With the coming winter looming over our heads, it’s essential to make time to winterize your home. As we know, Ottawa winters can get pretty intense. That’s why it’s so important to understand how to prepare your home for the elements. 

Here are some tips to follow when winterizing your home:

1. Clean Your Gutters.

While Fall foliage is beautiful, the falling leaves also fill your gutters. Before the snow starts coming down, make sure you clear out the leaves from all gutters. Leaves that aren’t cleared can cause ice build-up and water-pooling, which can cause costly damage to your roof.

If you’re comfortable doing this yourself, all you will need are some work gloves and a latter. Otherwise, you can hire exterior maintenance companies to assist with this task.

2. Trim Your Trees.

This may seem like a silly step, but it is absolutely necessary. Any branches that come near your roofline, windows or parking areas should be trimmed back. When snow or ice builds up on branches, they can easily break and cause severe damage to your property or vehicle.

3. Stop Drafts.

The last thing you want to notice in the middle of winter is a draft in your home. Before the snowfall hits, fill in any cracks in your window and door frames with caulking. Other drafts can be sealed with weather stripping or spray foam.

If you’re unsure of how to do this or if your home is in need of this, you can consult a certified energy professional, who will perform tests on your home to check for any issues.

4. Prep Your AC.

Yes, your air conditioner needs to be appropriately prepared to sustain its long winter hibernation. Ensure any grass or vegetation around your unit is clipped and cleared, water is drained, electrical supply is cut off, and your AC’s cover is adequately secured over the unit.

Regularly remove snow and ice from your unit throughout the winter season and adjust the cover as needed.

5. Service Your Furnace

Your furnace will be working hard this winter, so be sure to service your unit prior to the start of the season.

Servicing your furnace includes:

• • Cleaning or replacing your furnace filter
  • Testing your thermostat
  • Inspecting Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors

You should also have a professional come out to service and inspect your furnace. Issues with your furnace will be caught and dealt with immediately by a professional, which will keep your family safe from unexpected malfunctions or leaks.

By following these steps, you can ensure your home is the cozy oasis it’s meant to be this winter season. Ottawa winters can get pretty harsh, but your home will be safe and secure with these tips.

If you are thinking about making your real estate move this season, you need a strong team on your side. Whether you are looking to buy or sell property in the Greater Ottawa Area, it is critical that you have a real estate agent on your side who understands your needs. Adam Mills and his team have been in business for over ten years and have a proven track record for success. Our team comprises knowledgeable and experienced professionals who are happy to help you navigate the ever-changing Ottawa real estate market. Please contact us at 613-825-7653 or email us at [email protected] for more information or help with your relocation.