11.22.2019 | Living In Toronto

5 Tips For Getting Your Home Winter-Ready

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We all know what winters in Toronto are like. While all the snow makes for beautiful holiday photo ops and plenty of cozy nights in, it can also wreak havoc on our homes. The good news is, ice, flurries, and freezing temperatures don’t have to result in property damage. With a bit of preparedness and know-how, you can ensure that your home weathers the coldest months of the year with ease!

Here are five steps you can take to get your home winter-ready this season…

1) Prep your plumbing

A burst pipe can lead to some very costly damage, which is why it’s so important to make sure your plumbing is ready for winter. That means turning off and draining your outdoor faucets, checking your system for leaks, and insulating any exposed pipes that could freeze. When it comes to the latter, focus on unheated areas (such as your garage) and plumbing that sits close to exterior walls.

2) Seal the gaps

When you’re trying to stay warm, there’s nothing worse than a chilly draft. Often, the culprit is an improperly-sealed home. Luckily, this problem can usually be remedied pretty easily. If your windows and doors are getting old, replacement is an option. For a quicker and more cost-effective solution, try using weatherstripping, foam tape, or fresh caulking to seal any gaps.

3) Service your furnace

If you’ve been meaning to have your furnace looked at, now is the time to do it. A sluggish heating system can lead to higher energy bills in the winter, which leaves many homeowners feeling caught off guard. Have a professional come in and service your furnace, or (if you don’t have time for that right now) pop in a fresh filter. The replacement process should be simple, and it won’t take you more than a few minutes.

4) Get your fireplace ready

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace at home, you’re sure to get a lot of use out of it this winter—just make sure you do so safely. As a rule, you should have yours inspected and cleaned every year. If your fireplace uses gas, you may want to have it serviced by an HVAC professional with appropriate expertise. If it’s wood-burning, stock up on logs and kindling to enjoy that warm and cozy glow all season long.

5) Clean your gutters

In the fall, leaves tend to get caught in roof gutters. All too often, they’re not properly cleared out—and that can mean serious clogs when winter rolls around. Unfortunately, if melted ice and snow can’t pass through your drainage system, it could be a recipe for structural damage. Your best bet is to remove the debris that can create stoppages before it ever becomes a problem.

Winterizing your home is all too easy to put off, especially in a city where ice, snow, and below-zero temperatures often catch us by surprise. By performing some basic home maintenance before the inevitable happens, you may be able to save yourself some serious time, stress, and dollars down the line.

Thinking of selling your home? Get in touch today—we’d love to discuss your needs!

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