace tune-ups, and any necessary drywall or painting work before busy winter schedules and storms hit.

How can winterizing my home reduce my energy bills?

By sealing drafts, improving insulation, and keeping mechanical systems maintained, your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard. You use less energy to stay comfortable, which lowers monthly energy bills while keeping your home cozier in cold weather.

How to Winterize Your Home: A Practical Checklist for Wisconsin Winters