6 Tips For Preparing Your Home For Winter

As we all know, Canadian winters are all about the cold temperatures, strong winds along with plenty of snow and even ice. This kind of weather can wreak havoc on a home if the home is not prepared for what mother nature may have in store. These tips can make your home and family safe and comfortable throughout the season.

1. Seal The Windows - sealing the windows can minimize air drafts and lower your energy bills.

To seal the windows: • Caulk the cracks • Use a plastic film sealing kit around the inside of each window. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve a solid seal. • Close the drapes at night to further aid in keeping cold air out.

2. Prepare The Fireplace - inspect your fireplace for cracks, gaps or missing bricks and also use a flashlight to check the inside for signs of cracked tiles or animal infestations.

3. Prepare The Gutters and Downspouts - thaw and freeze cycles can affect the gutters and downspouts of your home. An ice dam could result from clogged gutters, and damage to the roof, walls and foundation could occur.

To prepare the gutters and downspouts for winter: • Access the gutters and scoop out solid debris. • Use a garden hose to flush out any caked on dirt. • Check to make sure the water freely flows through the downspouts

4. Insulate the Plumbing System

A frozen pipe that bursts could cause a significant amount of damage to your home and have you spending a lot of money.

• Buy tubular pipe sleeves to insulate pipes, especially those along the outer walls of your home or in cabinets where warm air is not able to freely circulate. • Cover all the exposed areas of pipe and seal seams in the insulation with duct tape.

5. Perform Maintenance on the Heating System

Whether you have a heat pump, furnace, boiler or a wood stove, it needs to be properly maintained in order to keep your home during the long winter.

Have a licensed and insured heating maintenance company to come into your home and do a thorough inspection of the fuel supply, air handler, venting system and mechanical heating components. Also replace the air handler’s filter once every three months to ensure the best results. Seal any leaky ductwork to reduce heat wastage.

6. Clean Up The Yard

Before any winter storms strike, clean up the yard. Trim back any tree branches that could break off under the weight of snow and ice. Remove or cut back overgrown summer vegetation that could be a safe haven for vermin. Seal any cracks where mice and other animals could gain access to the indoors. Clean out garden areas, woodworking areas and other places where pests could find shelter and food during the winter

Reference:

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