How to Winterize Your Manufactured Home in Ohio: A Complete Checklist

If you live in Ohio, especially in the snowbelt, you already know: winter isn’t messing around. And if you live in or are buying a manufactured home, preparing for cold weather is key to keeping your home safe, warm, and energy-efficient through the season.

Whether you’re in a newer manufactured home or maintaining an older one, here’s a complete winterization checklist to help you get ready, and stay ready, for freezing temps.

✅ 1. Inspect and Seal All Windows & Doors

Drafts are one of the biggest sources of heat loss.

• Check for air leaks around window frames and door seals

• Use weatherstripping, door sweeps, or caulking to seal gaps

• Consider using thermal curtains or shrink-wrap window kits for extra insulation

✅ 2. Skirt the Perimeter (and Check for Damage)

Skirting (the material that encloses the area beneath your home) is critical for:

• Preventing frozen pipes

• Reducing heat loss under the home

• Keeping pests and animals out

Make sure your skirting:

• Is intact with no holes or gaps

• Has ventilation

• Is securely attached to resist wind and snow

✅ 3. Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest (and costliest) risks in winter.

• Ensure heat tape is wrapped along all water lines

• Insulate pipes in cold areas with foam sleeves

• Leave a faucet dripping slightly during deep freezes to prevent freezing or pressure buildup

• If your home is vacant: drain the pipes completely and shut off the water supply

✅ 4. Check the Furnace and Replace Filters

Your furnace needs to be in top shape before the cold hits.

• Schedule a pre-winter HVAC check-up

• Replace or clean furnace filters

• Make sure vents and ductwork are clear of dust and obstructions

• Consider installing a smart thermostat to save on heating costs

✅ 5. Insulate Under the Floor

Many manufactured homes can lose heat from below, especially if not placed on a permanent foundation.

• Install or check underbelly insulation (batts or foam board)

• Repair any damaged or sagging insulation under the floor

• Consider a vapor barrier if moisture is present

✅ 6. Reverse Ceiling Fans (Yes, Really)

Most ceiling fans have a switch to reverse direction. In winter, set the blades to rotate clockwise at low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling and helps circulate heat.

✅ 7. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With heaters, fireplaces, and closed windows, winter is peak season for home safety issues. Make sure:

• All smoke alarms and CO detectors have fresh batteries

• Devices are located in bedrooms and main living areas

• You test each one monthly (and replace them every 7–10 years)

✅ 8. Stock Up and Stay Safe

Prepare your home like you might not leave for a few days:

• Salt, shovel, and ice melt

• Flashlights and batteries

• Extra food, water, and medications

• Backup heat source if possible (e.g., battery-powered heater, electric battery generator)

🧰 Bonus Tip: Winterize Vacant Manufactured Homes Too

If your manufactured home will be unoccupied for winter:

• Shut off water supply and drain all pipes

• Add RV antifreeze to drains and toilets

• Unplug appliances

• Leave heat on (even if you set it low), to avoid freezing pipes or home settling from expansion/contraction

🏡 Need Help With Winterizing or Buying a New Manufactured Home?

At Leaders Sales LLC, we help Ohio residents not only buy new homes, but also care for them for the long haul. Whether you’re in Geauga, Portage, Lake, Summit, or Trumbull County, we can help you find the right home and give you the tools to protect it.

👉 Request a consultation📞 Call/text Kevin: 330-577-5726📧 kevin@leadersproperties.com