It’s time to prepare and winterize our homes for winter to stay cozy and warm. Canadian winters are beautiful, but snow and ice can damage our properties if we aren’t prepared. Taking time now to care for your home before the snow hits will help protect you from potential issues like frozen pipes or a leaky roof. This winter home checklist on prepping your home for our Canadian winters is a great place to start!

Check your heating system

It’s a good idea to bring in a professional to inspect and service your heating system to ensure it’s operating efficiently and safely. And remember to change your furnace filter regularly. Having your furnace break down in the middle of winter is something you want to avoid. When your heating system works as it should, you’ll also save on energy costs.

Look for drafts

Windows, doors, attics and basements are common areas where heat can escape. Check both the exterior and interior of your home to see if caulking or seals around windows and doors need to be replaced. Weather stripping or additional insulation can help keep the cold out and the heat in.

Winterize your gardens

Winterize sprinkler systems and turn off outdoor faucets to ensure the freezing temperatures don’t cause problems. Be sure to check out your gardens, covering any shrubs or newly planted trees. Low-hanging branches near the house or walkways can become overloaded with snow and break, so it’s a good time to trim back any overhanging branches.

Test smoke alarms

With furnaces and fireplaces running in the winter, an extra test of your safety systems is always a good idea. Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, changing batteries or replacing units if needed.

Check your roof and gutters

A leaky roof caused by missing shingles can put a big damper on your holiday plans. Inspect your roof for missing shingles, or bring in a professional if you aren’t comfortable being up there yourself. Gutters also play an essential role in keeping rain and melting snow away from the house. Falling leaves in autumn can clog drains and cause ice dams, so it’s a good idea to make sure they are clear of debris and flowing smoothly. 

Inspect your chimney

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, inspect your chimney and have it cleaned to remove buildup that can lead to blockages or fires. If you have a gas fireplace, consider bringing in a professional for inspection to ensure proper ventilation.

Put together an emergency kit

Power outages or severe weather conditions can leave you stuck at home. Creating an emergency kit with the essentials will ensure you’re covered. Stock up on flashlights, non-perishable food, water, and medications, and consider an alternative heating source.

Conduct an energy audit

Smart home technology has significantly advanced in recent years. Programmable thermostats, LED lights on timers, and energy-efficient appliances can reduce your carbon footprint and help you save on your energy costs. Take a look at your energy costs and see if there are any areas that you can improve on this winter.

Set your ceiling fan clockwise

While it seems like a small detail, setting your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise can help keep your home warm and cozy. In winter, a clockwise ceiling fan helps push warm air down, while a counterclockwise fan in summer pulls the warm air up to the ceiling, away from your living space.  This is often overlooked when prepping your home for our Canadian winters.

Prep for the snow

Whether you hire a service to clear all that white stuff or do it yourself, you want to prepare for the snow to fly. Don’t forget to check on your snow blower, service it if needed, and ensure it’s accessible and ready to go. It’s also a good idea to stock up on things like salt for your driveway and winter washer fluid for your car.

Winterize your car

Not only is winter hard on your home, but it also takes a toll on your car. It’s time to break out the snow tires and winter washer fluid. You may also want to create an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle, including things like water, snacks, blankets, and flares, in case you hit bad weather while driving.

Test your sump pump

Your sump pump pushes out the water that drains from under and around your home to keep it away from the foundation. You want to ensure your sump pump is in good working order heading into the winter months.

Winterizing Your Home if Away for the Winter

If you’re heading south for the winter (lucky you!), there are additional steps you want to take to ensure your home and property stay safe while you are away. Regular home maintenance before winter hits is only the beginning. You’ll also want to keep your home safe from intruders and protected from the elements.  

• Protect your home from break-ins by setting up alarm systems and cameras
• Use motion detector lights outside and timers on lights indoors
• Store valuables in a safety deposit box off the premises
• Have someone collect mail and newspapers so they don’t accumulate
• Avoid water damage by turning off your water supply
• Keep the heat on at least 13 degrees celsius (55 degrees fahrenheit) so pipes don’t freeze
• Make your home unattractive to pests by doing a deep clean
• Ask a neighbour to check in on your property regularly
• Arrange for someone to take care of snow removal while you are away

Taking the time to winterize your home will help ensure a safe and warm winter and minimize the chance of any potential problems. Starting now, before the snow flies, is the best way to keep your house and property in great shape this winter. We hope this post has helped you think about and plan what you need to do to start prepping your home for our Canadian Winters!