Is Your Home Ready for Winter?
When the first frost hits the ground, many Canadians simply turn up the thermostat and hope for a short season as winter approaches. But experts say that doing a few things around the yard and home now can make the months ahead more enjoyable – and affordable.
Winterizing a home is usually performed in the fall before snow and excessive cold have arrived, and it protects against damage due to bursting water pipes, and from heat loss due to openings in the building envelope.
Homeowners often may not realize how many places in their house may lose heat. To maintain warmth, these areas use more energy during the cold winter months.
There are ways to keep your home comfortable, while cutting back on its energy consumption. Seasonal renovations are good way to make sure you are ready for winter.
The primary heat loss in most homes is caused by air leakage and infiltration. Preventing leaks, as well as performing yearly maintenance on your home will help ensure your home is prepared for the first frost and beyond.
Here are some easy tips for how to be ready for winter months:
- Test your thermostat to make sure it works
- Replace your air filters
- Have your furnace serviced by a technician – to check in on your heating system! You don’t want to get caught in the middle of a freeze with a system that is not working properly. Be vigilant now and your pockets will thank you later.
- Duct clean your home – Having your ducts cleaned prior to the winter season will not only assist in better air quality but it will help your furnace run more efficiently as well. Proper maintenance is the key!
- Check around the windows and doors for drafts or leaks – The greatest repair costs come from water leaking in around window and door flashings. Typically a $7.00 tube of a silicone caulking can save thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Check your attic insulation. Because hot air rises into the attic, a disproportionately larger amount of heat is lost there than in other parts of the house. Like a winter hat that keeps a head warm, adequate attic insulation will prevent warm indoor air from escaping. Attic insulation should be 12 inches thick in cold climates.
- Turn off and insulate all exposed water pipes in cold areas, such as attics, garages, and crawlspaces, should be insulated. Foam or fiberglass insulation can be purchased at most hardware stores. Insulation should cover the entirety of a pipe.
It is well know that homes that do regular maintenance and fall inspections last forever without major maintenance. But those who ignore will pay the price.
You can post your fall inspection, attic insulation or maintenance request project and have top rated contractors compete for your job.
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Homeowners and contractor both find spray foam the best option to fill your window and door drafts. In comparison to caulking, spray foam expands to create an air-tight seal. Most spray foam products are eco-friendly, water resistant, and safe to use around electrical outlets.