10 Smart Hacks for Winterizing Your Minneapolis Home

Minneapolis has the best of both worlds: a vibrant city life and charming small-town vibes, plus an interesting touch of Scandinavian heritage. As a homeowner in this marvelous metro area, you know how important it is to winterize your home. Don't worry, with some careful planning and forethought it will be ready for that first gusty chill.

Minneapolis Climate

The four-season city of Minneapolis is a playground for weather enthusiasts. Summertime invites warm days with temperatures reaching the high 80s, while the winter months bring an intense frosty chill. Every so often we get to experience those scorching hot summer afternoons that exceed 90° — something not many other places in Minnesota can boast!

In Minneapolis, we experience winter's chill for six months — from November to April. Temperatures rarely crest above freezing and snowfalls of up to 52 inches are the norm. Those who enjoy the frosty temperatures will love spending their winters here in Minnesota, but be prepared for quite a few below-zero days during especially icy stretches.

Preparing Your Minneapolis Home for Winter

With winter in Minnesota being anything but mild, prepping your Minneapolis home for the chilly temperatures is key to keeping it cozy and comfortable. From indoor maintenance like checking vents to outdoor tasks such as covering window sills and decks with necessary coatings, planning ahead can save you from extra chill come January. Here are some tips to set yourself up for a blissful winter.

Winterizing Doors and Windows

Make sure your home is closed tight this winter. Run a feather or ribbon around the edges of windows and doors to detect drafts, then recaulk any gaps you find. With quality insulation and strong seals in place, you’ll be able to enjoy the freezing season.

One of the best ways to prepare your home for winter is to swap out light sheers or linen curtains for heavier drapes made of luxurious velvet and wool fabrics. This extra layer can add an inviting, cozy feel while providing insulation that'll help keep the warmth inside.

Keep your home extra cozy with the addition of storm doors and windows. Beat the cold winds before they get a chance to blow, and don't wait too long, as you'll want them in place well ahead of that first winter storm.

Winterizing Fireplaces and Chimneys

Get your fireplaces winter-ready this fall. An inspection and cleaning can help keep heat in the home when the fireplace isn't in use. Make sure dampers don’t have any dents or cracks, and check that doors fit securely so you don't lose all those warm feelings up a chimney.

Winterizing Outdoor Spaces

If you're looking for peace of mind during the icy winter months, don’t settle for ordinary snow shovels and buckets of salt. Consider investing in heated mats or an advanced heating and melting system. Whether it's for protecting your small children from a slippery driveway or guarding elderly family members against hazardous conditions, upgrade to these cutting-edge solutions for the ultimate reassurance.

Winterizing Basements

Is your basement prepared for winter? Protect it from the harsh conditions of melting snow with interior and exterior waterproofing. Don't let a leaky basement damage your home — safeguard it now so you can cozy up inside all season long.

Shoveling snow can be a winter chore, but it's important to keep the surrounding area clear. Make sure your home's foundation is safe by keeping drifting snow away from basement doors and windows. Also, check for exhaust coming out of laundry rooms or HVAC systems — no one wants pipes freezing due to blocked openings. Keep yourself and your family warm this season with smart shoveling safety.

Winter Insulation

If you want to keep your energy costs low this winter, make sure your attic is well-insulated with sheets or blown-in insulation. Don't forget small areas like crawl spaces and pull-down doors — insulate those too for maximum heat retention.

Along with the other winterizing projects, don't forget to keep your pipes and plumbing fixtures warm. Pay extra attention to any exposed piping that could freeze, or pipes tucked away behind bathroom vanity cabinets if they're against an exterior wall.

Energy Audit

Upgrading your home doesn't have to be expensive. Minneapolis energy companies offer complimentary or low-cost energy audits that will help you save money by proactively inspecting and troubleshooting areas in need of repair or maintenance. Begin prepping now with a professional audit, so you can rest easy during those chilly Minnesota winters.

Systems Inspections

Ensure your home is fully winter-ready with a system inspection. Invest in peace of mind by working with a qualified general contractor or individual company this season. Make sure you get these necessary assessments done before the cold weather hits so you can enjoy carefree nights through the wintertime:

• Roofing: To maintain your home's unique charm, keep an eye on the roof and attic. Make sure coverings are secure around all edges, chimneys, and skylights. And if you spot any signs of water damage in the attic due to a leak or wood rot, address it right away.

• HVAC: Keeping your systems and ductwork in tip-top shape is key for a healthy home environment. Be sure to regularly inspect, clean, and replace your filters as needed.

• Plumbing: Ensuring that all your pipes are running smoothly and free from leaks is key to avoiding plumbing disasters. Take a look to make sure none of those pesky undetected issues become a problem.

• Gutters and Downspouts: To ensure your project gets off to a great start, make sure the pieces you're using are sparkling clean and don't have any cracks or breaks. Perfection will be just around the corner.

Winterizing Your Minneapolis Home Conclusion

At Pulte, you can make sure your home is cozy and efficient even in the chilliest Minneapolis winter. A bit of planning and organizing goes a long way. Whether you live close to downtown or out by the lake, we’ve got just what you need to create an inviting place that makes coming home feel like paradise. Discover stunning floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities today!