When winterizing your home, you protect your property and those inside from discomfort and repair costs. Many homeowners winterize their homes and don’t suffer the same losses as those who don’t. Most of the winter preparation tips for homeowners we mention here are simple things that any property owner can do without hiring someone.
Before your property receives its first fresh blanket of snow, here are the essentials to cover to prepare for the worst of the season.
Have a Snow Removal Plan
Know how you’re going to remove snow from your driveway. If that involves hiring a plow company or snow removal professional, now’s the time to make those arrangements. Confirm what you can expect for a response time.
Inspect Your Roof
Check for damaged singles that need to be replaced. Prevent leaks from snow and ice from leaking through by ensuring all shingles are correctly placed, and edges are sealed.
Test Your Thermostat
Ensure your thermostat responds accurately to temperature changes. Consider a smart thermostat that can be automated day and night to save even more on energy bills.
Liquid De-Icer Will Keep Your Driveway Clear
Eliminate ice from your walkways, driveways, and sidewalks with liquid de-icer. It’s an effective and eco-friendly way to tackle ice as an alternative to toxic, grass-damaging rock salt. Ideally, pre-winter seal cracks to prevent water penetration and damage from freeze-thaw cycles.
Ensure Your Indoor Air Quality Is Good
Have your ductwork, filters, and vents cleaned. Ensure proper airflow throughout your home during winter. If needed, service your furnace. Schedule a cleaning and tune-up to ensure the system performs at its peak.
Wrap Exposed Pipes
To prevent freezing, use foam or heat tape to wrap and insulate pipes in unheated areas. A burst mid-winter or spring could mean significant repair costs and property damage. Disconnect any garden hoses and shut off the exterior water valve to further reduce plumbing pipe burst risks.
Check for Leaks and Drafts
Check windows and doors for drafts. Use caulk, weatherstripping, and other strategies to seal these areas and prevent warmth from disappearing. This minimizes your heating costs, which can be further optimized with energy-efficient heaters.
Clear Gutters to Confirm Proper Drainage
Leaves and other debris can clog gutters quite easily. A clog means not only can water not drain, but you run the risk of ice dams forming, heavyweight causing a collapse, and water damage to your home’s structure. Clear your gutters before winter begins.
Check Your Fire Extinguisher And Fire Alarms
Winter heating increases the risk of fire. Ensure your fire alarms work and that your fire extinguisher is still operational. Replace the batteries and test all carbon monoxide detectors. For the most safety, ensure functional fire detectors on every level, including near sleeping areas.
Clear the Evacuation Pathway From Your Home
Define your route to escape your home if there’s a fire. Ensure the path is shovelled and clear of ice at all times.
Stock Up On Emergency First Aid Supplies
A storm may keep you inside for a day or longer. Weather can also cause power outages now and again during winter. Be ready with an emergency kit. Include flashlights, extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, blankets, and a First Aid Kit. Think of what other essentials you need.
Order and Store Heating Fuel
Ensure you have enough oil, wood, or propane to last through winter. Keep your fuel safely stored.
Test Your Backup Generator
If you live somewhere prone to electricity outages, you may have a backup generator. Those who do should run a test cycle to ensure it functions properly so they aren’t left wondering when a power outage occurs. Refuel and ensure it is stored securely.
Check Insulation In Attics and Basements
Ensure any attic has at least 12-15 inches of insulation to prevent heat loss. In the basement, ensure the walls and pipes are insulated for the same purpose and to protect your plumbing.
Service Your Snowblower
Be sure to check your snowblower to confirm it still works. In case of any issues, a few backup shovels are a smart investment. Refill the snowblower’s oil or fuel using only winter-grade oil. Inspect the blades and belts as well to ensure worn parts are replaced.
Trim Dangerous Tree Branches
If overhanging tree branches could fall on your home or power lines during heavy snow, cut them. They are not worth the risk, and winter in Canada is always difficult to predict.
Service Your Chimney and Fireplace
If you have a fireplace and chimney, clean and inspect chimneys to clear soot buildup and blockages. Ensure your damper works to control airflow and retain heat when not in use.
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