Preparing Your Home for a Wisconsin Winter: The Complete Guide

Wisconsin winters are beautiful—but they’re also unforgiving if your home isn’t ready for months of snow, ice, and subzero temperatures. Whether you live here year-round, own a cabin up north, or are preparing to leave your home vacant for parts of the season, taking the right steps now can prevent costly repairs, energy waste, and mid-winter emergencies.

Here’s your complete checklist to ensure a smooth, stress-free Wisconsin winter.

🔗 Related Reading: Getting Your Home Ready to Sell This Winter

If you’re preparing to sell—now or in the near future—check out this guide as well:

How to Get Your Home Ready for a Winter Sale in Central and Northern Wisconsin

https://tynananderson.sites.c21.homes/2025/10/27/how-to-get-your-home-ready-for-a-winter-sale-in-central-and-northern-wisconsin

1. Shut Off and Winterize Outdoor Faucets

One of the most common causes of winter damage is frozen pipes. Be sure to:

•Shut off water to all exterior spigots

•Drain any remaining water

•Disconnect hoses

•Install insulated faucet covers

A few minutes of prep now can prevent a major plumbing issue later.

2. Inspect Weather Stripping and Door Seals

Cold air sneaks in through worn-out seals. Before temperatures drop:

•Check for drafts

•Replace cracked or compressed weather stripping

•Inspect door sweeps

•Add foam insulation strips where needed

This reduces heating bills and improves comfort.

3. Install Storm Windows or Check Window Sealing

If your home has storm windows, get them installed before winter. If not:

•Ensure window locks are tight

•Re-caulk around frames

•Remove and store screens

Good sealing keeps the cold out and your heating costs down.

4. Top Off Fuel Sources (LP, Oil, Pellets)

For homes on LP or heating oil:

•Schedule a refill early

•Ask about automatic fill

•Monitor tank levels throughout winter

If you heat with wood or pellets, stock up before demand spikes.

5. Service Your Heating System

Routine maintenance can prevent costly mid-winter breakdowns:

•Furnace/boiler inspection

•Replace filters

•Test thermostats

•Clean chimneys or flues

Annual servicing boosts efficiency and reliability.

6. Prepare for Winter Energy & Safety

•Test smoke & CO detectors

•Replace old furnace filters

•Consider a smart thermostat

•Seal gaps around outlets and exterior penetrations

Small steps add up to safer, more efficient heating.

7. Remove Non-Permanent Piers (Waterfront Homes)

For lake or river properties:

•Remove non-permanent/piers before freeze-up

•Inspect wheels, decking, and hardware

•Schedule removal services early

Ice expansion can destroy a pier in a single season if left in the water.

8. Shut Off and Protect Well Pumps (If Applicable)

If you’re leaving the home vacant:

•Shut off the well pump

•Drain pressure tanks and lines

•Add RV-safe antifreeze to traps

•Insulate the pump house if it stays active

Frozen well components are expensive to replace.

9. Use Smart Monitoring for Vacant or Seasonal Homes

For second homes, cabins, or travel periods, remote monitoring is essential.

Temperature & Freeze Monitoring

•Smart thermostats

•Cellular freeze alarms (great for rural areas)

•Low-temp alert systems

Water Leak Sensors

Place near:

•Water heaters

•Under sinks

•Sump pumps

•Basement floors

These systems can notify you instantly if temperatures drop or water appears where it shouldn’t.

10. Protect Plumbing in Vacant Homes

If away for extended periods:

•Shut off water at the main

•Drain water lines

•Add RV antifreeze to toilets, traps & drains

•Keep heat set at 55°F minimum (unless fully winterized)

•Open cabinet doors under sinks

This prevents freeze-ups—the most common and costly winter disaster.

11. Exterior Prep

•Clean gutters to avoid ice dams

•Clear branches that may break under snow

•Inspect roof for loose shingles

•Check attic insulation

•Store outdoor furniture

•Service the snowblower

A little work now saves a lot of stress later.

12. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Keep your home winter-ready with:

•Ice melt or salt

•Sand or traction grit

•Working shovels

•Extra fuel

•Flashlights, batteries, emergency kits

Storms hit fast—especially in the Northwoods.

Wisconsin winters can be tough, but your home doesn’t have to suffer. This checklist helps you avoid freeze-ups, reduce energy waste, and protect your property whether you’re living here full-time or managing a seasonal home.

If you ever need contractor recommendations or help preparing your property for winter—or getting it ready to sell—I’m always happy to help.

Preparing Your Home for a Wisconsin Winter: The Complete Guide

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