New Hampshire’s mix of freezing rain, heavy snow, and subzero nights can test even seasoned homeowners. But with a little preparation in late fall, you can make it through the cold months with fewer surprises and a lot less stress. These five practical steps will help keep your home warm, safe, and efficient all season long.
1. Protect Your Pipes Before the Deep Freeze
When a cold snap hits, frozen pipes can cause thousands in water damage. Older New Hampshire homes, especially those with basements or crawl spaces, are particularly vulnerable.
Now’s the time to insulate any exposed plumbing with foam sleeves or heat tape, paying special attention to unheated areas like garages and under sinks along exterior walls. It’s also smart to know where your main shutoff valve is located. If a pipe bursts, turning off the water quickly can make all the difference.
During the coldest nights, let a small trickle of water run in your faucets. It’s a small cost compared to the price of repairs.
2. Service Your Heating System
When the first deep freeze arrives, HVAC companies across the state get flooded with calls. Booking your maintenance early ensures your system is ready before it’s working at full tilt.
Whether you rely on oil, propane, wood pellets, or a boiler system, schedule a cleaning and inspection. Dirty filters and clogged vents reduce efficiency and can create safety risks. Pellet stove owners should empty their ash pans and check seals, while oil furnace users might ask their technician to tune the burner for maximum output.
Even if your system seems fine, a pre-winter check can save fuel and prevent mid-season headaches.
3. Go Easy on the Salt
Snow and ice control are part of life here, but overusing salt can damage driveways, plants, and local waterways. State researchers have found rising chloride levels in New Hampshire lakes and rivers due to road treatments, and homeowners contribute to that runoff too.
Try switching to sand or calcium magnesium acetate for your walkways, or use salt only where safety demands it. More isn’t always better; it just ends up in the water table and environment.
4. Check Roofs and Gutters Before the Snow Builds Up
Ice dams—those ridges of ice that form along the roofline—are a common problem in New Hampshire. They can push melting snow back under shingles, causing leaks and interior damage.
Prevent them now by cleaning out gutters and downspouts, checking that attic insulation is even, and sealing gaps where warm air escapes. If your home has a history of ice buildup, consider installing heating cables along vulnerable roof edges.
You might also have a roofer do a quick inspection; a few missing shingles in October can become a major issue by February.
5. Effectively Stock Up for Storms
When a nor’easter is on the way, grocery shelves empty fast. But real winter readiness means more than a full pantry.
Build or update a household emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food, water, a first-aid kit, and blankets. If you have a wood stove or generator, check your fuel supply and ventilation. Homes with wells should store several gallons of water ahead of time since power outages mean no running water.
Many still remember the 2008 ice storm that left tens of thousands without electricity for days. Preparation isn’t overreacting—it’s common sense for New Hampshire living.
Preparation Starts Early
Winter in the Granite State is both beautiful and demanding. A few hours of maintenance now can prevent expensive problems later and make your home safer when storms arrive. Think of it as an annual routine that keeps the season enjoyable rather than stressful. With your home ready and the wood stacked, you can sit back, watch the first snowfall, and know you’ve earned the peace that comes with a well-prepared New Hampshire winter.
