Five Fixes Before First Frost (And What Happens If You Skip Them)
As New England slips into hoodie weather, your home needs its own seasonal prep. These quick projects prevent thousands in damage — and take less time than a Sunday open house.
1️⃣ Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Water expands when it freezes. That leftover hose connection on your frost-free faucet can still trap water and burst a copper line behind the wall. Shut off the interior valve, open the outdoor faucet, and add an insulated cover.
💰 Skip it? Expect $500–$2,000 in repairs, plus drywall and mold cleanup.
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2️⃣ Clean Gutters Before the Ice
Leaves left behind act like sponges. When snow melts and refreezes, it forces water back under shingles — classic ice-dam damage. Scoop debris, flush with a hose, and make sure downspouts are clear.
💰 Skip it? Ceiling stains, peeling paint, and roof sheathing rot.
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3️⃣ Seal Drafts and Replace Weatherstripping
Feel a chill by the door? That’s your heat bill escaping. New door sweeps and foam gasket kits cost under $25 and can cut heating loss by up to 10%.
💰 Skip it? Higher bills and chilly rooms all winter.
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4️⃣ Change Furnace Filters and Schedule a Tune-Up
A dirty filter strains the blower and shortens equipment life. Replace filters quarterly and have a tech check combustion and venting once a year.
💰 Skip it? 10–15% efficiency loss and mid-winter breakdowns (plus CO risk).
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5️⃣ Inspect Perimeter and Steps
Seal small foundation cracks and re-set loose masonry. Freeze–thaw cycles widen gaps and turn into water leaks.
💰 Skip it? Trip hazards and foundation seepage by spring.
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⚙️ Bonus: Mass Save Incentives
Massachusetts homeowners can book a free Mass Save energy assessment for pro air-sealing, insulation, and rebates — sometimes worth over $2,000 in upgrades.
References
Energy Saver, U.S. Department of Energy. (2025). Air Sealing Your Home. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-sealing-your-home
This Old House. (n.d.). Prevent Frozen Pipes. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21016833/how-to-prevent-frozen-pipes
This Old House. (n.d.). How to Prevent and Remove Ice Dams. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/21018338/how-to-prevent-ice-dams
ENERGY STAR. (2024). Sealing and Insulation Savings Estimate. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate
Mass Save. (2025). Home Energy Assessments. https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/residential-rebates/home-energy-assessments
