How to prepare your home for winter?

We want an efficient system to minimize energy costs. Whether it’s gas, oil, or electric, we protect the components by ensuring proper maintenance.

Gas system: Have it serviced by a specialist every two years.

Oil system: Every year, make sure the tank isn’t leaking and that the chimney is in good condition. A leak could result in huge decontamination costs.

Hot water system: Make sure there are no leaks. Lubricate the pump and purge the air from the radiators to avoid heating the water unnecessarily.

Electric baseboard heaters: Don’t forget to remove any accumulated dust. This prevents unpleasant odors and increases heating efficiency.

Central heating: Replace or clean the furnace filter and do the same for the built-in humidifier.

2. Doors and Windows

Here, we’re trying to keep the cold and water out. As we know, poor insulation can increase heating costs by 20 to 40% and accelerate the deterioration of your doors and windows.

Weatherstripping and caulking: Check the condition of the weatherstripping. It’s possible to add removable sealant to the inside of old wooden windows or heat-shrink plastic film to create an insulating air space.

Lock and remove screens: In winter, lock windows to prevent them from warping and ice from entering. Remove screens to let more light and heat into the home.

3. Ventilation Outlets

Clean the range hood filter and the bathroom fan grill. Also check exterior exhaust vents to ensure they are not blocked. You can also add a bolt to the dryer vent so it doesn’t flap in the slightest gust of wind.

4. Gutters

Once the leaves have fallen, clean the gutters. Take the opportunity to check their condition and make sure they are properly secured. Otherwise, the gutter could come loose under the weight of snow and debris. A broken or clogged gutter can damage the roof and foundation of the house.

5. Roof

For a sloped roof, check the condition of the shingles. They can easily be replaced if necessary. For a flat roof with gravel, make sure it is evenly distributed and that the roof drain is not blocked. A simple check can save thousands of dollars in water damage.

6. Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation

Drain the outdoor faucets and irrigation system to prevent the pipes from freezing. We turn off the indoor water supply and open the outdoor water supply until it’s completely drained. This will prevent a major disaster in the basement.

We’ve avoided a lot of repair costs! Now we can get back to dreaming about the bathroom renovation. Happy winter!