Winter is here. It is a good time to make sure your home is running smoothly to get you through to the spring! This is the time when we do not want our house to have issues.
Some simple things to do around the house:
1. Change the Furnace Filter
- Furnace filters should be changed at least every 6 months. Like changing your car, the filter in your furnace helps to make sure the home is running at maximum efficiency. Ultimately, it removes the dust and debris from your vents and circulating through the home. Don't get a Furnace filter confused with an air purifier, but it does help to reduce the dust, hair, and some contaminants. There are reusable and single-use filters available. Sizes vary for filters, but most standard sizes can be purchased at any hardware store, grocery/supercenter.
2. Roof & Foundation Maintenance
- Before the first snowfall, is a good time to do a visual inspection to make sure the roof and foundation are holding up. Leaks or discoloration in the home's ceilings or basement would be a good indication that there may be a leak or damage that needs to be repaired.
- Inspect and clean the chimney or fireplace if you have one. This is important to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. This is also a good time to check your fire detectors. Most fire detectors will have a carbon monoxide combination. If you have a fire extinguisher in the home near your kitchen, check the expiration date too.
3. Outdoor Faucets
- Harsh Canadian winters can freeze water and pipes within minutes. Prepping your outdoor water faucets is an important step that most people do not do. Close the shut-off valve for the pipes that lead outdoors. Drain the faucet Disconnect or remove the garden hoses. You can also consider insulating your pipes as it is inexpensive to do and lowers the risk of damage in the winter
4. Ice Damming
- Ice damming is the formation of icicles on the roof when the snow melts and then typically refreezes on gutters or soffits. This can be due to condensation or improper insulation and venting in your roof. Ice dams may be an indication of leaking into your attic, however, ice dams may not necessarily be a problem. Adding additional soffit vents to allow for ventilation into the roof might be the best solution. This method draws in cooler air into the roof and flushes out the warmer air through the proper channels and roof vents. You may be able to mitigate the problem by clearing off snow/ice from your roof ahead of time. Installing heat cables can also melt so that it doesn't build up on the roof.
Leave A Comment