First Cool Snap Reminds Mountain Homeowners to Winterize

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — With the first real chill of fall settling across western North Carolina and north Georgia, homeowners are being urged to take advantage of the cool, dry days ahead to prepare their homes for winter. Local experts say a few preventive steps now can save money and prevent costly damage once freezing temperatures arrive in the mountains.

The transition from mild autumn afternoons to frosty mornings often comes quickly in the southern Appalachians, where elevation changes can bring overnight lows below freezing even when valley towns remain comfortable. Home maintenance professionals recommend starting with heating systems. Furnaces and heat pumps should be serviced and filters replaced to ensure efficiency and safety before they’re needed daily. Fireplaces and chimneys should also be inspected for blockages or creosote buildup.

Another top priority is insulation and air sealing. Small drafts around windows and doors can lead to significant heat loss and higher energy bills. Caulking gaps and installing weather-stripping can help keep homes warmer and heating costs lower. Homeowners should also check attics and crawl spaces, as heat tends to escape through the roof and cold air seeps in from below.

Plumbing is another common source of winter headaches. Experts advise disconnecting garden hoses, shutting off outdoor faucets, and insulating any exposed pipes in unheated areas. Inside the home, keeping cabinet doors open under sinks on especially cold nights can allow warm air to circulate around plumbing. For those with vacation homes or properties that sit empty part of the winter, it’s important to shut off the water supply and drain lines to prevent freezing.

Gutters and roofs also deserve attention. Falling leaves and pine needles can clog gutters, causing water to back up and freeze, leading to roof leaks or ice dams. Cleaning gutters now and checking for missing shingles can prevent expensive repairs later in the season.

Homeowners are also encouraged to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as heating systems and fireplaces come back into use. Power outages are not uncommon during ice or snow events in the region, so keeping flashlights, extra batteries, and blankets on hand is also a good idea.

While the high country hasn’t yet seen its first frost of the season, the cooler mornings are a reminder that winter is on the way. Taking time now to winterize — from sealing up drafts to protecting plumbing — will help mountain residents stay warm, safe, and ready for whatever the coming months bring.