One of the best parts of living in Ontario is enjoying the splendour of all four seasons. But Canadian winters can be a challenge for many homeowners in Ontario.
As much as we love a white Christmas, heavy snowfall, ice, and extreme wind chills can cause expensive damage to a home.
So now that temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter, you should be asking yourself, “is my home winter ready?”
Winter-proofing your home should be a top priority. Not only will it improve your comfort and keep your home warmer, but it will save you a significant amount of money and make your house more energy-efficient.
So before those howling winds and frosty windows settle in, we’ve prepared 8 easy tips that will help you winter-proof your home. Keep reading to learn how to best winterize your home.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to dedicate a few hours to cleaning your gutters. We know it isn’t the best way to spend your afternoon, but it’s an important step to winter proofing your home for the rain, snow and ice to come. It minimizes places where liquid can freeze and expand to create leaks in winter. By annually cleaning out debris and inspecting your gutter for structural damage, you limit the possibility of water overflowing onto your walls and back into your roof.
When it comes to winter proofing your home, changing out your old furnace filter is a must. Filters protect your furnace from dust, hair and other pesky particles. Leaving a filter in for too long means your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system is likely working harder than it needs to be. This makes your furnace more susceptible to damage in the future, shortening its life and adding to your expenses.
One of the most important things every homeowner needs to do to get their home ready for winter is to shut off outdoor water lines. Prevent outdoor faucets from freezing by draining the lines and adding a frost-free hose bib to your outdoor plumbing faucet. Taking these steps before the first frost of winter will help prevent freezing and burst pipes.
Purchasing new windows is one of the best investments homeowners can make. A lot of heat loss also comes from windows. In fact, windows are responsible for 25 percent to 30 percent of residential energy use through heat gain and loss. Upgrading your windows makes it easier to save energy while improving the aesthetic of your home.
It may be time to upgrade your old windows before this coming winter if you hear the wind whistling through your window, feel the cold air from the frame, or see any signs of condensation. Our replacement window experts at Brock are here to help you find the most efficient windows to keep your home warm and energy use low.
Get your home winter ready by repairing any rundown weatherstripping on your exterior doors. Although resealing doors can be an effective way to draft-proof doors, drafts can be a sign that it’s time to replace your existing front door.
A new entry door will help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, boost curb appeal, and lower energy bills. Our door specialists at Brock can help you find the perfect match for your home, from our range of energy-efficient doors, made with quality craftsmanship and in various styles and budgets.
A smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save money on your energy costs. Smart thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures for various times and days of the week. For example, a smart thermostat will allow you to increase your home’s temperature an hour before coming home, typically from an app on your phone. These small adjustments by using a smart thermostat help reduce consumption, lower energy bills and save money in the long run.
Is there anything better than snuggling up by the fireplace on a cold winter day? Since fireplaces are used most during winter months, it’s best to conduct your annual fireplace and chimney cleaning and inspection while completing other winter-proofing tasks. Be sure to book a professional chimney sweeper sooner than later, as fireplace maintenance services tend to get busier in the fall.
Chances are you’ve already heard about hygge. This popular Danish lifestyle concept embraces simplicity and serenity and often translates to creating a calming and cozy home. Master the art of hygge in your home this winter by decluttering your space, lighting candles, and adding knit blankets and soft pillows to your decor.
It’s always better to start winter-proofing your home sooner than later. If you think it’s time to upgrade your windows and doors for more energy-efficient solutions for the winter, reach out to Brock’s window and door experts. We help you finding the best solutions to prepare your home for the coming winter.
