As colder weather and winter storms approach, it is wise to take steps to prepare your house for snow and ice accumulation. Doing this can reduce damage caused by extreme cold, as well as save both money and resources in repairs later.
Assure you have sufficient food, water and supplies on hand for several days without power, listen to local weather forecasts for updates and bring any pets indoors if necessary. Clean and inspect wood-burning fireplaces regularly to prevent creosote build-up that could spark chimney fires; have gas furnaces serviced by professional to ensure their safety; swap antifreeze to winter mixes in cars as well as windshield-wiper fluid with winter formulations if appropriate – be ready!
Assure that the basement, attic, and crawl spaces are properly insulated to reduce heat loss. Insulation is inexpensive and straightforward to install – helping reduce heating costs by up to 30%! Protect outdoor pipes which run along walls or in unheated spaces (such as clothes washers in garages). Wrap outdoor pipes which run along unheated spaces ( such as clothes washers). Drain lawn sprinkler systems as well as turn off any outside spigots used by hoses and outdoor showers before doing anything else.
Check your home foundation for cracks, and fill any gaps with caulk. Inspect gutters to make sure they’re secure with downspouts extending away from it to avoid flooding when snow melts, remove leaves and debris from the yard, and trim back any overhanging shrubs which could be knocked over by snowfall or ice and cause damage to either your house or power lines.
If your area experiences frequent snowfall, investing in professional snow removal services or purchasing a snowblower could be beneficial. When using chainsaws to clear property, be aware of potential utility lines which could be disturbed. Should any arise and need repair service from the utility company.
Consider adding a timer to your heating system so it will turn on during the day and off at night when no one is home; this could save up to 10% on energy costs*.
If your windows are outdated or damaged, upgrading to more energy-efficient replacements could help lower heating bills while keeping your house warmer during winter. Canadian Choice Windows team in Toronto can walk you through this process from consultation to installation without needing multiple vendors – find out more at windowscanada.com. *Based on an average annual electricity bill of 1,500kWh and typical gas heating bill of 4,000MBtu/year as estimated using Energy Efficiency Alberta Calculator; actual savings will depend upon energy use patterns, heating style preferences and climate considerations.
Be the first to comment