As much as many people would rather live in summer all year round, Mr. Jack Frost is supposed to arrive here in Kelowna next week, which means the clock is ticking on preparing for the lower temperatures ahead. Even in the Okanagan (where people move because of the more-mild Canadian winters) temperatures can fall below sub-zero and remain there for a few weeks. If something happens to your house in the middle of winter, obviously, fixing the problem is more challenging and you’ll probably be wishing you did it in the fall. Keep reading for our top 4 tips on preparing a home for winter so you can keep cozy!
Nobody wants to climb up onto a roof to fix a leak when it’s covered in snow, just like nobody wants their furnace to break down when it’s -10 and that was your only source of heat besides hot water bottles and a cup of tea or coffee.
The best practice is to get er done down now.
Here are 4 essential winterization steps that every person should complete before November (or earlier in colder climates), whether you own your home is not. If you are a homeowner with a rental property and tenants occupying it, make sure you take the initiative because your tenants most probably will not even think about it.
Perform a Furnace Check:
Regularly servicing your heating system helps catch any problems before they go sideways and leave you without a heat source in the winter. Clean or replace the filters, check for any issues, and ensure its operating efficiently. If you don’t know what you’re doing, hire a professional to come in and run routine maintenance.
Window Blinds:
Have you ever noticed frost building up on the inside of your windows in the winter? This is likely because your blinds are drawn all the way down. A simple solution is to lift them up a little bit to allow air flow while still maintaining privacy.
Seal Gaps and Cracks:
Conduct a thorough inspection of your home for gaps and cracks in doors, windows and walls. Seal these areas to prevent drafts and keep warm air inside, ultimately reducing heating costs.
Winterizing Your Irrigation:
Make sure you disconnect your hose from the hose bib and get your irrigation lines blown out. This will prevent any water from freezing and damaging the lines over the winter, which means it should work perfectly come springtime.
Winterize Your Home’s Exterior:
Preparing a home for winter also involves the yard! Clean gutters, trim trees near power lines, secure outdoor furniture and garden decor like bird baths and ponds. Inspect your roof for any damage. Make necessary repairs to avoid leaks during heavy snow or rain.
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to make sure you take care of your home. If you’re interested in making your home more energy efficient, reach out to us. We’d be happy to discuss the different options for your home.
