Tips for Seniors Winterproofing Their Home

December 7, 2021

Who Needs to Winterproof Their Home?


Winterproofing is for all age groups and all regions of the country. Even those retired in Arizona have to winter-proof their homes and last year all of Texas froze over. Getting ready for rain, hail, sleet, and/or snow and blizzards is part of the routine of winterproofing your home. Freezing temps can wreak havoc on your plumbing. 


Winterproofing Inside Your Home


Annually it is a good idea to ensure you have a proper safety or emergency kit, working batteries for your flashlights, and plenty of bottled water and non-perishable foods. This is also a good time to ensure you have a solar-powered charger and/or backup battery for your cell phone. 


Have your furnace inspected and ductwork cleaned. When the HVAC tech comes out, ask them to change your air filters. Change your bedding to your winter set of sheets and linens and put the warm rug in your bedroom if you change them seasonally and/or have your carpets cleaned.


Oh, and don’t forget to keep up your home-cooked warm meals. Cooking in the winter is a great way to spend time with others and help with your own mental and physical health. So don’t be afraid to stock up on low-sodium chicken and vegetable stock, frozen meats & veggies, as well as whole-grain pasta and rice.


“Cooking is a terrific hobby because it can feel so rejuvenating. As you combine raw ingredients to create something totally new, you can find quiet, peaceful moments while chopping, stirring, or sautéing that take you away from the stresses of everyday life.” Emeril Lagasse


Winterproofing for Outside Your Home


Clear gutters, check your chimney flue, and know where to turn off your water. Any time the temps drop, you’ll want to protect your pipes from freezing – and your plants. Keep extra blankets for those outdoor plants during freezing temps. You’ll want to ensure that your home or apartment doesn’t have leaks around the doors and windows. A handyman can usually come to check that out and install weather stripping. Often your local energy company will come and do that as well. 


“Set your heat to at least 68–70°F. To save on heating bills, close off rooms you are not using. Close the vents and shut the doors in these rooms, and keep the basement door closed. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts.” NIH


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Winterproofing your home is important but shouldn’t be stressful. After all, you get to wear your favorite sweatshirts, drink hot chocolate, and bake casseroles. You can always subscribe to our newsletter if you found this article on social media. Share it with your friends and get back to living your best life! 


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