In southern Ontario the days are getting shorter and the leaves are falling from the trees signaling the perfect time to prepare your home for winter.
By following these steps you assure your investment is protected and your family is comfortable this winter.
- Inspect the exterior of your home for its ability to shed water. Check that the downspouts are well away from the foundation and the lot grade moves water away from the building. Look closely at the condition of the window and door caulking, brick and foundation cracks, the siding, soffits and fascia. Clean the gutters, strainers, windows wells, and their drains.
- Turn off the air conditioner at the electrical distribution panel. This prevents it from accidentally being started in the cold. Cover the top of the exterior unit to prevent snow and ice from damaging the fan. I use a some plywood cut to the dimensions of the Air Conditioner and a brick for ballast.
- Have your furnace serviced and cleaned by a qualified technician. This reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and extends its life. Change the furnace filter if you haven’t already in the last three months.
- Take a peek in your attic for any evidence of leaks through the shingles or roof penetrations.
- Close the interior valves for the hose bibs. Open the exterior valves on the bibs, then use the bleeder valve on the interior valve to drain the water lines. Have your sprinkler system lines blown clear and your pool closed by a qualified company.
- Inspect the exterior door weatherstripping and attic hatch seals for leaks.
- Prune trees and bushes several feet from the house so they don’t damage the siding or shingles while blowing in the wind.
