Get your home ready for winter

Most of us who are lucky enough to call the Lower Mainland home know that our beautiful little corner of the country enjoys some of the mildest winters in Canada.

But just because we don’t usually have to worry too much about endless blizzards, non-stop freezing rain or months of sub-zero temperatures doesn’t mean our homes couldn’t still benefit from a little seasonal TLC to help them get through the winter in one piece.

Luckily, there are a few quick and easy things you can do before the winter season sets in to make sure your home is fully winterized, and ready to handle anything Mother Nature throws its way.

Step #1: Keep out the cold

First, keep out the drafts and keep your home nice and cozy by installing weather-stripping or caulking around outside-facing doors and windows, putting some window film on any windows that tend to let the cold in, and adding a door sweep or door stopper to your exterior doors. You can also check your attic, basement and other areas for leaks, and add a little extra insulation if necessary.

Step #2: Check your HVAC

Next, keep your home heating and ventilation system in great shape by replacing the HVAC filters, making sure your heating vents are clear and unobstructed, and checking the thermostat to make sure it’s working properly. If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to help keep your monthly heating costs down.

If you haven’t had your furnace professionally inspected in a while, it could also be a good idea to schedule an inspection before the worst of the weather sets in. If you have a chimney or fireplace, have them cleaned and inspected on a regular basis too.

Step #3: Clean the roof and gutters

Vancouver may not get a lot of snow, but one thing we do have more than our fair share of in the winter is rain. To prevent all that water from finding its way inside your home, clear the leaves and other debris from your roof and gutters (or hire a professional to do it for you), make sure your downspouts are pointed away from the foundation, and consider installing a gutter guard to stop clogs from building up.

While you or your professional are up there, it can also be a good idea to have your roof inspected for loose shingles, leaks, or any other damage you might otherwise not even be aware you have until it’s too late.

Step #4: Prep your outdoor spaces

Get the outside of your home ready for winter by turning off outdoor faucets, draining and storing away any hoses or sprinklers, turning off the water supply to the outdoor taps, and insulating any exposed pipes. Then inspect any trees that could potentially fall during a storm and damage your home, and prune or trim them if needed.

If you have a patio, terrace or balcony, bring your patio umbrella indoors and either store things like outdoor flowerpots or patio furniture in your garage, basement or a shed, or cover them with insulated covers. For gas BBQs, close the valve to your propane tank completely, and be sure to store it outdoors a safe distance away from your home.

Step #5: Update your emergency kit

Lastly, make sure your family is ready in the event of a blackout, winter storm, or other emergency by going over your plans of what to do if a natural disaster strikes, and either buying a good emergency kit or updating your existing one if you haven’t replaced or refreshed all those supplies in some time.

In addition to blankets, flashlights and extra batteries, a good emergency kit should include a first-aid kit, some cash in smaller bills, warm clothing, bottled water, and enough non-perishable food to last you and your family for at least several days at a stretch.

And while you have emergency preparedness on the mind, take advantage of the reminder to test or replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to help keep both your home and your family safe and secure all year round!