Alaskan winters present challenges not seen in other areas of the country, and without proper preventive maintenance, they can be hazardous or fatal. It’s best to start in early fall to winterize your Alaskan home, but if you haven’t already done so, now’s a good time to start.

Where Should I Start to Winterize My Home in Alaska?

Winterizing your home, even in Alaska, doesn’t have to be a major undertaking. You can start with simpler tasks that can make a big difference, such as:

• Replace the air filter if it’s been more than three months since you last replaced it
• Use caulk, insulation film, or weatherstripping to eliminate drafts and leaks around doors, ducts, and windows
• Ensure warm air ducts are not obstructed by rugs, furniture, or other items
• Check your thermostat for accuracy

These are all simple solutions that can make a dramatic difference in your comfort and your energy bill. You can combine several of these steps; you’re not limited to just one.

These precautions can also save your life during a power outage. Alaska’s harsh winter temperatures can rapidly suck all heat from a room and leave it dangerously cold. Once you’ve completed the simpler steps, you can proceed to the more complex ones.

What Additional Steps Should I Take?

If your furnace is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Although it may be hard to justify the initial expense, you can quickly recoup the initial cost through the energy savings. For Alaska, we recommend a high-efficiency unit.

A smart thermostat can automate the temperature when you’re gone and avoid frozen pipes and other damage. We also recommend using carbon monoxide detectors to detect any leaks from an older or malfunctioning unit.

We consider an emergency kit to be an essential component of your winterizing plan. It should contain batteries, blankets, flashlights, and emergency food such as MREs or other types of emergency rations. We recommend always having more emergency supplies than you think you’ll need.


We also recommend an annual professional inspection to ensure that your furnace is working properly and is clean. Our technicians can check for leaks or malfunctions and determine if the unit needs repairs.

Need to Schedule an Inspection?

Our team is here to keep you warm and safe all winter long. Contact Hardy Heating today for some of the best furnace and heating services in South Central, Alaska.