10 Essential Tips to Winterize Your Home in Montreal
As the weather turns colder, it’s important to take the steps you can to winterize your home. In Montreal, where temperatures can dip well below freezing, this process becomes more important than ever. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make sure your home is ready for the cold winter months ahead. Read on to learn how to winterize your house!
1. Check Your Roof – The roof of your home is one of the most important components when it comes to winterizing. Make sure to check for missing shingles or cracks that may need repair before the snow starts falling. You should also look at the eavestroughs and downspouts of your roof and make sure they are securely attached and free from debris that could clog them up in the winter months. Finally, check for any ice dams that may have built up on your roof as a result of melting snow or ice buildup from colder temperatures.
2. Seal Your Windows and Doors – One of the main ways to prevent heat from escaping your home is to seal your windows and doors. You can do this yourself with weatherstripping, removable plastic film, caulk, or you can hire a professional to do it for you. Sealing your windows and doors can also help to reduce drafts and make your home more comfortable.
3. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans – Ceiling fans typically rotate in a counterclockwise direction in the summer, which helps to cool down a room by creating a wind chill effect. In the winter months, however, you should reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so that they rotate clockwise. This will help push warm air down from the ceiling into the room below.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat – Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bills by allowing you to set specific times for your furnace to turn on and off. For example, you can set the thermostat to turn off when everyone is out of the house during the day, and then turn it back on an hour before everyone is due back home. Also consider a smart thermostat, like the Nest, which is able to learn your habits on its own and adjust accordingly. It is also controlled remotely.
5. Service Your Furnace – Making sure that your furnace is in good working order is crucial for keeping your home warm during the winter months. Be sure to have a professional service your furnace at least once per year, and change the filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Drain outdoor sprinklers, hoses, and irrigation systems – If you have an outdoor sprinkler system or irrigation system, be sure to drain it before the first frost hits as well. Water that is left in these systems can freeze and damage them, so it’s best to just drain them and store them indoors for the winter months.
7. Winterize your fireplace – If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure it’s clean and in good repair before the winter weather arrives. Have it inspected and serviced by a professional to ensure that it’s safe to use. Keep a supply of seasoned firewood on hand, and make sure the chimney is clean and clear of debris. If you have a gas fireplace,and make sure the gas line is in good condition and the pilot light is working properly.
8. Stock up on winter supplies – Make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need to get through the winter, including salt or sand for icy sidewalks and driveways, shovels for snow removal, and warm clothing and blankets.
9. Prepare for power outages – Winter storms can cause power outages, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand. Include flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, blankets, and non-perishable food. Consider investing in a backup generator or portable power supply to keep your home warm and lit in case of an outage.
Taking these simple steps now will help ensure that you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature
throws at you this winter season! With proper preparation, you’ll be able to keep your family safe and warm without breaking the bank on extra energy costs. Happy winter!
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