How to Prepare for Winter Maintenance
Top up Your Attic Insulation
If too much heat escapes through your attic, it can cause snow on your roof to repeatedly melt and refreeze, creating a thick ice dam that can cause serious damage. The solution is to top up your attic insulation. Start by measuring the depth of your insulation using a free Owens Corning ruler from The Home Depot. If the levels are less than 4 inches your attic needs to be topped up.
Book an HVAC Maintenance Appointment
These tasks can be tackled in the winter months to keep your home in top shape
Check Fire Alarms & Extinguishers
Test smoke alarms monthly and vacuum dust from beneath the cover every six months. Replace batteries as per manufacturer’s instructions. Keep fire extinguishers on every floor of the house and in the kitchen. Make yourself familiar with how they work now so you can move quickly if you need to use them.
Clean Laundry Machine Ducts
Dryer lint built up in the duct behind the machine not only reduces the efficiency of your dryer but can also cause fires in the home -- and should therefore be inspected regularly. If you notice that there is a buildup, be sure to clean it or hire a professional to do the job for you.
Check Toilets and Faucets for Leaks
A leaky toilet can waste energy and water. Check for leaks by dropping some food colouring into your tank, and then checking your bowl a short while later, if there is coloured water you have a leak and need maintenance. Leaky faucets can also waste water and can often be repaired by simply replacing washers or rubber seals.
Replace Furnace Filters
Replace the furnace filter monthly to ensure efficiency and keep dust particles from penetrating the clean, heated air. Inspect your furnace for leaks and test for carbon monoxide. If your furnace is older, cracks can form and cause deadly poisonous gas to escape into your home. It is also recommended you invest in carbon monoxide detectors to monitor the air in your home. To keep your home nice and toasty and to help curb high electric bills, install a smart thermostat. Keep your heat settings lower while you are asleep and program it to raise just before you wake.