Fall in Alaska is beautiful, but we all know how quickly those colorful leaves can turn into snowflakes! With shorter days, dropping temperatures, and winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to give your home a little extra attention.
Whether you've lived in Alaska for decades or are experiencing your first winter in the Last Frontier, a little preparation today can help prevent costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home comfortable throughout the season.
Here are some important tips to help get your home winter-ready!
1. Give Your Heating System Some Attention
Your heating system works overtime during Alaska's long winters. Don't wait until the first deep freeze to discover there's a problem!
- Schedule a professional inspection and servicing of your furnace or boiler.
- Replace or clean air filters as recommended.
- Check thermostats to ensure they're working properly.
- Inspect heating vents and baseboards for obstructions.
- Have your fireplace or wood stove and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned as needed.
2. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes can quickly turn into an expensive headache, especially during prolonged cold snaps.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
- Shut off and drain exterior faucets where applicable.
- Insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and other cold areas.
- Check heat tape or heat trace systems for proper operation, following manufacturer instructions.
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is located.
Alaska Tip: If you're traveling during the winter, keep your heat on and arrange for someone to check your home. A frozen pipe can cause significant damage before anyone notices.
3. Check Your Roof, Gutters, and Drainage
Heavy snow, ice buildup, and freeze-thaw cycles can put extra stress on your home.
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles and flashing.
- Make sure water drains away from your foundation.
- Trim branches that could fall on your roof during heavy snow or wind.
- Watch for signs of ice dams, which can cause water to back up beneath roofing materials.
Alaska Tip: If your home has experienced ice dams in previous winters, consider having a professional evaluate attic insulation and ventilation before the snow arrives.
4. Seal Up Drafts and Keep the Heat Inside
Heating a home in Alaska isn't inexpensive, so keeping warm air inside makes good financial sense.
- Inspect weatherstripping around exterior doors.
- Check windows for drafts and damaged seals.
- Caulk gaps around windows and doors where appropriate.
- Inspect insulation in attics and crawl spaces.
- Consider insulated window coverings for additional comfort.
Even small improvements can make your home feel warmer and help reduce heating costs.
5. Get Your Garage and Vehicles Winter-Ready
For many Alaskans, the garage is more than just a place to park!
- Test your garage door opener and safety sensors.
- Inspect weather seals along the bottom of the garage door.
- Organize snow shovels, ice melt, and winter tools.
- Service your snowblower before the first big snowfall.
- Check exterior lighting around driveways and walkways.
- Inspect vehicle engine block heater cords and outlets for damage.
Alaska Tip: Make sure you have a plan for snow removal before the first storm. It's much easier to arrange service in October than during a major snowfall!
6. Prepare Your Yard and Outdoor Spaces
A little yard work now can make spring cleanup much easier.
- Store or cover outdoor furniture.
- Drain and properly winterize irrigation systems.
- Clean and store gardening tools.
- Protect young trees and shrubs from winter damage.
- Check decks, stairs, and railings for loose or damaged boards.
- Move planters and other items away from areas where snow or ice may fall from the roof.
If you have a greenhouse, shed, or other outbuilding, make sure it's secured and ready for winter weather.
7. Don't Forget Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Alaska winters can bring powerful windstorms, heavy snowfall, power outages, and extreme temperatures.
Take a few minutes to prepare your household:
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Check fire extinguishers and replace them if needed.
- Keep flashlights, batteries, and emergency supplies accessible.
- Have extra blankets, drinking water, and nonperishable food on hand.
- Make sure your household has a plan for extended power outages.
- Keep exterior furnace and appliance exhaust vents clear of snow and ice.
Alaska Tip: If you use a generator, always operate it outdoors, well away from doors, windows, and vents. Never run one inside a garage, even with the door open.
8. Take a Walk Around Your Home
One of the easiest things you can do is simply walk around your property before the snow arrives.
Look for anything that might become a bigger issue once temperatures drop. Loose siding, cracked caulking, poor drainage, damaged steps, and exterior maintenance concerns are all easier to address before they're buried under snow.
And don't forget to take a few photos of your home's exterior and landscaping before winter. They can be helpful for future maintenance projects and property records.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way!
Living in Alaska means embracing everything our seasons have to offer, from beautiful fall colors to snowy winter mornings. Taking time to prepare your home now can help you enjoy the season with fewer surprises and greater peace of mind.
At The Julie Erickson Team, we believe taking care of your home is just as important as finding the right one. Whether you've recently purchased, have lived in your home for years, or are considering a move, we're always happy to be a resource for your real estate needs.
Here's to a safe, warm, and wonderful Alaska winter!
