Winter-Ready Tiny House Equipment Guide

When winter creeps into the Bighorn Mountains and snow starts piling up around Sheridan, WY, tiny house living changes in a big way. Winter weather can really push your home’s systems to their limit, and if you’re not ready, smaller spaces can lose heat faster, pipes can freeze quickly, and comfort becomes a challenge. Making sure your tiny house is set up to handle this kind of environment isn’t just smart—it’s the only way to stay warm and stress-free all season long.

Getting winter-ready might sound like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right gear and smart prep, your tiny house can handle single-digit temps and surprise snowstorms just fine. Whether you're parked out in the country or tucked into a Sheridan neighborhood, having solid insulation, the right heater, and strong weatherproofing goes a long way in keeping your space safe and cozy when it gets cold.

Insulating Your Tiny House

Good insulation is the best place to start when prepping your home for winter. Without it, even the most powerful heater will struggle to keep things warm. There are a few common insulation types to consider:

- Spray foam: Seals up tight and adds some structure to your walls. It works well in small spaces but can be harder to install without help.

- Rigid foam boards: These are easy to cut and slide between wall studs or floor joists. They’re great for adding layers where space allows.

- Batt insulation: Usually made of fiberglass or mineral wool, these rolls are simple to install and great for areas with standard-size framing.

A simple walk through your house can help you spot cold zones. Pay attention to spots where drafts are sneaking in or where walls feel noticeably colder. If you don’t have insulation under the floor, that’s a good place to start. Cold air rising from underneath the house is a common issue in tiny homes during Wyoming winters.

Also, don’t forget about the roof and corners of the house. These are often skipped when folks first build or buy, but they matter a lot once the temperatures drop. Adding insulation to the ceiling can stop your cozy heat from escaping. Keeping heat inside your home means your heater won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll stay more comfortable round the clock.

Heating Solutions That Work for Small Spaces

Even with strong insulation, every tiny house needs a good heat source. There are a few types that work well for smaller homes, and each one has its ups and downs.

1. Wood Stoves

- Give off strong, steady heat and can double as a cooking surface

- Have the classic cabin feel and don’t rely on electricity

- Can be smoky and need regular ash clean-up

2. Propane Heaters

- Compact and heat up fast

- Good for off-grid setups since they don’t need to be plugged in

- Must be vented properly for safety and used in homes with good airflow

3. Electric Heaters

- Easy to plug in and use with simple temperature settings

- No fuel to store or smoke to deal with

- Can be hard on off-grid battery systems or cause high electric bills

Whatever type you go with, keeping safety in mind is key, especially in a small home. Make sure heaters are cleared from anything flammable, and always check that you have proper ventilation. Installing a carbon monoxide detector is a must when using anything that burns fuel. And if you're using more than one heating source, be clear on how each one works so you're not doubling up on heat or creating a fire risk.

Planning ahead and picking the right option for your space can make a big difference. For example, if you’re parked in areas that dip to sub-zero often, a mix of propane for quick heat and a wood stove for long-lasting warmth might offer reliable comfort without going overboard.

Weatherproofing Doors And Windows

Cold air sneaking in through small gaps can undo all the good work you’ve put into heating and insulation. Doors and windows are some of the easiest places for drafts to form, especially if you’ve had a recent shift in your home's frame due to moisture or settling. The good news is you can fix most of these leaks with some simple checks and tools.

Start with a candle test. Hold a lit candle around the edges of frames during a calm day. If the flame flickers or leans in one direction, you likely have a draft. After spotting problem areas, grab some weatherstripping for doors and windows. Choose materials that compress well, like foam or rubber, since they’re flexible and make a good seal when the door or window is closed.

Caulking is another smart move. Use silicone or an all-weather sealant to fill small cracks between the frame and the wall. For older windows, adding interior caulking can also help, especially for those tiny splits that aren't visible at first glance.

To add an extra barrier at night, swap out light curtains for thermal ones. These come with thick linings that help trap heat inside while keeping the cold air out. In places like Sheridan, where temps can dip deeply at night, that added layer goes a long way in keeping you warm.

Keep door sweeps on your checklist too. These attach easily to the bottom of most doors and block off the space where cold gusts roll in from underneath. Combined with good weatherstripping and sealed frames, this small addition can have a big impact on overall heat retention in a smaller home.

Winter-Proofing Plumbing Systems

Your heating system might keep air warm, but frozen pipes can quickly ruin that comfort. In a place like Sheridan, where winters hit hard, it's easy for exposed plumbing to freeze fast and stay that way. Protecting your water systems is just as important as sealing up heat leaks.

Here’s where to focus your efforts:

- Pipe insulation: Wrap water lines with foam sleeves or heat tape. Prioritize any lines that run underneath the house or near exterior walls.

- Tank protection: Cover water tanks and any exterior hose bibs with insulating jackets or boxes. If your tank is under the house or in a crawl space, try using a small space heater during sub-zero nights.

- Drip technique: Let faucets drip overnight during extreme cold to help keep water moving so it’s less likely to freeze.

- Shut-off prep: If your home has outdoor water lines you won't need in winter, shut them off and drain them ahead of time to avoid burst pipes.

If you’re using a composting toilet over winter, freezing temps can make it difficult to empty or rotate parts like the solids bin when they’re stored in non-heated areas. If possible, install composting toilet systems in rooms that stay above freezing. You can also add insulation to any vents or housing connected to outdoor units to help hold warmth.

Keeping plumbing protected doesn’t always mean adding lots of heat. It’s more about focusing attention on parts that are exposed and making smart upgrades to cover weak spots. One burst pipe can lead to costly repairs and a lot of stress no one needs when snow is coming down.

Getting the Most out of Winter in Your Tiny House

Once your tiny home is sealed, heated, and your plumbing’s protected, the final touch is comfort. You want warmth that doesn’t just come from a heater, but from the way your space feels. A little planning makes a big difference during long Wyoming winters.

Small changes go a long way. Lay down thick rugs to help stop cold air from rising through your floors. Hang thermal curtains that hold heat inside longer into the evening. Set up cozy corners with layered blankets, warm lighting, and cushions that make the space feel like home every night.

Winter in Sheridan doesn’t disappear quickly. The nights are long and the cold can last well into the spring months. Spending time now getting ready means fewer surprises and less work when heavy snow and freezing temps hit. You get to enjoy quiet evenings while the heaters run efficiently, without worrying if your plumbing or windows are struggling to keep up.

With the right prep, you won’t just survive Sheridan’s winter—you’ll be able to fully enjoy it, all from the cozy comfort of your tiny house.

Preparing your tiny house for winter in Sheridan means taking the steps to keep cozy, no matter how chilly it gets outside. You’ve learned how to seal drafts, heat efficiently, and protect plumbing. To find the right tools and accessories to support your winter setup, check out our tiny house shop at ShopTinyHouses.com.