Checklist: 6 ways to prepare your home for winter
By Jen Taylor on Nov 11, 2015
Although autumn in Toronto has been unseasonably warm, it won’t be long before the cold winds and snow are upon us. You should take advantage of this mild weather! If you put in the work now, you’ll be all set to have a more energy-efficient home and lower energy bills throughout the winter months. To save you some time, we’ve put together a checklist of 6 things to do to prepare your home for winter.
1) Change your furnace filter
When the winter descends upon us, we’ll be cranking up the heat and putting the furnace to work. Dirty filters restrict airflow, use more energy, and contribute to expensive energy bills. It’s important to replace or clean filters on a monthly basis during the winter to ensure your furnace is working at maximum efficiency.
Popular Mechanics also recommends putting a monthly reminder in your calendar for the winter season to make sure your furnace isn’t working harder than it has to. New filters cost about $10, a small investment for large energy savings.
TIP: You can also save money on heating by preventing warm air from rising and pooling near the ceiling. Simply run your fans clockwise during the cooler months to circulate air and push it back into the living space.
2) Keep an eye on the thermostat
Don’t waste money and energy heating an empty home. Lower your thermostat during the day while at work or at night while you’re tucked into bed. You can save up to 3% on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat!
TIP: Invest in a Nest (or any smart tech thermostat) so that you can lower and monitor your heating from your smart device.
Ensure your windows aren't leaking heat
3) Reduce drafts
According to Hydro One, air leakage around windows and doors can result in up to 40% heat loss during the winter. One of the easiest ways to create a more energy-efficient home (and save a little money) throughout the winter is to eliminate drafts.
There are a few ways to reduce drafts around windows and doors. Insulation kits and shrink film are a quick and relatively inexpensive way to prevent air leakage. This window plastic can be found at any hardware store and is almost invisible.
Installing storm doors and windows is a slightly more expensive but worthwhile option for reducing drafts. Homeowners will quickly see a return on their investment as storm windows can increase the energy efficiency of your home by up to 45%.
TIP: Find and fix simple leaks (often found where two building materials meet) with the incense test. Move a lit incense stick along walls, baseboards, light fixtures, and electrical outlets. Areas with significant leaks will cause the flame to glow stronger and disrupt the smoke, while smaller leaks will cause the smoke to waver. Leaks can be easily fixed with caulking or weatherstripping.
4) Insulate
Attics and crawlspaces, especially in older homes, can be huge sources of heat loss. According to Canadian Living, you can determine whether you have enough insulation in the attic by measuring its thickness in various locations throughout the coverage area. Any insulation less than 20 cm thick can benefit from extra material.
TIP: There are many cost-effective and environmentally friendly options for home insulation. You can insulate problematic spaces with eco-friendly cotton, soybean oil-based products, and even recycled newsprint!5) Keep your water heater cozy
The energy it takes to heat water 24/7 can account for up to 20% of your electrical bill. By adding some insulation and turning down your water heater’s thermostat by only a few degrees you can reduce energy consumption. Water heaters can be easily insulated with an insulating blanket. You can also insulate pipes with some pipe foam and a little duct tape. Reducing the temperature of your water heater by a few degrees will also save you energy and money on your next bill. Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees fahrenheit (about 50 degrees celsius) and reduce your water heating costs by up to 10%. TIP: You can also increase your water heater’s efficiency by flushing the water through the drain valve and clearing up any particles and sediment that have built up over time.
Clear out the eaves to prevent water damage over the winter6) Prep the yard
First, clean out your gutters and remove any debris that might prevent snow and ice from flowing freely. Blocked gutters can create ice dams or icicles that can cause damage to your roof and exterior walls.It’s also a good time to turn off the water to your garden and drain the lines. This will prevent water from freezing and expanding. Look for any exposed pipes in unheated spaces like the garage or basement and insulate them so they don’t freeze and burst over the winter.If you live in a neighbourhood with mature trees, it’s time to trim back any branches hanging near your roof, windows, or driveway that could potentially cause damage during a winter storm.We hope this checklist helps you properly prepare for the winter. And remember, even if you recently purchased a new home, you can still benefit from these tips! If you have any other tips, please share them with us and our followers at @NewHomeBuyers or on Facebook.
