The leaves on the trees are changing from crisp green to the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of fall–signaling the onset of colder weather. For Pittsburgh homeowners, now is the time to start diligently preparing for the potential challenges that winter can bring.
Being proactive about home winterization can help protect your property, save energy costs, and keep your family warm and comfortable all season long. Plus, it ensures you can enjoy holiday fun and festivities without costly disruptions. In this guide, we point out key areas you need to address to ensure your Pittsburgh home is truly winter-ready.
Assess Your Home’s Heating System
As temperatures begin to drop, your heating system becomes more important than ever. Begin your home winterization efforts by ensuring that it’s in top condition for maintaining comfort and efficiency throughout the winter months.
Before winter takes hold, consider having a qualified HVAC technician inspect your heating system to identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems. This inspection should include checking for leaks, examining electrical connections, and ensuring all components are functioning properly. You may also want to consider having your ducts professionally cleaned to prevent any built-up dust and debris from circulating through your home.
Do It Yourself
One of the simplest yet most effective home winterization steps you can take is to replace or clean the filters of your heating system regularly. Air filters should be replaced regularly–every six months.
Another easy home winterization step you can take is to verify that your thermostat is working correctly. Take a moment to set it to a variety of different temperatures and observe how your heating system responds. If you haven’t already, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. This upgrade saves energy by automatically adjusting temperatures based on the weather and your at-home schedule.
Identify and Seal Air Leaks

A well-sealed home is essential for maintaining warmth and reducing energy costs during winter. Take time to inspect and address any areas where cold air might be leaking in or warm air escaping. Look for gaps around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and any areas where different building materials meet.
Thermographic Inspection and Blower Door Test
To identify less obvious air leaks, consider hiring a professional to conduct a blower door test in conjunction with a thermal imaging camera. This advanced home winterization technique can reveal hidden air infiltration points and areas of inadequate insulation.
The blower door creates a pressure difference between the interior and exterior of your home, simulating windy conditions and exaggerating air leaks. The thermal imaging camera captures temperature variations, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where cold air is entering or warm air is escaping.
Once you’ve identified air leaks, seal them using appropriate materials. For small gaps around windows and doors, weatherstripping is an effective solution. Choose from options like foam tape, V-strip, or door sweeps depending on the specific application. For larger openings or cracks in walls, use caulk or expanding foam insulation to create an airtight seal.
Add Insulation

Checking insulation is a home winterization step that is crucial for keeping your home warm and energy efficient throughout the cold months. Installing storm windows and doors can provide an extra layer of insulation against the cold. Check your attic, walls, and basement for adequate insulation. If you notice any deficiencies, consider adding more. Pay special attention to the attic, as heat rises and can easily escape through a poorly insulated roof.
How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to costly damage; taking home winterization steps to protect your plumbing system and knowing how to avoid frozen pipes is an imperative part of home winterization.
To winterize home plumbing, start by identifing any pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as the basement, attic, or crawl spaces. Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls or in areas prone to cold drafts and wrap them with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape to prevent freezing.
Before the first freeze, be sure to drain and shut off any outdoor water systems. Disconnect and store garden hoses; drain sprinkler systems; and shut off water to outdoor faucets. Don’t forget to locate the bleeder valve on outside faucets, this is usually a small cap at the base of the tap that you twist to open. Consider installing insulated covers over outdoor spigots or replacing standard outdoor spigots with frost-proof versions for added protection and don’t forget to bleed the faucet.
Even when you’re away from home, be sure to maintain a consistent indoor temperature of at least 55°F (13°C) to prevent frozen pipes. If you plan to be away for an extended period, consider having a friend or neighbor check on your home regularly.
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Conduct a visual inspection of your roof, looking for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. If you own a pair of binoculars, they will come in handy for getting a really good look. For a more thorough inspection, consider hiring a professional roofer to check for any issues that may not be visible from the ground.
Your home winterization plan should include identifying any tree branches that hang over your roof or near power lines and have them trimmed. Heavy snow or ice can cause branches to break, potentially damaging your home or causing power outages. Also, prune shrubs and plants near your foundation to prevent moisture from being trapped against your home’s exterior.
You’ll also want to make sure that your gutters are clear of leaves and debris before cold weather rolls in. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up which can lead to roof or wall damage. While cleaning, inspect for any damage or loose sections that may need repair.
Ensure Your Chimney is Safe and Insulated

With the increased use of heating systems and fireplaces, winter brings a higher risk of house fires. If your home has a fireplace or wood stove, take steps to protect your family and have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep.
Creosote buildup can lead to dangerous chimney fires, so this annual maintenance is crucial for safety. Also, check that the damper is functioning correctly and closes tightly when the fireplace is not in use to prevent heat loss.
It’s also a good time to change water filters and batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
As you settle into the winter months, take a moment to appreciate the peace of mind that comes with thorough preparation. Your efforts in home winterization will not only protect your investment, but also contribute to a more sustainable and energy efficient lifestyle.

At Master Remodelers, what sets us apart from other design-build firms is our commitment to our client’s long-term care of their home. With us, you can opt into an ongoing maintenance program, where we handle the upkeep, repairs, and seasonal preparations—like winterization—so you have knowledgeable and skilled professionals that you trust handling these tasks for you. We call it preventative home care. Our proactive approach ensures your Pittsburgh home stays comfortable, efficient, beautiful, and protected all year round. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help manage your home’s maintenance essentials!