Preparing now for a safe winter will help ensure that you are snug until spring!

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE COLD
And other jobs for the handy homeowner 

Spending some time now before winter starts can help you to prepare your home for the coming cold. Taking steps to ensure that your home is  energy efficient, safe and protected from the elements will save you dollars and worry while the frost abounds. Why not do a bit every weekend? Here are some tried and true tips to winterizing your home:

INSIDE:

Heating system: Replacing air filters and having the furnace and humidifier inspected by a HVAC professional regularly will help you get optimal performance from your system. Remove any flammable or hazardous items from the furnace area. Having the ducts cleaned will help circulate air flow. Think about getting a programmable thermostat. During cold weather, keep the central heating set to at least 10 degrees in order to prevent pipes from freezing.

Fireplace: If you use a fireplace in your home, be sure to check any chimney flues for blockages - such as leaves and birds nests - debris can become a health risk when the fire is lit if left unattended. Have the chimney cleaned once a year by a qualified chimney sweep in your area. (The sweep will also ensure that end caps and cages are firmly secured to the top of the chimney so the flue can be kept free of external debris.) Consider using formed logs instead of wood, as they do not burn as hot and may leave less creosote debris inside the fireplace.

Insulation: Home insulation helps keep cold air out and warm air in during the winter. Inadequate insulation allows cold air to enter the home, making it less comfortable, burdening the heating system and increasing energy costs. Some areas to examine for insufficient insulation are the attic, basement or crawlspace, garage and outside facing walls. If you are adding insulation, keep in mind that insulation is classified by its R-value, which refers to its propensity to resist heat conduction, and certain minimum R-values may be recommended depending on your geographic location. Check that any lofts are properly insulated and have adequate ventilation.

Water Pipes: Frozen plumbing pipes can lead to flooding, inconvenience and repair expenses. In cold climates, water pipes in unheated areas of a home can be wrapped with pipe insulating material to help prevent freezing. With an increasing number of weather-related claims over the last few years, getting the right home insurance deal could make a real difference if your property should sustain weather-related damage.

Windows: Poorly sealed or thin windows allow cold outside air into your home, increasing the workload of your heating system and driving energy costs higher. Insufficient seals around windows can be repaired inexpensively with caulk and/or weather stripping. Older windows are usually thinner than newer ones and provide little insulation against the outside air. Replacing windows is a more costly endeavor but can result in a major improvement in the energy efficiency of a home. Thicker curtains can help reduce heat loss in the home. Clean the inside and out of all windows.

Doors: Like windows, all doors leading to the outside or unconditioned areas like the garage should be checked for drafts. Weather stripping and door sweeps should be intact and in good condition. You may also block air from entering under the door by placing a draft guard along the floor for added protection. Draft guards simply block the opening where the door meets the floor, preventing outside air from coming inside. Clean the inside and out of all doors.

Dryer: Clean the lint trap and duct pipe to the outside. Ensure that there is a cage on the outside vent to prevent animals from entering or storing food for the winter.

Candles: Ensure that candles are placed on a suitable heat-proof surface away from curtains and not placed under shelves or on top of television sets. Don't leave candles to burn unattended.

Fire Prevention: Check that your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in working order. It is suggested that you replace the batteries with every time change. Place working flashlights in the kitchen and by the front door. (For more information about protecting your home from fire, go to http://www.brucewitchel.com/FIRE-SAFETY-in-Mississauga.html)

Electric Blankets: Ensure any electric blankets are in good condition and working properly. Only use overnight if they have a specially-designed thermostat.

Cleaning: Because most homes are sealed tight to prevent the elements from entering, air can become a little stale. Try to use environmentally friendly products in your home so that toxic vapours are not released into the atmosphere. Clean the whole house from top to bottom, remembering to declutter as you go (do one room then another.) A good trick is to separate all items into 3 groups - keep, pitch and give away. Your local Goodwill can take most items. Flip the mattress and get all blankets cleaned.

OUTSIDE:

Roof: Check the condition of your roof, checking for cracked or broken tiles/shingles and any chimney damage. If any repairs are needed, hire a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible to ensure your home is protected against the elements. Clear gutters and drain pipes of debris and leaf litter in order to reduce the risk of blockages and overflows.

Greenery: Trim back any low hanging branches to reduce the risk of damage in high winds. Cover fragile plants and shubs by placing poles beside the plant and wrapping around the poles with breathable fabric (or by placing a cone or container over rose bushes.)

Animals: Repair any holes, use cages or close flaps into the home to prevent rodents from entering.

Water Faucets: In cold climates, outdoor faucets and pipes as well as sprinkler systems should also be checked and treated as needed to prepare for cold winter temperatures. Garden hoses should be removed and stored indoors. The proper way to store them is to turn off the internal water supply and leave the nozzle open to the hose.

Tools: Remove dirt or materials from all tools and store in a dry place, if possible. Gather all ice scrapers and shovels in an area that can be easily accessed. Consider purchasing salt, sand or cat litter for driveway tire traction.
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