Winterizing your home is essential to keeping your family cozy, your property safe, and your energy bills manageable during the chilly Ozark’s winter. Here’s a guide designed for Springfield locals covering the most important steps and regional tips for preparing your home for the season ahead.​

Check and Seal Windows and Doors

Inspect all windows and doors for gaps or drafts, which are common sources of heat loss. Replace old weatherstripping or caulk any gaps to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. You can enhance insulation further by adding window film or installing thermal drapes. For older homes, ensuring storm windows are properly closed will provide an extra buffer against the cold.​

Insulate and Protect Your Pipes

Missouri winters frequently bring temperatures that threaten to freeze pipes. Wrap any exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawlspaces with pipe insulation. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and shut off water to outdoor spigots if you have a separate valve for them. Insulating at least the first two feet of hot water pipes from your heater can help retain heat and prevent freezing.​

Maintain Your Heating System

Before you turn up the heat, schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or heat pump and replace air filters for better efficiency and air quality. If your home uses a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney swept and inspected for creosote buildup or cracks that could let in cold air or pose safety hazards.​

Clean Gutters and Inspect Your Roof

Falling leaves can clog gutters, leading to dangerous ice dams and water damage as snow melts and refreezes. Clean out your gutters after the leaves fall, and ensure downspouts are directing water away from your home. While you’re up there, look for missing or damaged shingles on your roof and address any issues before winter storms arrive.​

Boost Attic and Crawl Space Insulation

Springfield homes often lose a significant amount of heat through improperly insulated attics and crawl spaces. Make sure your attic floor has sufficient insulation and that it’s distributed evenly. Crawl space vents should be closed for the winter, and the area checked for drafts.​

Prepare Outside Your Home

Bring in or cover outdoor furniture and grills. Protect sensitive plants by bringing them inside before the first frost. If you have a sprinkler system, properly drain and blow out water lines or consult a professional to prevent freezing damage.​

Safety and Energy Efficiency Tips

• Install weather stripping or door sweeps to eliminate drafts.​
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before winter starts.​
• Set your thermostat to 68°F when home for maximum efficiency, and lower it when you’re away or asleep to save on energy bills.​
• Keep an ice scraper and shovel handy for dealing with Missouri’s winter precipitation.​

Local Springfield Resources

Local organizations such as OACAC offer weatherization programs and advice for homeowners looking to improve insulation and energy efficiency, often with tips specific to the Springfield region.​

Use this checklist to ensure your Springfield, MO home is well-protected, comfortable, and ready for whatever the Ozarks winter may bring