Get Your Home Ready For Winter!

Our ‘Great Canadian winter’ is coming soon. Snow, ice storms, windy cold weather is right around the corner, so it’s smart to prepare now while the weather is still nice.

Here’s a quick checklist of things to do now to save you a big headache later:

1. Hot hot heat

We highly recommend getting a professional to come and inspect your furnace, do that annual maintenance. You don’t want your furnace to break down in the middle of winter – at which point not only will you freeze, you’ll have to make a quick decision on a new furnace without as much time to shop it around.  In addition to having an expert come in, it’s a great time to replace your furnace filter so your furnace runs efficiently. Of all the maintenance things, this may be most important. As Nike says “Just do it”.

2. Draft dodger

You will save money (never a bad thing) if you check your windows and doors for leaks, and fix the leaks pre-season. Ideas to save on energy costs: you can add insulation or weather-stripping, caulking around windows to make it less drafty. It’s kind of unsightly, but you can also put a shrink wrap film around your windows to keep those chilly drafts out.

3. Go ahead…Tinker with the Thermostat!

On the theme of saving money, it’s a great idea to pre-set your temperature of your home. Many people have returned to working in the office during the day, so many you can set it a few degrees cooler while you’re out of the house?  Also, it’s a good idea to change the thermostat’s battery while you’re at it.

4. Paint and seal

We don’t want moisture damage on wood, and it’s a good time to paint and seal decking, handrails etc. if you need to. Note - It’s not recommended to paint when the temps are below 10 degrees.

5. Get the gunk out of the gutters

Fall leaves get caught in the gutters, which means they can’t drain properly and overflow – in time damaging your brick. It’s worth it to either install gutter guards or get a pro to come clean your gutters for you.

6. Chim-chim-a-neee

Do you have a beautiful wood-burning fireplace?  Make sure to hire a pro to come clean and inspect your chimney yearly. Good rule of thumb is to get someone in every 25-40 burns.

7. Pay attention to Pipes

Make sure you close all water valves inside your house that lead to outdoor faucets, and then make sure to drain your outside faucets (your hose) Disconnect your hose too and leave your outside taps open. You don’t want water freezing in the pipes, causing the pipes to crack and burst (read: big headache for you)

8. Smoke detectors

Since it’s recommended to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors, may as well do it now. Don’t forget the carbon monoxide detectors too

9. Keep a safe entranceway

Do you have a handrail on your front steps?  Non-slip traction for stairs can also be a good idea to keep everyone safe. Get your big bucket of salt ready and you’ll be all set.

Enjoy your Winter Toronto !