Essential Winter Preparation Tips for Your Home

As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, it's time to prepare your home for the winter ahead. Fall offers an ideal opportunity to tackle essential maintenance tasks. These tasks not only keep your home cozy but also help prevent costly repairs during the colder months. In this guide, I’ll outline practical and actionable tips to ensure your home is well-prepared for the chill of winter.

Why Winter Preparation is Important

Preparing your home for winter is crucial. It helps maintain a comfortable living environment and protects your investment. Neglecting these tasks can lead to unexpected issues that may require costly repairs. By taking proactive steps now, you can avoid headaches later.

Heating System Maintenance

1. Test Your Heating System

   I recommend servicing your gas furnace every two years by a qualified technician. Atco Gas will inspect all gas lines and appliances at no cost to the homeowner upon request.

   
   

2. Check, Clean, or Replace Your Furnace Filter

   If you have a newer 4- or 5-inch filter, it is designed to last for one year. Replacing it before the heating season ensures it operates efficiently throughout winter. Use a sharpie to note the month and year you replace the filter. If you have a 1-inch filter, replace it every three months during the heating season. This optimizes airflow and reduces heating bills.

   
   

3. Clean Your HRV Filters

   If your house has a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), clean its filters and the fresh and combustion air intake screens outside. The HRV manages your home's humidity during winter. Extreme cold can cause condensation and ice on your windows, indicating high indoor humidity. Set your HRV to maintain 30-35% humidity until the cold passes.

   
   

4. Test Your Whole House Ventilation Switch

   If your home has a whole house ventilation switch, now is the time to test it. This switch, often located near the thermostat, turns on the furnace fan to draw in fresh air and activates the bathroom fan to remove stale, humid air. It also helps eliminate odors, especially after cooking.

   
   

Outdoor Maintenance

1. Cover Your Air Conditioner Unit

   If your AC unit is mounted off the ground, cover it for protection. However, if it sits on the ground, covering it may not be advisable. Rodents often seek shelter under covers, so ensure your unit is weatherproof.

   
   

2. Have Your Ducts Cleaned

   I recommend cleaning your ducts every 2 to 3 years. This increases airflow and reduces energy costs.

   
   

3. Clean Your Humidifier

   Your humidifier has likely accumulated scale while idle. Consider replacing it with a portable unit to enhance indoor air quality and extend your furnace's lifespan.

   
   

4. Check Your Sump Pit and Drain Line

   Ensure proper operation of your sump pit and drain line. If you have a long drain line outside, replace it with a shorter one for winter to prevent freezing in low spots.

   
   

Sealing and Insulation

1. Inspect Doors and Windows

   Check all doors and windows to ensure they close and seal properly. Air leaks can make your home drafty and increase heating costs.

   
   

10. Maintain Your Garage Door

Lubricate all hinges on the garage door and test the door closer. Inspect the weather stripping on the man door to prevent exhaust gases from entering your living spaces.

11. Replace Smoke Detector Batteries

Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and test them with smoke.

Gutters and Landscaping

12. Clean Eaves Troughs and Downspouts

Clean your eaves troughs and check downspouts to ensure they direct water away from your home during the spring thaw.

13. Ensure Proper Ground Sloping

Make sure the ground slopes away from your house to prevent water from accumulating in your basement.

14. Check Your Fireplace Chimney

Inspect your chimney for obstructions like nests. Have it cleaned if you haven't done so in the past two years. Gas fireplace flues are also common nesting spots for birds.

Winterizing Your Home

15. Disconnect Garden Hoses

If your house has frost-free hose bibs, disconnect the garden hose to prepare for winter. For older homes (built before 2000), shut off the valve in the basement.

16. Winterize Your Exterior

Store outdoor furniture, prepare gardens, and protect young trees or perennials that are not very hardy. This is also a good time to maintain your snow blower. You don’t want to be caught with a broken snow blower after the first snowstorm.

By following these essential winter preparation tips, you can ensure your home remains comfortable and safe throughout the colder months. Taking these steps now will help you avoid unexpected, costly issues later. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in protecting your home.