Now that we have experienced our first snowfall of the year, it is time to start thinking about our winter home maintenance checklist! Do you think you will be ready for the winter season? Here’s a home maintenance checklist to ensure your house is fully prepared for the winter.
Weatherproof Your Doors And Windows
If you live in a house, this is an incredibly important first step on your winter home maintenance checklist. Go through your house with a lit candle and hold it near every door and window. If the flame flickers, you have a draft you need to take care of. You can use weather-stripping or caulk to seal these drafts up. If the draft is significant, however, it might be worth replacing the door or window altogether.
Reverse Your Fans
This tip is both environmentally friendly and also good for your wallet. By reversing the direction of your fans, the warm air in your home will stop from rising and be pushed down to where you need it most.
Bring The Outdoors In
If you have not done so already, it is crucial to bring your outdoor furniture and appliances (barbecues, lawn mowers, etc) into your garage or shed. While you are out in your backyard, make sure the sprinkler system is switched off and the garden hoses are drained and removed from faucets.
Clean Out Your Gutters
While this is a task that few enjoy, it is very necessary. Leaves, when frozen, gain a lot of weight. Icicles already add substantial weight to your eavestroughs and your roof, so to prevent serious damage it is very prudent to remove all leaves, dirt and debris from your gutters.
Keep The Heat On
Keeping the heat on at all times is critical for the health of your pipes. If you turn off the heat they can easily freeze and burst, which can result in a very expensive problem. Some may be concerned at their heating bills going through the roof by always having the heating on, therefore it is strongly recommended that you get a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set a lower, yet warm temperature while you are out at work, and a more comfortable temperature when you are at home. You, your pipes, and your bill will all be happy!
Prepare For A Storm
Ice storms occur every few years in the GTA. They can be quite severe, so it is advisable to be prepared for the unexpected, whether you live in a house or condo. Your storm kit should include a case of bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a smart phone charger.
Winter home maintenance checklists are a great guideline for all homeowners; as you can see, there is plenty to do both in and outside your home to prepare for winter. Above all, make sure you are safe, and complete all the necessary inspections related to your heating systems (that includes the fireplace!) so that you have a stress-free winter. If you have any further questions on how to prepare your home for winter, please feel free to contact me. I would love to answer any questions you may have.
