By Kelsey Androsko | Johnson’s Home & Garden – Maple Valley, WA
When the Pacific Northwest winter rolls in, it brings more than cozy nights and hot cocoa—it also brings freezing temperatures, heavy rain, windstorms, and the occasional snow. At Johnson’s Home & Garden, we know how quickly winter weather can catch homeowners off guard. Preparing your home now can save you headaches, money, and time when temperatures drop.
Here are some key areas to focus on to keep your home comfortable, safe, and efficient this winter season.
- Keep Your Pipes From Freezing
Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs and serious water damage. To prevent that:
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and along exterior walls using foam pipe insulation or heat tape.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets. Install insulated faucet covers for extra protection.
- Keep water moving. During extreme cold snaps, let indoor faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing in the lines.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around plumbing—especially in kitchens and bathrooms located along exterior walls.
Pro Tip from Johnson’s: Pick up pipe insulation, faucet covers, and heat tape early—before the first deep freeze hits. They sell out fast!
- Seal Out Drafts and Conserve Heat
Even small air leaks can make your home lose precious heat (and increase your energy bills).
- Inspect and replace weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Use caulk to seal gaps and cracks where cold air seeps in—especially around window frames, dryer vents, and utility openings.
- Check your attic insulation. Proper insulation helps prevent heat loss and ice damming on your roof.
- Upgrade window coverings to thermal curtains to add an extra layer of warmth indoors.
Insider Tip from Johnson’s: You can also lose heat through light switches and outlets on outside walls. Install Light Switch and Outlet Sealers (sku 264903 and 264911) to reduce heat loss.
- Protect Against Winter Pests
When it gets cold, rodents and insects start searching for warm places to stay—and your home looks inviting.
- Seal entry points like cracks in siding, gaps under doors, and spaces around pipes or vents.
- Store firewood away from the house to reduce hiding spots for pests.
- Keep attics, basements, and crawl spaces dry—pests love moisture.
- Set traps or bait stations in problem areas before winter sets in.
Johnson’s Tip: We carry a full line of pest-control products—from safe, pet-friendly options to heavy-duty deterrents.
- Prepare for Power Outages
Wind and ice can knock out power unexpectedly. Make sure you’re ready.
- Stock up on flashlights, batteries, and lanterns.
- Have a backup heat source—like a propane heater or wood stove—and make sure it’s vented safely.
- Keep a portable generator ready (and test it before you need it). Don’t forget fuel and extension cords rated for outdoor use.
- Charge portable power banks to keep phones and devices running during outages.
- Winterize Outdoor Spaces
Don’t forget what’s outside!
- Clean gutters to prevent ice dams and roof leaks.
- Trim trees to reduce the risk of falling branches during storms.
- Cover or store patio furniture and grills to protect from rain and snow.
- Drain and store garden hoses, fountains, and irrigation systems.
Bonus Tip: If you use wood pellets or firewood, stock up early—supplies run low once the chill sets in.
- Enjoy the Season
Once your home is protected, you can relax and enjoy what winter has to offer—movie nights by the fire, family dinners, and maybe even a snow day or two. Preparation gives you peace of mind, and that’s worth every bit of effort.
Stop by Johnson’s Home & Garden
Whether you need insulation, pest control, heaters, snow shovels, or expert advice, Johnsons Home & Garden in Maple Valley has you covered.
Our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the right products to winterize your home and keep your family comfortable all season long.
📍 Johnson’s Home & Garden – Maple Valley, WA
📞 (425) 432-3384
🌐 johnsonshomeandgarden.com
