Not to be the bearer of bad news, but it is that time of year to start prepping your home for winter. We know winter can be rough and those cold temps and harsh elements can do a number on your place. Whether you’re in a condo or a single family dwelling there are precautions you can take to maintain your home. Your future self will thank you for being so prepared this winter.  

Keep reading for some things you can do right now to winterize your home, because ready or not, winter is on its way. 

Preparing your condo for winter

Inspect windows 

Check the seals of your window (and patio door if you have one!) to prevent heat loss or any drafts. No point of turning the heat on in the winter if it’s all escaping. Ensuring the weather stripping around your windows is up to par is going to save you a lot of hassle (and heat) this winter season.  Inefficient windows are big offenders to heat loss in the winter. Make sure you’re prepared ahead of time and have your windows ready for those chillier temps. 

Patio furniture 

The harsh elements of winter can do a real number to patio furniture. If you have patio furniture, be sure to properly store and secure it over the winter months. Covering your patio furniture will save it from any wear and tear from winter weather. For smaller items like cushions and décor bring them inside to protect them from getting damp and mouldy. 

Keep the heat on 

We love condo living for its lock and go lifestyle. If that’s you this winter season be sure to leave the heat on at least a little while you’re gone. Colder temps can result in pipes freezing and potentially leading to a bigger issue of bursting. Leaving the heat on a little is going to be necessary if you don’t want to come back home to an expensive mess. 

Humidity 

Check the humidity in your unit. Too much and too little can both have negative consequences on your home. Too much can lead to a build-up of condensation on the walls and windows. Too little humidity can be damaging to hardwood floors, furniture, and paint. Aim to keep the humidity in your home around 45% for optimal results. This will also help regulate the temperature of your place and have it feeling slightly warmer without actually having the heat higher. 

Protect your home from sand and salt

If you live in the city, winter does not just mean snow and bone chilling temperatures. It also means sand and salt. And lots of it. Sand and salt can be super hard on your floors and if not kept under control, it can do some serious damage. Things like adding a front entrance mat and having a specific area for winter boots are a couple of things you can do to minimize sand and salt in your home. 

Preparing your house for winter

Get your furnace professionally serviced 

Routine furnace maintenance will ensure your HVAC system is running properly and efficiently. Come the fall it is a great idea to get your furnace professionally serviced to make sure it is ready to go for the winter. Not only is dealing with furnace problems an inconvenience in general it is an even bigger hassle when it happens in the winter. 

Cover exposed pipes

If you have exposed pipes in unheated areas (think basement, attic, crawlspaces etc.) an easy and cheap way to prepare them for winter is to cover them in pads. Keeping these exposed pipes protected is a relatively easy way to prevent any freezing or bursting – which can be quite damaging and quite costly.  

Clean out gutters 

We can all agree that fall foliage is beautiful. What’s not as beautiful is all the debris that gets stuck in the gutters. While not a glamourous job, making sure that your gutters are cleaned from all debris is essential for your home maintenance. Obstructed gutters will restrict any rain or melting snow from draining and can result in damage to the gutters, or worse, resulting in household leaks that can result in a costly cleanup. Whether you do it yourself or hire professionals, you’ll want to make sure those gutters are looking nice and clean for the winter. 

Clear the chimney 

You probably haven’t used your fireplace much over the warmer months, but come the colder months there is nothing nicer than a warm fire going in the home. You’ll want to make sure the chimney and vents are cleaned and in good working order after not being used for a while. Making sure your chimney is clean is paramount to the safety of your home and should be checked on an annual basis. And what better time to get it checked out then just before chilly season! 

Inspect the roof 

Before the snow and the cold, you’ll want to inspect your roof. Check for any damaged, loose, or missing shingles. You should have your roof checked out before the winter to assess any potential damage that occurred over the year. If there is any damage, you will want to get it fixed up before winter. The winter can be particularly hard on roofs with the harsher elements and temperatures. Regular roof inspections and repairs can save you significant money in the long run. 

As you prepare your home for winter, this is also a great general reminded to do checks on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. As well as ensure flashlights are working and you have extra batteries. Winter can come with some wild weather and it’s best to be prepared for it!