The early snowstorm Edmonton experienced in October was a definite reminder of how winter likes to surprise us (even when we know it's coming). Now that you’ve switched out the summer tires for the winter ones, it's time to start doing the same for your home. Of course, you already know to put your patio furniture away, check your windows and door seals, and all that regular stuff - but we'd like to take it one step further.
Below are some helpful home winterizing tips you may not have thought that are sure to keep you warm and even save you money!
Before Winter
1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans with a reverse setting, be sure to move them to this position. While running fans when it's cold outside may seem foolish, remember that hot air rises. Ceiling fans set in reverse will actually draw the warm air down into the whole room. This is especially important if you have rooms with high ceilings.
2. Turn off Water Lines
Forgetting to do this before winter hits can cause some costly damage. When you leave these faucets undrained, the water can expand once frozen and cause pipes to burst. Disconnect the water hose from the faucet and drain it before you store it away. Also, make sure you’ve turned off the appropriate shut off valves for these faucets inside your home.
3. Prep The Lawn Mower for Winter
Not exactly part of the house but you do need to do this to keep it looking pretty next summer! If gas is left in your lawn mower’s engine over the winter, the fuel can break down. This makes getting the mower to start quite a chore in the spring... if it will start at all. If your lawn mower is low on fuel, let it run in order to get all the gas out of the engine, otherwise, you can use a fuel stabilizer.
4. Get Out The Winter Accessories
Take a few simple steps now so that when winter comes to stay, you’re not caught off guard:
- Find your snow brush/scraper and place it in your car. There's nothing worse than having to scrape your windshield with your debit card.
- Take out your snow shovels and have them in an accessible spot for the next storm. That way, you don't have to trudge through the snow in order to not trudge through the snow.
- Buy sand or salt for your sidewalk and driveway. Read the instructions to make sure it won’t cause any damage to your property. This is especially important if you live on a street that experiences a lot of pedestrian traffic.
- Pack away the summer apparel and get out your winter coats, gloves and hats. (This isn’t technically for winterizing your home, but for winterizing you!)
5. Drain Automated Sprinkler System
Much like your exterior faucets, not taking the time to winterize your sprinkler system will bring you a big headache come spring. Have a professional come to a drain your system; it will cost a little bit of money but at least you’ll be worry-free for the rest of the season.
6. Check Air Leaks & Attic Insulation
If your attic is not sufficiently insulated and there are air leaks, this could lead to ice dams forming on your roof. Ice damming can cause major damage, both to the structure of your roof and to your home's interior if leaks happen.
During Winter
7. Let the Sun Shine In
Leaving your drapes open on sunny days during the winter will ensure the sun’s rays help heat your home. While it may not seem like much, this will ultimately save you money on your winter utility bills.
8. Swap Out Your Lights
By replacing traditional light bulbs in your home for halogen bulbs, it will take up to 40% less energy to keep the lights on in your home.
9. Lower Your Thermostat
While it may seem counter-intuitive to turn down the heat when it's cold outside, it ensures you use less energy. By lower the heat when you’re in bed under those thick blankets, or out of the house during the day, you aren’t paying more money to heat the home when it's not needed. More utility savings!
10. Check Your Furnace Filter
By checking your furnace filter once a month, you'll be able to replace it immediately when it gets dirty. A dirty furnace can cause heating deficiencies in your home and a build-up of dirt come springtime.
A vast majority of home winterizing chores are things you can do yourself and don’t require the attention of a professional. In completing these jobs you can rest easy knowing your home will be ready for when the cold weather really hits. Take that, winter!
