Winter in Michigan is beautiful, but with snow, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable conditions, your home needs extra care to stay safe, efficient, and cozy. As Michiganders ourselves, we know how harsh the cold can be, from the Upper Peninsula to Southeast Michigan. That’s why we put together this comprehensive winter home care guide to help you protect your property, cut heating costs, and avoid costly winter damage.

1. Insulate & Seal Your Home to Fight the Cold

One of the most effective ways to keep your home warm and energy-efficient during Michigan’s long winters is to seal cracks and improve insulation.

Weatherstrip doors and windows to reduce drafts and heat loss. This keeps warm air in and cold air out.
Inspect attic and wall insulation: older homes in Michigan often lack adequate insulation. Adding insulation can reduce heat loss and heating costs.
Seal ductwork and air leaks around outlets, vents, and pipes to prevent heat from escaping.

Pro Tip: A tightly-sealed home not only stays warmer, it costs less to heat throughout the winter months.

*Photo credit: Robin Buckson, The Detroit News*

2. Protect Your Heating System & Maintain Efficiency

Winter in Michigan often means your heating system runs non-stop. Keeping it optimized can avoid breakdowns and high energy bills.

Schedule professional maintenance for furnaces or heat pumps before deep cold settles in.
Clean or replace filters regularly: dirty filters make systems work harder.
Clear snow and ice from heat pump outdoor units to ensure proper airflow and peak performance.
Use programmable thermostats to manage temperature efficiently and save costs.

Maintaining a consistent thermostat setting, even when you’re out of the house, helps prevent frozen pipes and undue system stress.

3. Prevent Frozen Pipes & Costly Water Damage

Frozen pipes are a winter nightmare for Michigan homeowners, but are thankfully a preventable problem.

Insulate exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
Keep a slow trickle of water running during extreme cold spells to prevent pipe freezing.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water faucets.

Frozen pipes can burst and lead to expensive repairs. Remember, prevention is way easier than recovery.

4. Gutters, Roofs & Ice Dam Prevention

Michigan winters bring snow and ice that can wreak havoc on your roof and gutters.

Clean gutters and downspouts before snow arrives to prevent ice dams and blocked drainage.
Check roof shingles and flashing to avoid leaks under heavy snow.
Ice dams can form when heat escapes into the attic, melting snow that refreezes at roof edges. Proper attic insulation and ventilation help avoid this.

Ice dams can lead to water damage inside your home, unnecessary repair costs, and mold, so proactive maintenance is key.

5. Enhance Comfort & Indoor Air Quality

Cold months can make indoor air dry and dusty, which impacts comfort and health.

Aim for balanced humidity (30–40%) to reduce condensation and static electricity.
Replace HVAC filters frequently during winter to limit dust and allergens.
Use mats inside and outside entryways to trap winter dirt and salt (this also protects your flooring!).

6. Energy Savings That Matter

Winter energy bills can climb, especially in colder regions of Michigan.

Lower your thermostat when you’re asleep or out of the house: each degree saved can reduce heating costs.
Use natural sunlight during the day by opening south-facing curtains and closing them at night to trap heat.

Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting like LEDs for year-round savings.

*Photo credit: John McCormick, Michigan BLUE*

7. Be Ready for Winter Emergencies

Michigan’s winter storms can sometimes lead to power outages or chilly nights.

Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food.
Keep a supply of ice melt or pet-safe salt for walkways and driveways.

Being prepared gives you peace of mind and reduces winter stress.

Smart Winter Care = Safe, Comfortable Michigan Home

Michigan winters can be unpredictable, but with smart winter home care, you can protect your property and your wallet. Follow these tips to maintain your home’s structure, stay cozy throughout the season, and avoid costly surprises.

Questions about your home? We’re your local experts on all things Michigan. Contact Gilson Home Group today for personalized advice and professional support.

Michigan Winter Home Care Tips: Protect Your Home & Stay Comfortable This Season