How should you prepare your home for winter?

Winter is coming! While the winter season can definitely be beautiful and festive, everyone knows Canadian winters can also be quite harsh. These weather conditions can take a toll on your homes if they are not properly prepared for the season, which is why planning ahead is key. Below, we discuss four important steps to take as we head into December and welcome winter. These will ensure you stay safe and comfortable all season long, and that your home is prepared for the elements! Here’s what you need to know.

Complete an outdoor inspection

First, let’s start on the outside of your home. Your home’s exterior is a key part of protecting the rest of your house throughout the winter. You should inspect a few major areas to make sure it is prepared for the season. Your windows and doors should be properly sealed, and there shouldn’t be any cracks or gaps where cold air can creep in or warm air can escape. You can use caulking to easily seal these gaps, which will help protect the temperature inside your house. Your roof and gutters will also need some attention. Be sure your roof doesn’t have any missing or loose shingles that could cause cold air to seep into your home. Plus, your gutters should be clear of any leaves that may have fallen this season to prevent a buildup of water that can freeze and damage your eavestroughs. Finally, take a look at your foundation and keep an eye out for any cracks. If necessary, use a sealant to prevent cold air and moisture from causing damage.

Make sure your heating system is ready!

In the dead of winter, you want to be sure your home is warm and cozy. This is essential for your comfort, and to keep your energy costs in check. You can start with your furnace, and make sure it’s running efficiently. We recommend having a professional come inspect your system and clean your filters to ensure everything is in order and optimized. If you have radiators or baseboard heating, make sure they are clean and free of any blockers or obstructions. You can also consider upgrading your thermostat to a smart system! These allow you to program your thermostat and schedule different temperatures throughout the day. This helps keep your energy usage low when you are not home, while still keeping you warm when you need the heat.

Pay attention to plumbing

One of the biggest risks to your home this season is related to your plumbing. If you don’t properly prepare your home for winter, pipes can freeze and burst, causing major problems within the house. Before temperatures really start to plummet, there are a couple important steps to take. First, be sure to disconnect and drain outdoor faucets. This ensures no water is trapped within the pipes. Next, move to the areas inside your home that are not well heated, such as your garage or attic. Insulation around any pipes in these spots is also important to prevent potential issues. Finally, it’s a good idea to know where the shut-off valve is located in your home! In case a pipe bursts, knowing how to quickly shut off the water will help minimize damage.

Prepare for power outages

Lastly, it’s always essential to be ready for power outages throughout the winter. Windy snow storms are common, which can wreak havoc on power lines and cause homes to lose power for hours or even days. If you are properly prepared, however, this is nothing more than a minor inconvenience! We recommend having a generator handy that you can use to keep essential systems running in the event of an outage. This will give you a major boost and help you maintain your home until power is restored. It’s also very important to have an emergency kit on hand! Things like blankets, flashlights, non-perishable foods, and water are all essential to keep in your home. This will keep you safe and warm, and will minimize stress during outages.

Winterizing your home for winter in Canada can be quite a big task! However, it’s critical to properly prepare your home for winter so you can comfortably experience the season. Taking these steps will help keep you safe and give you the opportunity to enjoy all that winter has to offer.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.