Actually ENJOYING Winter? Yes! Here's Your Complete Minnesota Home Winterization Guide
Protect your home (and your wallet) from winter’s worst with these expert tips.
Minnesota winters are no joke—and neither is protecting your home from the season’s challenges. Whether you’re settling in for the cold months ahead or heading south for warmer weather, proper winterization is crucial for preventing expensive damage and keeping your home comfortable.
Even if you’re a diehard, committed winter hater, we know we can help you make it more enjoyable. Let’s break down exactly what you need to do to prepare your home for whatever winter brings.
What is Home Winterization?
Home winterization isn’t just about staying cozy—though that’s definitely a bonus! It’s really about protecting your biggest investment from winter’s harsh effects. This preventive maintenance helps guard against frozen pipes, excessive energy costs, and potential safety hazards. Think of it as giving your home a warm winter coat and some extra protection against the elements.
When Should I Winterize My Home?
The best time to winterize your Minnesota home is before the first deep freeze hits.
Ideally, you’d aim to complete your winterization checklist by mid-November. But this is one situation where “better late than never” totally applies. So, if you haven’t started yet, don’t worry! Many winterization steps can (and should) be completed as soon as possible to protect your home through the remaining winter months. And next year you’ll know exactly what to do!
Your Complete Home Winterization Checklist
Plumbing Protection
Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs and water damage. Here’s how to keep your plumbing safe:
Locate your main water shutoff valve (everyone in your household should know where this is!)
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
Shut off outdoor water lines using their dedicated shutoff valves
Drain any remaining water from outdoor pipes
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces
Heading South? Additional Steps for Snowbirds or Those Leaving on Vacation:
Turn off your main water supply
Drain all pipes, sinks, and faucets completely
Flush toilets until no water remains in tanks or bowls
Consider having a professional perform a complete plumbing winterization
HVAC System Preparation
Your heating system works overtime during Minnesota winters. Keep it running efficiently with these steps:
Schedule a professional furnace or boiler tune-up
Replace or clean filters monthly
Install a smart thermostat for optimal temperature control and energy savings
Keep all heating vents clear of furniture and obstructions
Cover your outdoor A/C unit with plywood to protect it from snow and ice
Ensure all exhaust vents remain clear of snow throughout winter
Temperature Management Tips:
While lowering your thermostat can save energy, don’t go too low. Setting it below 60°F actually forces your system to work harder when reheating your home, as it needs to warm not just the air, but every surface in your house.
Additional Tips for Vacation Prep:
Set the thermostat to at least 62°F (or check your furnace specifications for the minimum recommended temperature)
Leave interior doors open for air circulation
Keep cabinet doors open, especially in kitchens and bathrooms
Add extra insulation to pipes in unheated areas
Electrical Safety & Efficiency
Proper electrical maintenance helps ensure both safety and comfort:
Switch ceiling fans to rotate clockwise, pushing warm air down
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Replace detector batteries if you can’t remember the last change
Replace detectors over 10 years old
Pay extra attention to carbon monoxide detectors during heating season
Additional Tips for Vacation Prep:
Install timers on interior and exterior lights
Consider smart home technology for remote monitoring
Ensure all security systems are functioning properly
Why Proper Winterization Matters
Beyond comfort, winterization protects against:
Costly water damage from frozen pipes
Excessive heating bills from inefficient systems
Carbon monoxide dangers from malfunctioning heating equipment
Security risks while you’re away
Why Choose Bonfe for Your Winter Preparation?
When it comes to protecting your home from Minnesota winters, experience matters. Here’s why Twin Cities homeowners trust Bonfe:
Lifetime Warranty: Our repairs and installations come with an industry-leading Lifetime Warranty—you’ll only pay the standard $99 service charge
Local Expertise: Based in South St. Paul, we’ve been serving the greater Twin Cities metro since 1993
Proven Reliability: We maintain an A+ BBB rating and a 4.8-star rating from over 9,300 Google reviews
Always Available: We’re here 24/7/365, because winter emergencies don’t wait for business hours
Don’t Wait Another Minute!
Minnesota winters can be unpredictable, but your home’s protection doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re staying local or heading south, proper winterization gives you peace of mind, knowing your home is protected against whatever winter brings.
Ready to ensure your home is winter-ready?
