Winter is coming: 8 Ways to Get Your Home Ready 

As temperatures drop, preparing your home for winter is essential to stay warm, safe, and energy-efficient. An important step in winter readiness is scheduling a “furnace tune up” to ensure your heating system is in top shape. Here are eight additional ways to winter-proof your home and keep it cosy all season.

Seal Windows and Doors

Drafts around windows and doors can lead to heat loss, raising energy bills and reducing indoor comfort. Inspect for gaps or cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. For older windows, consider insulating film or heavy curtains to add an extra barrier against the cold.

Resetting your thermostat

Resetting your thermostat before winter is essential to ensure accurate heating temperature settings and improve energy efficiency. A properly functioning thermostat helps maintain a warm and comfortable home while reducing heating bills.

To reset your thermostat, start by identifying your model. Remove the batteries, wait, and briefly reinsert them in reverse for programmable models before resetting. Each model may vary.

For Wi-Fi thermostats, press and hold the “Menu” button until the “Reset” option appears. Hold the “Fan” and “Up” buttons for some models. Each model can vary, so consult the manual for exact instructions.

Check the Roof for Damage

Winter weather can be harsh on your roof, especially if there are existing issues. Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles, as these can allow water to seep in. Addressing problems before the snow arrives can prevent costly water damage. You might also consider applying a roof treatment that reduces snow buildup.

Protect Outdoor Plumbing

Freezing temperatures can cause outdoor pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs. To prevent freezing, exposed pipes, covers of outdoor faucets, and drain hoses should be insulated. Adding pipe insulation to any exposed plumbing in unheated spaces, such as garages, is another smart preventive step.

Maintain Your Heating System

Regular maintenance of your heating system is key to keeping it efficient. Beyond your annual tune-up, Bleed your radiators and check that the air filters are clean. Replace them as needed. Also, ensure unobstructed air vents to allow proper airflow throughout your home. This boosts efficiency and improves indoor air quality.

To bleed your central heating, first turn off the heating system. Locate the radiator bleed valve and use a radiator key to slowly open it. Release air until water starts to drip, then close the valve. Repeat this process on each radiator to improve heating efficiency.

Insulate the Attic and Walls

Proper insulation is essential to prevent heat from escaping your home. If your attic or walls lack adequate insulation, consider adding more. Insulating these areas keeps your home warmer and reduces the load on your heating system, helping to lower energy costs.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

During winter, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and house fires increases, as fireplaces are used more often in some homes. Check that your smoke and CO detectors function correctly and replace batteries if needed. Installing additional detectors in high-risk areas, such as near bedrooms, is also a good idea.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Reversing ceiling fan blades helps circulate warm air trapped near the ceiling down into the room. Switching fans to a clockwise direction at a low speed can make rooms feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat, helping save on heating costs.

Preparing your home for winter takes effort but offers peace of mind and improved comfort during the colder months. By sealing windows, cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, protecting plumbing, maintaining heating, insulating, testing detectors, and adjusting ceiling fans, you’ll keep your home cosy, safe, and energy-efficient all winter.