Long Island winters aren't extreme but they're long. A weekend of prep work in November pays for itself by January.
Outside
Most freeze damage starts at the perimeter.
- Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs
- Disconnect and store all garden hoses
- Clean and cap gutters and downspouts
- Caulk every gap around windows and doors
- Trim branches away from the roof
Inside
Comfort and safety upgrades worth doing once a year.
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down
- Replace HVAC filters
- Add or replace door sweeps
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements and crawl spaces
- Test every smoke and CO detector battery
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Drain exterior bibs and disconnect hoses first.
- ✓ Caulk and sweep doors — biggest comfort win for the money.
- ✓ Reverse the fans. Most people forget this every year.
Frequently Asked
How cold does it need to get before pipes freeze?
Sustained temps under 20°F with wind chill put exposed pipes at risk. Open cabinet doors and let a faucet drip on the coldest nights.