How Much Does It Cost to Winterize a House in 2025?
Winterizing a house costs an average of $250
The average cost to winterize a house is $250, with most homeowners spending between $65 and $65.
Costs vary based on home size, location, and specific winterization tasks required.
Hiring a professional ensures winterization tasks are properly completed so you can avoid costly repairs and improve energy efficiency.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Winterizing your house is essential to protect it from harsh winter weather and increase energy efficiency. The average cost to winterize a house is $250, but pricing can range from $50 to $1,500. Costs depend on factors like the size of your home, location, quality of materials used, and tasks required.
You may only need to complete a few tasks from this list. It's important to budget for these projects and consider hiring a professional to ensure the job is done correctly.
"Tasks for winterizing a home can be easy to overlook, but skipping these projects could lead to some pricey repairs come spring," says Andrew Kilborn, handyperson and Expert Review Board member.
Winterizing a House Cost Factors
The cost of winterizing your house is based on several factors that all play a part in determining your total. These cost factors include the following:
Home Size
Winterizing involves covering window panes, doors, and other entries to prevent cold air from pouring in. A larger home likely has more entryways, which may mean higher insulation installation costs. The number of other home winterization projects that pop up will likely correlate with the size of your home.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Depending on the layout of your yard and outdoor living spaces, additional winterization tasks may be necessary. For example, winterizing a sprinkler costs $55 to $130 on average. This involves shutting off and draining water, then insulating any above-ground components. Most lawn companies charge by zone for this job and will include four irrigation system zones in their estimates. If you have more zones, your costs will increase.
Labor
The cost of labor can significantly impact your overall winterization expenses. Various professionals, including handypersons, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and chimney inspectors, may be involved in winterizing your home.
Handypersons charge between $50 and $100 per hour, while HVAC technicians and plumbers may charge $75 to $150 per hour. Minimum service fees can range from $100 to $250, depending on the professional and your region.
Location
Your geographic location plays a crucial role in winterization costs. Homes in areas with harsher winters may require more extensive winterization measures, such as additional insulation or specialized equipment, which can increase costs.
Additionally, regional price differences for materials and labor can impact your budget. For instance, materials and labor may be more expensive in colder climates where the demand for winterization services is higher.
Cost to Winterize a House by Task
The cost to winterize a house can vary greatly depending on what needs to be done around your home. Here are some common price ranges for tasks you might complete to prepare for winter:
| Task | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Insulate windows | $3–$20 per sq. ft. |
| Install insulated curtains | $50–$100 |
| Replace furnace filters | $5–$100 |
| Inspect HVAC | $200–$400 |
| Drain and flush boiler | $75–$200 |
| Insulate pipes | $1.10–$11 per linear foot |
| Inspect chimney | $450 |
| Clean gutters | $120–$230 |
| Trim branches | $460 |
| Close pool | $150–$400 |
| Install new thermostat | $115–$265 |
| Change humidifier evaporator pad | $10–$20 |
DIY vs. Hire a Home Winterizing Pro
Many aspects of winter-proofing your home are straightforward and affordable—and some may even be free. If you prefer to complete these projects yourself, you could save $200 or more.
Tasks you can easily handle yourself include adding insulation to windows, doors, or pipes (there are multiple methods), closing your pool, replacing filters, cleaning gutters, and installing a programmable thermostat. If you want help with these tasks, a local handyperson can tackle these jobs for you.
For some jobs, such as draining a boiler or inspecting a roof, hiring a roofing pro or a local HVAC service is highly recommended. While it may cost more, working with a professional ensures your safety and helps prevent damage to your appliances during the cold season. Contact local pros for an assessment of your home’s needs and an estimate for their services so you can make an informed decision about winterizing your home.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Home winterization is important because it helps keep your home warm and lowers heating costs. By protecting your home's structure and systems from cold-induced damage, you secure your investment and maintain comfort throughout the season. Winterizing your windows, doors, and insulation safeguards your home against harsh winter conditions and can enhance your property's value in the long term.
Yes, you should winterize your sprinkler system to protect the above-ground components from freezing temperatures. Draining the water and insulating critical parts prevents ice damage that can lead to costly repairs. By taking this proactive step, you ensure your sprinkler system functions properly and your lawn's irrigation remains intact during the winter months.
A complete house winterization includes more than just insulating windows and pipes. You should consider conducting a home energy audit, preparing your deck and patio for harsh conditions, learning how to operate a snowblower, replacing smoke detector batteries, installing outlet gaskets, and fitting storm doors. These additional steps help fully protect your home's structure and systems during the winter.
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