9 Fool-Proof Winter-Proofing Tips
Prepare yourselves—winter is coming. Game of Thrones references aside, the fall temperatures are upon us, which means the winter ones will soon be descending. There’s no need to go through any major renos or changes to get ready for the frigid months. Check out these 9, simple winter-proofing tips for your home:
1. Give your gutters attention
Be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts a few times a year but especially before freezing temperatures hit. Ensuring water can flow properly through your house’s exterior drainage system is essential during the wet winter months.
2. Protect your pipes
Shut off your outdoor water supply to help keep your pipes from bursting due to water expansion. It’s also a good idea to keep your hose somewhere warm.
3. Prep your patio
Cover up or bring in your patio furniture and grill—aluminum furniture is especially vulnerable as it can rust quite quickly in cold and moist conditions. If you have a wooden deck, be sure to apply a fresh coat of sealer before the snow falls. You may also want to cover any firewood with a tarp to keep it from getting wet.
4. Don’t hate, insulate
Hire a professional to check your insulation—especially in the ceilings where much heat can be lost. It’s always worth it have new insulation installed if it’s needed (you can also do this yourself if you’re up for the task).
5. Fill in the gaps
To make sure your home is effectively blocking out the cold air, caulk any gaps in your windows or doors. Keep your windows tightly shut and locked throughout the winter months. If you notice a draft even when they’re closed, it may be time to upgrade. Trust me, the initial cost of changing your windows will be much less than constantly paying a higher heating bill over time.
7. Sound the alarms
Speaking of fire safety, it never hurts to test your smoke detectors and ensure they’re at an adequate battery level. And, don’t forget about your carbon monoxide detectors.
9. Flip out your furnace filter
Dust, dirt, and other debris can build up fast in your furnace filter. Be sure to check and change it if necessary to help maximize the lifespan of your heating and air-con system. It’s also always a great idea to have your HVAC checked by a pro before the coldest months hit.
If you need any other hot tips for the cold weather, I’m your gal! Get in touch anytime to talk winter-proofing, real estate, home décor, or whatever else you’d like to learn about.
Lara Stasiw • Real Estate Agent & Home Design Connoisseur
You made it to the end! THANK YOU!!
If you’re not exceptionally bored by my run-on sentences and bad humour, keep reading!
My other blogs cover topics on Real Estate, Home Design and Decor, as well as the C0mmunity.
For updates on new Blogs, Home Improvement Tips, A Community Spotlight and Real Estate FAQ’s, sign up for my Newsletter! I only send it out once a month.
(Naturally, there is a market update too!)