Winter in the Okanagan is often a mixed bag of cold snaps, snow and constant cloud cover. Before winter's chill sets in, completing essential fall maintenance tasks can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home a warm sanctuary during the winter months.
We offer a few practical tips, to protect your home, enhance your energy efficiency, and keep you safe and snug throughout the winter.
1. Clean the Gutters/Inspect the Roof
Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your home's foundation, leading to potential structural damage. Ensure you clean out all the debris from your gutters and downspouts, allowing for proper drainage. While you are up there, have a look for damaged or missing shingles, which can lead to leaks and water damage. If you're unsure of what to look for, or prefer to keep your feet on the ground, hire a professional to conduct a cleaning and inspection.
2. Seal Drafts & Insulate Your Home
Drafts in your home can significantly lower energy efficiency and raise heating costs during winter. Start by conducting a thorough inspection around windows, doors, and any other areas where drafts might occur. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps you find, and for larger openings, consider expanding foam insulation.
3. Prep the Yard for Winter
Before the first snowfall hits, take time to prepare your outdoor spaces. Put away garden furniture, hoses, and any outdoor equipment in a dry place to prevent damage from frost. Drain water from hoses and shut off exterior faucets to avoid frozen pipes. Clear any debris from around your outdoor mechanical units, and have your underground sprinkler systems "blown out" to prevent freezing.
4. Protect Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes are a common issue during Canadian winters and can cause burst pipes and costly water damage. To prevent these repairs, insulate any exposed plumbing, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, or garages. Consider using pipe sleeves or heat tape for extra protection. Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, particularly during cold spells, to avoid freezing pipes. During a cold snap, be sure to open cabinet doors where pipes run, especially for those on exterior walls in basements, to help warm air circulate.
5. Check the Heating System
Before the cold sets in, have a professional examine your heating system to ensure it's functioning correctly. A poorly maintained furnace or heat pump can lead to higher energy bills and even carbon monoxide leaks if left unchecked. Additionally, remember to replace your furnace filter regularly during winter months. FortisBC is offering Rebates on Maintenance this fall. Full details available here.
6. Maintain Your Natural Gas Fireplace
If you have natural gas fireplaces in your home, have them inspected and cleaned at the same time as your annual furnace maintenance, before winter kicks in. We will clean the interior of the gas fireplace and the glass of soot buildup.
More than just cleaning our maintenances include; checking the heat exchanger, inspecting the igniter and pilot light, and making sure the gas valve is working as it should. We'll also take a look at the venting and air openings, test the thermopile, and check the resistance of the wall switch.
7. Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Spending more time indoors, with closed windows and an increased reliance on heating appliances, means it's crucial to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in perfect working order. Test each device, replace batteries if needed, and consider replacing the units themselves if they are more than 10 years old. Proper functioning detectors are a fundamental safety feature for your home, providing peace of mind for you and your family throughout the winter season.
8. Stock up on Winter Supplies
Stocking up on essential items such as salt or sand for de-icing walkways and driveways to prevent slip hazards. How is that snow shovel holding up? If you have a snowblower, ensure it is in good working condition, and that you have enough fuel or extension cords if needed. Just like in wildfire season it's also prudent to have an emergency kit ready - complete with batteries, flashlights, water, and non-perishable food items, in case of severe winter storms or power outages.
Following these fall maintenance tips will help ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient during the colder months. Checking your HVAC system, stocking up on winter supplies, and taking proactive steps to avoid unexpected issues and costly repairs is the key to a worry free winter.
Need a maintenance on your heating or cooling equipment?
Call or Text our office at 778-821-2665 or Book your Appointment Online and keep your system in good working order.
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