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December 21 marks the first official day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. But this year, NEPA experienced its first significant snow accumulation well before then. For people in our region, winter preparation is essential. You never know how cold it’s going to get, how many days you’ll spend indoors, or if you will lose power due to ice and wind.

Northeastern Pennsylvania winters can be cold, snowy, and seemingly unending, but there are ways to minimize the potential negative effects so that you can enjoy the fun and beauty of the winter season. Plan ahead and winterize your home using these ten easy tips so you’re not caught off guard.

1. Make sure you have a good shovel/snow blower.

If you have a snow blower, make sure it’s gassed up and ready to go ahead of time. Snow removal in Northeastern Pennsylvania is inevitable, so make sure you’re prepared before it hits. Whenever the storm strikes, you’ll be ready!

2. Make sure you have an emergency kit in your home.

It should include blankets and warm clothing, non-perishable food, a backup heating source, first aid supplies, etc. You never know when you might get stuck at home, possibly without power or heat. Ice has been known to knock out electricity for days at a time in our region, and for many that means no heat. Having a generator on hand is a good idea for winter because it allows you to maintain power during a power outage, which is especially critical in cold weather when you need electricity to keep your home heated and prevent pipes from freezing. 

3. Check your roof, gutters, and downspouts.

Clean out your gutters and remove all leaves and debris in the fall and then again closer to the first day of winter. This can prevent gutters from filling up with water and freezing, or prevent icicles from forming. Remove any loose shingles from your roof. Loose shingles increase the risk of ice damage and can provide a route for water and ice to get inside.

4. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans will keep you cool in summer, but in the winter, they can help keep warmer air from staying stuck at the top of a room. Reverse the direction of the blades and it will push the warm air down. This can help you heat your home more efficiently.

5. Wrap or insulate drafty windows and doors.

Weather stripping or installing storm doors and windows will prevent cold air from entering your home or heat from escaping it, which will reduce your heating bills. Door sweeps are also an effective and easy way to keep the cold out. Window wrapping has been shown to help keep up to 70% of your heat from escaping! You can also wrap sliding doors or doors that aren’t used in the winter time. An alternative to wrapping is caulking or sealing windows. Pack fiberglass insulation around walls and doors. Whatever method you use, insulating and stopping heat leakage can help you to save on utility costs.

6. Replace filters in your central heating/cooling system.

This can greatly improve efficiency and save you on energy costs.

7. Prevent frozen pipes.

Make sure that your hose and anything else connected to outdoor plumbing fixtures are disconnected and drained. Ensure that the water to those lines is shut off, if it can be. If you have pipes that are exposed to the outside, insulate them or wrap them to prevent them from freezing. If you suspect frozen pipes, it's recommended to leave a faucet dripping with a small stream of water running to help prevent them from bursting; the constant flow of water prevents ice from building up and expanding within the pipe, which can cause it to rupture.

8. Do you have a chimney?

Chimneys can be a major source of heat loss in a home. If you have a chimney that you won’t be using, you can get a chimney balloon to block it off and prevent heat from escaping.

9. Clean your fireplace/chimney.

Animal nests or creosote buildup in your wood-burning fireplace can be hazardous. Schedule an annual inspection before building your first fire of the season. Also, soot and other debris build up in the chimney. Call a chimney sweep company to thoroughly clean the chimney before your first winter use. You should also vacuum or sweep out any accumulated ash from the firebox. An electrical fireplace also requires regular cleaning and maintenance.

10. Check your thermostats.

Make sure your home's thermostats are working properly. If it’s time for an upgrade, consider a programmable thermostat that allows you to save on heat when you’re not using it. You can set different temperatures for when you’re home and when you’re not, or even certain hours of the day. In the winter, the Department of Energy suggests keeping the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Lower the thermostat a few degrees while you're away or sleeping.

Doing these simple things can help you save some money on your heating bills, keep your family warm and safe, and prevent costly damages to your home. If you start working these things into your regular home maintenance routine you can start a few months ahead of time. The time spent preparing will be well worth it in the long run.

Heating Help in NEPA

Additionally, if you or a loved one are in need heating assistance this winter, please visit the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program’s (LIHEAP) website by clicking HERE. 

From November 4, 2024, to April 4, 2025, you can apply for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill. You can receive from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type. The cash grant is a one-time payment. The grant will be sent directly to your utility provider or fuel company to be credited on your bill. 

Citizens Savings Bank is Here for All of Your Banking Needs

Citizens Savings Bank has multiple locations throughout Lackawanna, Wayne, and Monroe Counties. For branch locations and hours, visit our website. We also have a Customer Support Team ready to answer any questions you may have. Call us today at 1.800.692.6279 or email [email protected]. Member FDIC.