The cold weather has begun, so it won't be long before winter fully sets in! Just a bit of preparation can make for a much smoother snowy season. Here are our tips on how to prepare your home for winter.
Don’t let those brutal winds inside! Your home is your fortress against the cold, so make it as airtight as possible. Give your home a quick run-through, checking for both invisible and visible drafts. You can do this by holding a lit candle near the following areas:
If the candle flickers, you’ve got a draft.
Seal up all holes and reinforce existing points of entry with weather stripping. You can pick some up at a local hardware store. Follow the simple installation instructions, and you’ll keep that cold air out and the warm air inside—right where it belongs.
You can also caulk windows and doors to make sure they’re truly sealed against the cold.
If your gutters are clogged with wet leaves, they can freeze up and block the drainage, allowing melting ice and snow to seep into your roof and cause much damage slowly. You can do this chore on your own or hire a professional roofer to do the job for under $100.
It turns out raking isn't just for autumn! If you live in an area that sees a lot of snow each winter, your roof can sit under several feet of snow for a few weeks. All of that snow can get heavy, causing your roof to collapse.
Invest in a roof rake to help you clear the snow off your roof when it starts piling up. You don’t want your roof falling in during the coldest time of the year.
Flick the reverse switch on your ceiling fans to make the blades spin clockwise instead of counterclockwise. This will produce an updraft, which will push the rising hot air down so it can keep the entire room warm.
This is especially crucial in rooms with high ceilings, especially if they're two stories high. You might find that putting your ceiling fans to work allows you to crank down the thermostat by a couple of degrees to trim your energy bill this winter.
Take a walk around your home’s exterior and inspect all trees and bushes near its façade. Look for low-hanging or loose branches that are close to your house. If you find any, prune them now so they don’t end up cracking from heavy snow or wind and causing damage to your home.
Don’t face empty store shelves days before the first big storm hits. Prepare now! Stock up on water, canned food, batteries, flashlights, and storm lanterns. You may also want to invest in a portable charger or power bank for some juice when the lights go out.
As most homeowners know, winter approaching means you must unscrew your garden hose from the spigot and drain your sprinkler system to prevent freezing. This can be a bit of a complicated process, so it might be a good idea to call in a professional to do this properly.
Did you know that one burst pipe can cost over $5,000 in water damage?
Prevent your pipes from bursting with these simple steps:
Crank up the heat before the cold blows in to check if everything is in working order. After turning on your heating system, walk through your home to check if every heating vent is blowing warm air. If anything needs repairs, tend to it now before it gets truly freezing.
We hope these tips helped you prepare for the winter and avoid costly energy or repair bills. Stay warm!
If you enjoyed this article, you can find more about it on our MoneySmart Tips Blog.