Banner

Why & How to Winterize Your Home in Westchester, NY

Google-Logo-1

over 2723+ reviews

Winter is upon us and we’ll have snow and ice here in Westchester county before we know it. Now is the time to winterize your home to protect your property and family. Find out what you stand to gain, and what tasks you need to take care of. 


Why is it important to winterize your home?

Cold weather brings some serious risks. Almost all of them are preventable when you winterize your home. Here are the benefits:

  • Prevent damage to your home, such as water damage from frozen pipes or a leaking roof. Especially if you’re traveling this winter, you may not be home to catch problems in time to prevent serious damage. It’s best to be proactive.
  • Save money on utility bills. Your HVAC system accounts for nearly 40 percent of your home’s energy usage. The items on our checklist help to prevent heat loss and make your heating equipment operate more efficiently, so you use less energy and save money.
  • Keep your family safe. Being without heat in an emergency or having carbon monoxide build up in your home can have devastating consequences. Preventative steps to winterize your home can help keep your loved ones safe.

How to winterize your home: a comprehensive checklist

Service your heating system 

A heating tune up includes an inspection of your system to find any impending problems and fix minor issues so they don’t become major ones. It’s the best way to prevent a breakdown or a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Learn more about our whole home maintenance program.

Switch to smart thermostats

If you still have manual thermostats, you’re missing out on an easy way to reduce your utility bills. Smart thermostats let you create automated heat settings based on your family’s schedule. You can also control your thermostat from an app on your phone. Be sure to set minimum temps above 55 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing in frigid weather.

Replace furnace filters

Clogged furnace filters make your system work harder and use more energy. In between heating maintenance appointments, you can change furnace filters yourself. Ask your technician which type of filter you need and how to change them. 

Test and service your generator 

Chances are, you’ll experience multiple storms that cause power failures this winter. Is your generator all set and ready to go? Test it ahead of time, and even better, have it serviced to ensure it’s working properly. 

Don’t have a generator? Now is a great time to have one installed

Install pipe insulation

When plumbing pipes freeze and burst, it can be a major disaster that costs you a lot of money. One helpful step you can take to prevent frozen pipes is installing insulation around any pipes that are at risk of freezing, such as those in a crawl space without any heating.

Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors

You rely on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep your family safe. But all too often, we tend to “set and forget” them. Whether you have the hard-wired or plug-in varieties, you should test them as part of your home winterization checklist. 

Most models have a TEST button. Refer to the instructions for your model for what should happen when you press this button (it’s usually a specific alarm or pattern of beeps).

TIP: If your detector is hard-wired to a home security system, inform your alarm company before conducting a test to avoid a false alarm.

Seal windows and doors

Install weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps around windows and exterior doors. That keeps the heat in so you stay warmer, lower your heating bills, and reduce wear and tear on heating equipment.

Add insulation 

Older homes tend to lose a great deal of heat (and AC in summer) because the walls and attic lack sufficient insulation. Traditional rolls can be installed in attics and blown-in insulation added inside walls. By keeping heated and cooled air inside, you’ll notice lower utility bills and more comfortable conditions in your home.

Check & clean chimneys 

When you use your fireplace, a highly flammable substance called creosote builds up over time. Have an expert check the condition of your chimney and remove the creosote to prevent a fire.

Clear gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to damaged roofing and siding. That causes water leaks and can allow critters to get into your attic or walls. Clear away leaves and debris, or install gutter guards.

Check and protect your roof 

Before winter weather hits, make sure your roofing is in good shape. If you find any loose tiles, it’s better to repair them now than risk a leak. Also, consider installing snow guards to prevent heavy snow loads from damaging your roof. 

Put away garden hoses 

Sadly, you no longer need to water plants or wash your car at this time of year. To prevent damage, disconnect and put away hoses, and turn off outside faucet valves. You should also drain sprinkler systems.

Trim tree branches 

Do you have tree branches leaning over the house? That’s a big risk in a major wind storm: you could end up with roof damage or broken windows. Hire a tree company to trim them back to safe levels. 

Cover or put away outdoor furniture

The last thing you want is outdoor furniture that you’re not even using turning into a projectile in a snowstorm. Cover the furniture to keep it safe, and store in a garage if possible. 

Maintain and store lawn & grilling equipment 

Likewise, put away your outdoor grill, mowing and trimming equipment. While you’re at it, clean and oil your equipment as needed so it’s ready to use when you take it out next spring.  

Check and test your snowblower

Take out your snowblower, test it, check the fuel and take care of any maintenance it needs. Don’t wait until a storm is on the way and you find out it’s not working.

Stock up on winter weather supplies

If you wait until a storm is coming, you may have trouble finding the supplies you need:

  • Shovels
  • Ice scrapers
  • Ice melt
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Battery-powered NOAA weather radio
  • Water and non-perishable food
  • Prescriptions
  • Baby supplies

Get an energy assessment

A home energy audit or assessment is a simple way to identify ways you can save energy at home and lower utility bills. An energy auditor inspects your home and analyzes your home’s energy efficiency. You get a report that recommends changes you can make to save energy, based on your home’s age, design, condition, and usage.

When you make the recommended improvements, you can expect to save an average of 25% per year on energy costs.

Bruni & Campisi can help

If you are a homeowner in Westchester, Putnam or Fairfield counties, Bruni & Campisi can take care of quite a few of the tasks on this home winterization checklist. That includes tasks related to HVAC, plumbing, generators, and energy assessments.

Schedule a consultation now!

Bruni & Campisi provides 24/7 emergency service, installation, and maintenance for plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and generators in Westchester, Fairfield, and Putnam Counties. We also offer sewer cleaning, and chimney cleaning. With our 40+ years of experience and training, you get the quality service you need.

$150 OFF

Complimentary Water Quality Consultation For New Customers

Get this deal

Cannot be combined with any other offers or memberships. Cannot be used on past work. Must be presented at time of proposal. Some exclusions may apply. See website for licensure. Offers Expire: 08/01/2025

0% FINANCING

For 60 Months on Approved Credit

VIEW FINANCING OPTIONS

MEMBERSHIPS

Bruni & Campisi offers a complete maintenance program for all your needs.

VIEW MEMBERSHIPS

What Our Customers Say About Us

The crew was polite, respectful, friendly, efficient, protected the floors well, made practically no noise while installing the heavy equipment and overall did a great job.

Show More
Philip Tsai

Philip Tsai

April 29, 2025

I have known Tony Lalli for over 25 years . He is bright , personable and one of the best technicians . He is always spot on when there is an issue . I highly recommend him

Show More
rena ackerman

rena ackerman

April 28, 2025

Derek is professional, courteous and knowledgeable. Excellent representative of your company. David Seal

Show More
David Seal

David Seal

April 28, 2025

Steven Carpio was great. Was very informative and answered all the questions I had regarding what was going on with my HVAC system.

Show More
Jason Uris

Jason Uris

April 28, 2025

The best, easiest, and most efficient company to work with

Show More
melissa foglia

melissa foglia

April 28, 2025

Good job

Show More
Abraham Mathai

Abraham Mathai

April 25, 2025

Great work! Steven came in and acknowledged what the issues might be immediately. Fixed the problem quickly and efficiently while explaining what he’s checking on the gauges. 5 stars all the way!

Show More
Ravi Gheewala

Ravi Gheewala

April 24, 2025

First time using Bruni’s electrical department-Fabricio arrived to fix a light switch. He also checked the electrc for entire house, made some recommendations, and replaced two defective outlets. Pleasant, very polite and easy to deal with.

Show More
K

K

April 24, 2025

Kudos to you Jacob, for being and doing an awesome job. Ivette it starts with you. You were patent and very good about timing. Thank you to the BOTH of you. I can’t wait to share your name with others.

Show More
Nilde Diefenbach

Nilde Diefenbach

April 23, 2025

Derek provided excellent and expedient service installing my new thermostats

Show More
John Henry Herkert

John Henry Herkert

April 23, 2025

They provided same day service to my home in Norwalk CT which I was pleasantly surprised about , the tech Michael Murphy was very knowledgeable and helpful . So far I’ve decided to join their membership program and scheduled them to come out to address so additional work , I’m hopeful further service is consistent with the initial visit .

Show More
Jason Martin

Jason Martin

April 23, 2025

I’ve had three other oil companies come to this house before Tony and all told me I had to replace my boiler, he was the first person who said I didn’t have to replace my boiler! Great guy!

Show More
Adam Behar

Adam Behar

April 23, 2025

Very impressed and very happy. Tommy was excellent.

Show More
Kitty Bronster

Kitty Bronster

April 23, 2025

All service for my boiler was done professionally. The technician was on time, personable and knowledgeable explaining his evaluation, assessment and plan of repair and maintenance service. I highly recommend Bruni & Campisi HVAC.

Show More
Deborah Michaels

Deborah Michaels

April 23, 2025

Godfrey Okeme serviced our AC unit and was friendly, knowledgable and thorough.

Show More
Geoff Harrison

Geoff Harrison

April 22, 2025

We're here for you 24/7

(914) 465-3247