No other season tests your home like a Canadian winter…
Every season presents unique challenges to homeowners. But no other time of year tests your home’s mettle like winter. Sub-freezing temperatures, icy winds, and snow can take a toll on even the sturdiest structure. So get ready now for the cold, blustery days to come by using the tips in this post.
Test Your Doorways for Drafts
The space between your doors and their thresholds can suck heat out of your home, giving you skyrocketing utility bills and causing premature wear to your HVAC system. The best way to prevent this problem is to spot the drafts and eliminate them with felt or foam weather stripping.
Here’s how to spot drafts: light a candle and hold it as you move your hand along doorway edges. When you see the flame blow towards you, then you know you’ve got trouble. Luckily, weather stripping costs little and is easy to install, making it a quick, affordable fix. While you’re at it, inspect the caulk around your windows and doors and replace as needed.
Prep the Fireplace or Woodstove
Nothing adds a welcome dose of winter cheer like a roaring fire. Not only are real flames charming, they can save your life should the power go out. So get your wood stove or fireplace ready for winter by following these steps:
- Call a pro to clean the creosote from your chimney. This is especially important if more than two years have elapsed since the last cleaning.
- Clean any ash or soot residue from the interior and exterior areas.
- Check creosote levels in your woodstove. More than one-fourth inch of creosote is cause for concern, according to experts at Cornell University.
- Feel the stovepipe for rust or soft spots. Replace damaged sections.
- Also, check your windows for any potential cracks or damage to help prevent heat from escaping (though you’ll want to hire pros to repair anything).
Check Your Water Heater
Having hot water on demand is one of the great perks of modern living. But a water heater can turn into an energy hog if you fail to give it proper care. Here are proven ways to avoid problems:
● Insulating the exterior of your water heater will save you money, according to the website energy.gov. But this step is needless if your unit is already insulated. Refer to the owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
● Insulating your water pipes will save energy, reduce utility bills, and lessen the risk of burst pipes. One way to make the job easier is to use pre-slit insulation, which slides right over existing pipes with minimal effort.
● Reduce your water heater setting from 140 to 120 degrees to save as much as 10% on your utility bills.
Get the Garden Ready
Your garden, flower beds, and outdoor plants all need extra attention come autumn. Here are some of the most important precautions you should take:
● Trim tree branches that might otherwise fall on your home or into the street.
● Add a thick layer of organic mulch to garden and flower bed areas. This will protect seeds and roots from the effects of extreme cold.
● Remove weather-sensitive bulbs and store them in your home until next season.
● Aerate and reseed your lawn.
● Correct any problems with walkway cracks or other damage to safeguard against wintertime accidents.
● Drain your garden hose and store it for the winter. Drain your sprinkler or irrigation system as well.
● Remove fish from your outdoor water feature and give them a home in a heated tank till next summer.
Taking these steps will prevent mishaps and help you to make it through the frosty months ahead with a smile on your face. Stay safe and enjoy the advantages of home ownership.
If you also want to prepare for winter by eliminating some of the clutter around your house, then get in touch with the decluttering specialists at Urge to Purge Inc.