Winter Home Preparation Tips | Naperville Homeowners Guide

Winter Home Preparation Tips for Naperville Homeowners

by the Dan Firks Team — November 2025

As Naperville temperatures drop and the first snow arrives, now is the time to prepare your home for the winter season. A little attention before the freeze can save thousands in repairs and keep your family comfortable all winter long. Here’s a checklist every homeowner should tackle before the holidays.

1. Check Your Heating System

Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and change your furnace filter. Clean vents and test your thermostat to make sure your system is running efficiently before you need it most.

2. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Insulate exposed plumbing, especially in garages, basements, and crawl spaces. Keep your home temperature consistent and open cabinet doors on frigid nights to allow warm air to circulate.

3. Inspect Your Roof and Attic

Heavy snow and ice can expose weak spots in your roof. Check for loose shingles, sagging areas, and proper insulation in your attic. Good insulation keeps warm air inside and prevents dangerous ice dams.

4. Seal Out Drafts

Inspect doors and windows for gaps or cracked weatherstripping. Sealing air leaks keeps your home warmer and reduces heating costs throughout the season.

5. Schedule a Chimney and Fireplace Check

If you use your fireplace regularly, schedule a professional cleaning to remove soot buildup and ensure proper ventilation. This small step can prevent costly damage and improve indoor air quality.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With windows closed and heating systems running, indoor air safety becomes critical. Test all detectors and replace batteries to keep your family safe through the winter.

7. Prepare for Snow and Ice

Stock up on salt or ice melt, make sure your shovel or snow blower is in working order, and keep paths and driveways clear. Preventing slips and ice buildup helps protect both you and your property.

8. Build or Refresh Your Emergency Kit

Include flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable food. Naperville winters can bring power outages, and having a kit ready ensures peace of mind.

Local Expertise from the Dan Firks Team

Whether you’re maintaining your current home or preparing to buy or sell this winter, our team can help you make informed decisions that protect your investment.

If you’d like to discuss the current Naperville housing market or get personalized advice on home readiness, call or text Chris Salas at (708) 299-8135 or visit danfirks.com to connect with the Dan Firks Team.