Winter has a way of revealing the “little things” in a home. The draft you never noticed in October. The gutter that was “fine” until the first cold rain. The door that suddenly won’t latch once the temperature drops.

The good news: a few simple habits (plus a couple of smart upgrades) can make your home more comfortable, safer, and easier on your wallet through the cold months. Here are some winter homeowner tips we love because they’re practical, doable, and they actually make a difference.

1. Stop drafts before they start spending your money

If your house feels chilly even with the heat running, air leaks are usually the culprit. Take a slow lap around exterior doors and windows and see where cold air is sneaking in. Replacing worn weatherstripping, adding a door sweep, or sealing small gaps can make your home feel noticeably warmer without touching the thermostat. And don’t forget the sneaky spots: the door from the garage into the house and attic access points are common draft zones.

2. Give your heating system a winter reset

Your HVAC has one job right now, and it’s working overtime. Swapping the air filter is a simple step that helps airflow and efficiency immediately. It’s also worth checking that vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs, which can make rooms feel uneven and force the system to work harder. If you have a maintenance plan (or it’s been a while), a seasonal checkup can prevent those mid-winter surprises no one wants to deal with on a freezing night.

3. Protect pipes before the temperature drops

Frozen pipes are one of those homeowner issues that can escalate fast. Disconnecting hoses and protecting outdoor spigots is a great start, but don’t stop there. If you have exposed pipes in a crawl space, basement, or garage, adding insulation can help prevent freezing during cold snaps. And if you’re traveling, keep the heat set to a safe temperature instead of turning it off completely. Protecting your plumbing is one of the most “boring-but-brilliant” winter moves you can make.

4. Do a quick roof and gutter check

Winter weather is unforgiving when it comes to small roof problems. A loose shingle or clogged gutter might not look like a big deal—until water ends up where it shouldn’t. From the ground, look for anything that seems out of place along the roofline and make sure gutters aren’t packed with debris. You’re aiming to help water move away from your home, not pool near the foundation or find a shortcut into your attic.

5. Prioritize fireplace and heater safety

If you’re using a fireplace or space heater, a few safety checks can keep “cozy” from becoming risky. Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected and cleaned as recommended, and space heaters need space — keep them away from curtains, bedding, and anything flammable. This is also a great time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and swap batteries if needed. It’s a five-minute task that protects your home and everyone in it.

6. Make walkways and entrances safer

Winter in the Triad can be unpredictable, and slick steps or dim walkways are an accident waiting to happen. Replace burned-out exterior bulbs, add a sturdy mat or traction strip where things get slippery, and keep ice melt or sand nearby so you’re not scrambling when temperatures dip. These are small upgrades that make coming and going easier all season long — especially with kids, pets, or arms full of groceries.

Bottom line

Winter homeownership isn’t about doing everything. It’s about handling the right things early so they don’t turn into expensive surprises later. And if you’re weighing your next step — whether that’s refinancing, renovating, or planning for a future purchase — the Sharpe Mortgage Team is here to help you run the numbers and talk through smart options. Have questions about home financing in Winston-Salem or the surrounding area? Reach out to the Sharpe Mortgage Team at (336) 575-9448. We’re always happy to help.