Winter in Canada can hold many lovely memories; tobogganing, snow angels, and hot chocolate on frigid nights.

However, as a homeowner, we often forget the less than fun memories; taking care of your homes’ annual winter maintenance isn’t as lovely as dressing up a snowman.

Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks that keep the costs down, your home warm and the happy memories coming.

(1) Make sure your attic is insulated!

If your attic isn’t sufficiently insulated, no matter how high you crank your furnace, your bill, not the temperature, will be the only thing going up. Heat travels upward, and about a quarter of it will escape through your roof if not insulated properly. Both the type and the amount of insulation matters.

Proper insulation not only keeps your heating bill down over the winter but it also helps prevent damage to your roof, keeping ice dams and leaks to a minimum.

(2) Reverse your ceiling fans.

Speaking of heat rising, a quick and easy way to keep that warm air circulating is to reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. The motion of the ceiling fan going clockwise can help force rising heat downward, saving you money in the long run.

(3) Seal your windows and doors.

Did you know that on average, 10% of heated air escapes from poorly sealed windows and doors? There are a few ways to help keep the heat in.

First, check caulking around windows and doors for cracks and damage and repair or replace as needed. Windows and doors will need to be replaced over time if the leaks cannot be completely sealed. Storm windows and doors can also help give that added protection and keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

(4) Service your furnace regularly.

Your furnace’s job is to keep you warm this winter, so it is best to make sure it is in good working condition so you aren’t caught off guard and heatless in the colder months.

Look into getting your furnace fully serviced, including changing the filters and checking the humidifier to keep the cold weather outside.

(5) Winterize your yard equipment!

Winterizing is the process of taking the necessary precautions to ensure outdoor pipes don’t burst or break over the winter due to a build-up of ice or quick temperature changes. If there is the potential for freezing, drain as much of the water as possible out of these systems. Turn off the outdoor water, drain hoses and store them. And don’t forget the lawn equipment. Make sure any gas-fuelled lawnmowers, weed trimmers or chainsaws are emptied of gas or have a fuel stabilizer in them to help preserve the gas.

Winter and the cold are inevitable in Canada and proper winter maintenance not only keeps your house comfortable and warm but also, ensures good memories, inside and out.

Endhome is here to guide you through that process and help you not only find, but maintain your home for a happy holiday season.