As the fall weather sets in and we continue to spend more time at home, this is a good time to consider winterproofing your property.
Here are some tips to get your home ready for the cold weather from CDSPI Home & Auto Insurance* partner, The Personal.
Exterior maintenance
Keeping the outside of your house in good shape not only gives a great first impression but can also potentially save you a lot of money and headaches.
Wall cracks and peeling paint
Water damage is one of the most common reasons you’ll find peeling paint and cracks on your exterior wall. Repainting, caulking and sealing small cracks and openings will help retain heat in your house. These are affordable repairs that can prevent further damage or water entry in the future.
Roof and gutters
Have a professional inspect your roof for missing or loose shingles, and make sure it’s in good condition to face the winter.
Clean leaves out of the gutters and downspouts and replace old or damaged parts. It may be a good idea to install a leaf guard on the eavestrough, which lets water through but prevents leaves and other debris from accumulating. Gutters are designed to keep water away from the house, and if your gutter is blocked, water can overflow onto the ground and even seep into the basement.
Driveway, yard, and porch
Repair cracked walkways, steps, and driveways with concrete or driveway filler to minimize damage in the winter. Store summer yard equipment such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers and gardening tools. Prepare winter gear such as shovels, snow blowers and ice scrapers. Clean, repair, and store your patio furniture and barbecue for next spring.
Interior maintenance
Make sure you’re using energy efficiently in your house. Minimizing fire and water hazards are top priorities when preparing the interior of your house for winter.
Sealing and insulation
Check your window and door insulation for air leakage. A few simple repairs can help you save on your annual energy bill. Apply weather stripping and caulk where necessary to fill any gaps and make sure you retain as much heat as possible inside the house.
Heating and fireplace
Check the condition of your heating system and fireplace. Have your furnace inspected by a licensed professional if you notice signs such as noisy belts and poor performance.
If you have a fireplace, it’s important to get the chimney cleaned regularly to remove obstructions and creosote. When creosote builds up, it can cause a chimney fire. Obstructions in the chimney can also put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Humidifier
If you use a humidifier to avoid the discomfort of dry winter air, be sure to clean your humidifier filter or replace it to avoid bacteria and mould buildup.
Ceiling fan
To save money on heating in the winter, reverse your ceiling fan’s direction to create an upward draft and help distribute warm air from the ceiling.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your house are working properly – clean the detectors and replace batteries once a year.
Give your home a general cleanup.
Get rid of clutter that serves no purpose and the things you no longer need. Make sure to also dispose of old household cleaning products and chemicals to ensure your home is clean and safe.
With a second wave of COVID-19 among us, it’s uncertain when life will return to normal – and what that normal will look like. No matter what the future holds, make sure your property stays protected with CDSPI Home Insurance. It offers exclusive rates and customizable coverage. Call The Personal toll-free at 1.877.277.7230 or visit online to get a quote.
*CDSPI Home & Auto Insurance is underwritten by The Personal Insurance Company and is distributed by CDSPI Advisory Services Inc. Home Insurance is not currently available to residents of Quebec.
This article is adapted and posted with permission from The Personal’s website www.thepersonal.com