Mainers: 5 Winter Home Hacks to Stay Warm and Save Money

That sweet taste of summer we had in early October? Yeah, that was nice. But those shorter, colder days are here and winter is coming. If you’re like a lot of Mainers, you’re juggling too much and watching every dollar. Winterizing your home might not top your to-do list, but ignoring it could just add to that already restricted bank account.

5 key tips for winterizing your home—and bonus, some of them won’t cost you a dime.

1. Check Your Windows (The Simple Hand Test That Could Save You Hundreds)
Did you know 25-30% of heating energy is lost through windows? Yep, your money could literally be flying out the window. On a cold day or night, do the “hover test” by running your hand near the edges. If you feel a draft, it’s time to make a move.
Don’t freak out and start Googling “new windows near me.”, a quick fix like weatherstripping can hold you over until you’re ready to drop the cash. Or, if you’re feeling extra cheap, duct tape—because nothing says New England ingenuity like duct tape on a window, right?

2. Clean Your Gutters (No, Really, Go Look Up There)
Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, they are often the home to leaves, dirt, and maybe a small rodent graveyard. Unchecked, clogged gutters can lead to water damage and even worse, they could lead to your pipes freezing.
If ladders make you feel like Clark Griswold, hire a pro. Trust me, it’s cheaper than dealing with a flooded basement.

3. Drain and Disconnect Your Hose (Avoid the Ice Explosion)
It might seem harmless to leave the hose connected, but once freezing temps hit, you’re inviting an ice jam that could bust your pipes. And trust me, there’s no HGTV special for “winter plumbing disasters.”
Take two minutes, disconnect the hose, and feel at ease about saving yourself a world of trouble.

4. Get Your Furnace Serviced (Because Freezing Ain’t Fun)
Think of your furnace as the MVP of your house. You wouldn’t send Tom Brady into the playoffs without a warm-up, so why do it to your heating system?
Call in a pro for a once-over. They’ll catch stuff you can’t, like worn-out belts or blocked ducts. This is recommended at least once per year. Bonus: Check your filter yourself and feel like a home-maintenance rock star.

5. Protect Your Outdoor Furniture (Winter Eats Plastic for Breakfast)
Yes, it’s outdoor furniture. No, it’s not indestructible. Maine winters can chew through your patio set faster than a snowblower through fresh powder.
If you’ve got space in the garage or basement, store it there. No space? Grab a cover. A $20 investment could save you from dropping hundreds on a new set next spring.

Winters in Maine can be brutal, but prepping your home doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips, and when that first snowstorm hits, you can sip hot cocoa in your cozy, draft-free living room like the true Mainer you are.