Budget Winter Prep Checklist for Homeowners

Zero Dollar Checklist

Task	Cost	Time	Heating Savings	Freeze Risk	DIY Difficulty
Caulk windows & doors	$0	1 hour	Up to 20%	Low	Easy
Weatherstrip doors & windows	$0	1 hour	Up to 10%	Medium	Moderate
Insulate water heater	$0	1 hour	Up to 9%	Low	Moderate
Seal electrical outlets	$0	1 hour	Up to 5%	Medium	Easy
Hang heavy drapes or curtains	$0	2 hours	Varies	Low	Easy
Adjust thermostat setting	$0	5 mins	Varies	Low	Very Easy
Shrink wrap windows (bubbles)	$0 (used material)	2 hours	Up to 10%	Medium	Moderate

Low-Cost DIY Projects

(Additional costs for materials such as caulk, weatherstripping, foam sealant, etc.)

Task	Cost	Time	Heating Savings	Freeze Risk	DIY Difficulty
Insulate attic access door	$10-$20	4 hours	Up to 35%	Medium	Moderate
Insulate garage doors	$50-$100	6 hours	Up to 20%	High	Difficult
Seal attic vents	$20-$30	4 hours	Up to 20%	Low	Moderate
Insulate crawlspace door	$10-$20	3 hours	Up to 15%	Medium	Easy
Insulate basement walls	Varies (insulation + labor)	Varies	Up to 40%	High	Difficult

Essential Maintenance

(May require professional assistance or additional costs for materials/equipment)

Task	Cost	Time	Heating Savings	Freeze Risk	DIY Difficulty
Clean and maintain furnace	$50-$100 (professional)	2 hours	Up to 30%	High	Moderate
Insulate exposed pipes	$20-$40 (materials)	2 hours	Up to 10%	Low	Easy
Winterize exterior faucets	$5-$10 (anti-freeze)	30 mins	None	High	Very Easy
Insulate garage	Varies (insulation + labor)	Varies	Up to 20%	High	Difficult

Smart Habits

(No direct cost but can lead to significant energy savings)

Task	Time	Heating Savings	Freeze Risk	DIY Difficulty
Lower thermostat when away	N/A	Up to 15%	Low	Very Easy
Use ceiling fans in reverse	N/A	Up to 10%	Low	Moderate
Close blinds/shades during the day	N/A	Up to 20%	Low	Very Easy
Keep drapes open during the day	N/A	Up to 20%	Low	Very Easy

Free and Low-Cost Winter Help in the US

(Check local listings for agencies providing these services)

1. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): federal/state heating assistance for income-eligible households, apply through local/state agency, income limits vary by state.
2. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): DOE-funded, income-eligible households receive funds for insulation/air-sealing/furnace repair, apply via local Community Action Agency.
3. Utility audit kits: often available at little to no cost from your utility company or energy service provider; helps identify areas of home that can be improved to save on heating costs.
4. Tax credit checkpoints: consult a tax professional to determine if you qualify for federal and state tax credits related to energy-efficient home improvements.

Winter Heating Safety Checklist

1. CO detector batteries: replace every fall or as needed.
2. Space heater clearance: keep at least 3 feet from walls, furniture, curtains, etc.
3. Oven misuse: never use oven to heat home; it can lead to CO poisoning and fire hazard.
4. Frozen pipes: insulate exposed pipes, keep cabinet doors open under sinks during cold snaps.
5. Gutter ice dam checks: clean gutters before freeze, maintain attic insulation/ventilation.