Minnesota Winters: Best Home Features to Add Before the Cold Hits

Minnesota winters are long, brutal, and unforgiving. Months of snow, subzero temperatures, and unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles can take a serious toll on your home, not to mention your heating bills and day-to-day comfort.

A home built or renovated with winter in mind doesn’t just feel better, it performs better. By planning for cold weather now, you can avoid costly repairs later, reduce energy waste, and make your space far more livable during the toughest months of the year.

Here are some of the best features to include when planning a new build or renovation, and how LBI can help you make it happen.

Radiant Heated Floors

Few things feel more luxurious on a frigid morning than stepping onto a warm floor. Radiant heating systems operate by circulating hot water or electric coils beneath the floor’s surface, delivering even warmth that rises slowly and consistently throughout the space.

Unlike forced-air systems that can dry out the air and create temperature swings, radiant heat provides a gentle, consistent warmth that’s perfect for colder climates. It’s especially valuable in high-traffic, hard-floor areas like bathrooms, basements, entryways, and mudrooms — the places where tile or concrete make floors feel extra cold.

At LBI, we install radiant systems that are energy-efficient, quiet, and seamlessly integrated into your flooring; no noisy vents, no cold spots, just clean, consistent heat.

Enhanced Insulation That Works Year-Round

Insulation isn’t just a winter upgrade, it’s one of the most impactful ways to improve comfort and efficiency in your home all year long. Yet many older Minnesota homes were built with minimal or outdated insulation, especially in key areas like attics, rim joists, basements, and exterior walls.

Poor insulation leads to:

Ice dams forming on the roof

Cold drafts near walls and windows

Higher energy bills as your furnace works overtime

Modern insulation materials like closed-cell spray foam, dense-pack cellulose, or hybrid systems provide superior thermal performance and air sealing. LBI can assess your current insulation and recommend the right solutions to seal up weak points and make your home truly winter-ready, without sacrificing breathability or moisture control.

Energy-Efficient Windows That Actually Keep Heat In

Windows are one of the biggest culprits of heat loss in the winter. Even well-installed single-pane or outdated double-pane windows can allow significant cold infiltration, making rooms feel chilly and increasing your energy costs.

Upgrading to triple-pane or Low-E (low emissivity) windows creates a barrier against both cold air and radiant heat loss. These modern windows:

Maintain consistent indoor temperatures

Reduce condensation and frost buildup

Dampen outdoor noise

Improve the overall aesthetic of your home

LBI works with premium window brands to ensure every install matches your style while improving thermal performance. We also provide detailed trim and flashing work to prevent air and water infiltration long-term.

Storm Doors & Weather Sealing That Stop Drafts in Their Tracks

Even the most insulated homes can suffer from energy loss around doors and windows. Gaps in door frames, worn weatherstripping, and older entry systems allow heat to escape and cold air to creep in.

Installing a high-quality storm door adds an extra layer of insulation and protection from wind, snow, and rain. Combined with new seals, caulking, and foam gaskets, this small investment delivers a noticeable improvement in interior comfort, especially around commonly used entry points.

LBI offers custom entry solutions that balance energy performance with beautiful design. We’ll evaluate your doors and seal points to close the gaps that winter loves to exploit.

Fireplace Inserts & Wood Stoves That Do More Than Look Good

Fireplaces aren’t just about ambiance, with the right setup, they’re a powerful backup heat source. Traditional open fireplaces lose more heat than they generate, but high-efficiency inserts or EPA-certified wood stoves are designed to radiate warmth throughout the room and beyond.

These systems:

Provide secondary heat during outages or deep freezes

Lower your reliance on electric or gas systems

Offer a cozy focal point for family spaces

LBI helps homeowners choose and install fireplace systems that meet local codes, fit existing builds, and enhance both warmth and design.

Humidifiers That Protect Your Air, and Your Home

Cold air can’t hold moisture well, and once you start heating your home, indoor humidity drops quickly.

The result: dry skin, bloody noses, static shock, and even damage to your home’s wood finishes.

A whole-home humidifier integrates with your HVAC system to regulate moisture consistently.

This helps:

Maintain comfort in dry months

Prevent warping or cracking in wood floors, cabinets, and trim

Improve air quality and reduce allergens

Dry winter air isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be destructive. LBI can install systems that maintain optimal humidity levels across every zone in your home.

Mudroom Upgrades That Make Winter Manageable

Winter in Minnesota means snow, boots, coats, and mess. A smart mudroom or entry space helps you manage it all without tracking slush into your main living area.

Functional mudroom upgrades include:

Durable, easy-clean flooring (like tile or luxury vinyl plank)

Built-in cubbies and lockers for coats, bags, and boots

A bench for changing shoes

Hooks and shelves to maximize vertical space

LBI can help you design and build a new mudroom addition or transform your current entry space into something that’s both practical and stylish.

Smart Thermostats for Smarter Winter Comfort

Technology has changed how homes operate, and smart thermostats are one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make. They learn your routines and adjust temperatures automatically, saving energy while keeping you comfortable.

Benefits include:

Lower utility bills

Zoned heating control

Remote access through your phone

Real-time data on energy use

LBI offers seamless integration of smart home tech during builds or remodels, so your heating system always works with you, not against you.

Build Smarter for Winter with LBI

Winter doesn't have to be a battle. With the right upgrades, your home can be warm, efficient, and resilient for years to come.

At LBI, we help homeowners across the region prepare for the worst weather with the best solutions. From insulation and mechanical systems to smart layouts and durable finishes, every part of the home can be optimized for cold-weather living.

Ready to Start Planning?

If you're thinking about building, remodeling, or adding winter-ready upgrades to your home, now’s the time to get started. Our team is here to walk you through your options, create a plan, and deliver results built to last, even through a Minnesota January.

Contact LBI today to book a consultation and winterize your home the right way.