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As summer sun fades and we turn to the crisp air of autumn, the change of seasons offers a perfect chance to get ahead. With winter on the horizon, now is the ideal time to start preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Tackling key home maintenance tasks this season ensures that you will be ready to weather winter with comfort and peace of mind. Here are 10 essential steps you can take to keep your home in tip-top shape.
Indoor Fall Maintenance
The inside of your home should be a haven of warmth and comfort during the winter, but achieving that means making sure everything is in good working order. Fall is the perfect time to take a close look at things like your home’s heating, safety devices, and energy efficiency. By tackling these indoor maintenance tasks early, you can enjoy a cozy, worry-free winter season.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Drafts from small gaps around windows and doors can make your home feel colder and drive up heating bills. Inspect your home for any air leaks and seal them using weather stripping or caulking. Taking a bit of time now to seal your home properly will ensure a warm, energy-efficient winter.
Save on Energy offers a free energy saving kit to help you cut down on your energy costs; this includes weather stripping to ensure that all cracks are sealed off.
Furnace Tune-Up
Your furnace will be working overtime during the winter months, so make sure it’s up to the task. Schedule a professional inspection to ensure all components are functioning correctly. Don’t forget to replace or clean the furnace filter regularly. Clogged filters not only reduce efficiency but also affect indoor air quality.
Fireplace Preparation
Before lighting that first cozy fire, have your fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. This helps prevent any safety hazards like chimney fires and ensures that your fireplace runs efficiently, keeping your home warm on those chilly nights.
Test Safety Devices
Fall is a great time to test your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Ensuring they’re in working order is vital for your family’s safety, especially when fireplaces and heating systems are in frequent use. Take this opportunity to review or update your family’s fire safety plan too and make sure that everyone knows the best plan of action in case an emergency strikes.
Stock Up on Winter Essentials
Before the winter weather hits, stock up on emergency supplies such as flashlights, matches & candles, batteries, non-perishable food, and blankets. Power outages during winter storms aren’t uncommon, and a well-prepared emergency kit will keep your family safe and comfortable when the unexpected occurs. A backup generator is also a great idea in case a winter storm decides to wreak havoc.
Outdoor Fall Maintenance
As the weather cools, your home’s exterior needs some extra attention to withstand the challenges that winter will bring. Canadian winters can be harsh and unexpected; by addressing a few key outdoor tasks now, you can avoid larger issues in the future, protecting your home from the elements and keeping it looking its best. Let’s take a look at some essential outdoor maintenance steps to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.
Clear Those Gutters
Falling leaves can quickly become a problem when they clog your gutters. Blocked gutters can lead to water damage, ice dams, and even roof issues if not taken care of. It’s important to make gutter cleaning a seasonal priority and consider adding gutter guards for future convenience. This will ensure smooth water drainage during winter storms and prevent larger repair headaches in the future.
Tidy Up the Garden
As the gardening season comes to an end, it’s time to show your yard some love before it goes dormant. This is the perfect opportunity to tidy up your garden and prepare it for the upcoming spring. Start by trimming any overgrown shrubs, removing dead plants, and clearing out fallen leaves. Not only will this make your garden look neat and well-kept, but it will also create a clean canvas for the vibrant spring blooms to come – a much needed reprieve after a cold, dark winter.
Taking the eco-friendly approach, consider composting those leaves to naturally enrich your soil. By doing so, you’ll not only reduce waste but also provide your garden with nutrient-rich soil for the next growing season. Remember, taking the time to tidy up your garden now will pay off when spring arrives!
Inspect Walkways and Driveways
Check your outdoor paths for cracks or damage that could worsen in freezing temperatures. Uneven surfaces can lead to slips and falls, so repair them now for added safety.
Taking the time to address any issues with your walkways and driveways before winter sets in will provide peace of mind and help prevent accidents. It’s important to maintain a safe environment for everyone, especially when dealing with potentially hazardous weather conditions.
Roof and Chimney Check
Your roof is your home’s first defence against winter weather, so a thorough inspection is a must. Look for any missing or damaged shingles and secure flashing to avoid leaks and potential water damage. A well-maintained roof will prevent winter damage while also keeping your home warm and safe.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Pipes
Outdoor plumbing is particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Drain and disconnect garden hoses, shut off outdoor water valves, and install insulated faucet covers. For any exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas, wrap them with insulation to prevent freezing and bursting.
Taking care of these key tasks now will save you time, money, and stress once the winter chill sets in. By breaking your fall maintenance into indoor and outdoor tasks, you’ll ensure your home is winter-ready from top to bottom. Start outside before the chilly weather fully sets in and move indoors as you check everything off your to-do list. These simple steps will help you face the Canadian winter with ease and confidence so you can enjoy special moments with friends & family all season long – without the worry!
