As the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to make sure your home is ready for the winter months full of ice and snow! Whether you are closing the cottage or preparing your home for the winter, these five tips sourced from the Insurance Bureau of Canada will help ensure you are prepared for the Winter season.
Check and maintain your furnace or wood stove
Have a qualified technician perform an annual maintenance check on your furnace or wood stove to make sure they are working properly and safely. This is also a good time to replace your furnace filters and ensure all ducts and vents are clear from any blockage, furniture, storage etc.
Smoke detector and CO2 tester maintenance
As the new season approaches this is the time to test all smoke detectors, fire alarms, and CO2 testers. Ensure they are working, replace batteries, and vacuum dust and spider webs from the area as this can prevent them from working properly.
Maintain and insulate water pipes in your home
First, it’s always good to make a note where your main water shut off if located in your home in case of a water emergency, you will know exactly where to locate it to shut the water off. Inspect and insulate your pipes where needed, as this will prevent freezing pipes and weather damage.
Many insured homes have water damage claims each year due to frozen pipes. You can fight the freeze by keeping your heat at 60°F or higher, insulate your pipes, and ensure your basement windows are tightly sealed.
Seal air leaks around windows and doors
Using effective weather stripping on your doors and windows can help avoid mold and mildew build-up, as well as water damage. Weather stripping can also prevent higher energy costs that are caused from air leaks around your doors and windows.
Outside your home
Keep your walkways and front stairs clear of snow and ice to prevent falls and injuries. Make sure to use sidewalk salt or sand to add grip on icy areas-driveways, stairs, and front sidewalks. Keep snow clear of gas meters, gas appliance vents, exhaust vents, and basement windows. Also, remember to drain your water hose and store it for the winter.
Love your home, keep it maintained and safe! Soon enough cold temperatures, high icy winds, large snowfalls, and blizzards will all be a part of our Winter Season. All this harsh weather can cause significant damage to your home which can result in expensive repairs. Take these 5 tips into consideration to help minimize the effects of Winter and protect your home and keep your families safe this season.
Do you have questions about your Home Insurance? Give the BIG-Guelph Team a call at 226-780-0802 or send them an email. They’re here to help you with all your Insurance Needs.
