Yes, it’s been a gorgeous autumn, but rest assured, the cold is coming! Don’t get caught unawares do your winter home preparation BEFORE the mercury drops.
We have enjoyed one of the most deliciously warm, sunny, and glorious autumns in the Kootenay region of BC this year. Even better than years past, so that’s saying something! It’s been such a pleasure to spend so much time outdoors, harvest the gardens and greenhouses without rush, and delay sweater weather just a little bit longer.
That said, no matter how we might delight in this incredible run of late summer weather through October – rested on warm, sunny, bluebird day laurels – winter is indeed coming. You still don’t want to delay in your winter home preparation. This is, in fact, a great time to do it. Because, according to the venerable Farmer’s Almanac, winter is indeed coming and, potentially, with a frigid vengeance.
If you already live in a Mandala Custom Homes (MCH) round home, the prospect of a cold winter likely won’t phase you very much. You will simply enjoy the warm, inviting, comfy coziness of your energy efficient, performance home all the more. But for many others, there’s some work to do! Let us offer some quick tips for winter home preparation to help you stay as warm, comfortable, and safe as possible without it costing you a fortune.
Fireplace and chimney maintenance
Even for our happy MCH clients, annual fireplace and chimney maintenance is an essential task to ensure the health and safety of your home, particularly through the cold months.
According to the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners, 33% of home fire deaths originate in the living room. Not a surprise considering that’s where most of us have our fireplaces. To be clear, not all of the fatalities are fireplace or chimney related. But, even if it’s only a fraction of this total, fireplace maintenance is vital to the safety of your home.
You should have your fireplace and chimney inspected every year. Preventing dangerous chimney fires or harmful gases escaping into your home, good maintenance is critical. Be sure that you have a fireplace that operates properly and safely. Ensure that it’s clear of debris – soot, needles and leaves, and depending on your chimney even an occasional bird’s nest. We recommend that you hire a professional to ensure the work gets done correctly and thoroughly.
Do you use firewood in your home? Keep well-stocked and stored in a safe place, covered, and away from the structure of your home. And, additionally, be sure that you keep an operational fire extinguisher in a place that’s easy to reach for small incidents.
Inspect and maintain your furnace
As with your fireplace, once winter hits is not the time to inspect and perform maintenance on your furnace. You want to know that your furnace is not just operational, but that it is working efficiently well before the temps plummet.
Be sure to replace the filter. If you’ve not had your furnace serviced within the past year, hire a professional to perform a full check and tune-up. Your pocketbook and your peace of mind will thank you!
Check and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Alongside fireplace maintenance, operational detectors are vital to a healthy home. Check and test any smoke and carbon monoxide detectors you have. They should all be operational and in reliable working order. Replace the old batteries with fresh.
By and large, we Canadians keep our windows and doors closed and sealed throughout the winter. With increased use of fireplaces, both wood-burning and gas, and gas or oil furnaces, there is an ever-present danger of noxious gases escaping into our indoor environments.
Concerned about whether you have enough detectors in your home or if they’re appropriately placed? Contact your local fire department with questions about fire, fire safety, or fire prevention.
Examine weatherstripping
Did you know? Drafts from doors and windows can increase your annual heating costs by as much as 30%. For those of you living in older or more conventionally built homes, take some time at this time of year to check the weatherstripping and look for any gaps in the caulking of your door and window frames as well as any exterior faucets and pipes.
Seals should be airtight to help keep the warm air inside and the cold air, out. And, it’s not just about cold air! Critters will take advantage of any way to get into your home to nest more comfortably for the winter. Replace weatherstripping where necessary and consider spray foam for any larger gaps.
Inspect attic insulation and ventilation
A well-insulated attic saves you in energy costs. Check for leaks from your home into the attic and look for any damage that might allow heat loss from the attic out of your home. Examine vents for debris that might inhibit attic ventilation.
Winter home preparation includes a roof inspection
Check out your roof for any obvious signs of disrepair or damage. Look for missing shingles or any buckling of the roofing material. It can be done visually without needing to climb up top.
If you notice any loose or damaged shingles, repair and replace immediately as needed to avoid a more serious issue down the road – under a roof covered with snow. If you notice any more serious problems or experience issues indoors, seek the advice and service of a professional as soon as you can.
Prepare your patio or deck
Our cold, icy, snowy Canadian winters can be hard on outdoor spaces such as patios and decks. The buildup of snow and ice over several months, along with alternating thaws and freezes that can occur, take their toll.
Autumn is a great time to store all of your outdoor furnishings and thoroughly clean spaces and surfaces. Be sure to remove any debris and mould. Repair damaged or rotting boards. Before the nighttime temperatures drop below freezing you can even prep for spring, staining and sealing your deck.