Winter in Coastal Virginia can be unpredictable; cold snaps, heavy rains, and coastal winds can test your home’s comfort and durability. Before the chill sets in, follow this winter home protection checklist to safeguard your home, lower your energy bills, and prevent costly damage.
Inspect and Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
Why it matters: Heat rises, and poor attic insulation is one of the biggest reasons for high winter energy bills.
- Check for insulation depth: you should have at least R-49 in most Hampton Roads homes.
- Look for gaps, thin spots, or areas flattened by storage or foot traffic.
- Seal air leaks around light fixtures, vents, and attic hatches.
- Call Zhe Industries for a free Owens Corning® insulation inspection or upgrade to maximize efficiency.
Air Seal Drafty Areas
Why it matters: Even small gaps let cold air in and warm air escape, increasing your heating load.
- Inspect windows and doors for air leaks; replace cracked caulk or weatherstripping.
- Check attic penetrations and plumbing chases for open gaps.
- Consider professional attic air sealing to reduce energy loss by up to 20%.
Check Roof Ventilation and Attic Health
Why it matters: Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup and extends roof life.
- Look for blocked or damaged soffit and ridge vents.
- Ensure attic vents are clear of insulation and debris.
- Schedule an attic ventilation inspection with Zhe Industries to balance airflow and prevent condensation or mold growth.
Protect Your Crawl Space
Why it matters: Coastal humidity and cold air under your home can cause floors to feel cold, pipes to freeze, and mold to thrive.
- Inspect the crawl space for standing water, musty smells, or torn vapor barriers.
- Insulate and encapsulate your crawl space to keep moisture out and temperatures stable.
- Add a dehumidifier or vapor barrier system, Zhe Industries specializes in crawl space encapsulation across Hampton Roads.
Prepare HVAC and Ductwork
Why it matters: Your heating system works hardest in winter — make sure it’s not wasting energy.
- Replace HVAC filters before the season begins.
- Seal ductwork leaks (up to 30% of airflow can be lost through leaky ducts).
- Have your system serviced by a licensed HVAC professional for peak efficiency.
Exterior & Roof Maintenance
Why it matters: Small exterior issues can lead to big winter problems.
- Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent ice buildup or overflow.
- Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles.
- Trim tree branches that hang over the roof.
- Check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents for gaps or cracks.
Safety and Energy Checks
Why it matters: Protect your home and family while saving energy.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down.
- Program your thermostat for efficiency, lower temps when you’re away or asleep.
- Insulate exposed plumbing in crawl spaces or exterior walls.
Zhe Industries Winter Home Energy Tune-Up
Your home’s comfort and efficiency depend on how well it’s sealed, insulated, and ventilated. As winter approaches, schedule a Winter Home Energy Tune-Up with Zhe Industries:
Attic insulation inspection
Roof and ventilation evaluation
Crawl space moisture and insulation check
Air sealing and comfort analysis
Call today or request your free estimate to prepare your home for winter, and save energy all season long.
Zhe Industries, From the Rooftop to the Crawl, One Call!®
Serving Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News, and all of Hampton Roads.
