Winter is just around the corner, and that means the potential for extreme cold and plenty of snow that can cause issues for your home. We’ve prepared this checklist to help you get ready now so you can have a comfortable winter. Let us know what else you’d add to your list!
Inside
To keep your family cozy and warm throughout the winter, check out all these items now.
- Check your furnace and water heater. Ensure they are both working properly and not near the end of their lives. Having a professional assess them is helpful!
- Replace furnace filter. This should be done regularly regardless of the season, but now is a good time to do it if you haven’t thought about it for a while. These should be replaced every 30-90 days depending on the type and thickness of the filter, as well as how many people and/or pets are in your household.
- Check for leaks. Go to every tap, toilet, and other water sources in the house to make sure they are not leaking. In winter, those little leaks can result in frozen pipes. You can also consider wrapping any exposed pipes with insulation to keep them protected.
- Seal windows and doors. Check for a breeze around your windows and doors and seal them now before cold air starts seeping in. Check your door sweeps for gaps that could let in cold air and moisture.
- Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they are working properly, and if they're nearing their expiration dates, replace the batteries.
Outside
Saskatchewan winters can be tough on your home’s exterior, so using this checklist to prepare will set you up for a successful season.
- Clean eavestroughs. Get leaves and other debris out now before they get trapped inside by snowfall. If they aren’t free for proper drainage, you can end up with ice dams throughout the winter. Make sure your drain spout is cleaned out as well.
- Clean around exhaust vents and air intakes. If these get blocked up by debris or snow, it can cause poor performance issues from your appliances and can even be a fire hazard.
- Check the roof. Make sure any damage is repaired now before the weight of heavy snowfalls makes it worse.
- Drain outdoor water sources. Check outdoor pipes, faucets, and sprinklers to make sure they are fully drained. Turn them all off for the season and blow out water lines to ensure they are fully empty. Water left behind can cause frozen pipes.
- Clean chimney. Debris built up in your chimney can be a fire hazard when you decide to use your fireplace in the winter.
- Clean up the yard. Rake any leaves that are left, put furniture and toys/games away, and move anything else you don’t want to leave trapped under the snow all winter. This also means less cleanup to be done when spring arrives.
- Replace door screens with glass storm doors. This will prevent cold from leaking in through the screen.
- Inspect trees on your property. Make sure any damaged or diseased branches are removed. Contact an arborist if a professional is needed.
- Inspect your deck or porch. Check for any loose boards and ensure they will be able to withstand the winter.
Now that your house is ready for winter, make sure your insurance is as well! Reviewing your policy periodically is a good idea so you can ensure you’re covered for everything you need. CAA Saskatchewan insurance agents are available to help you determine the best policy for you. Members also get a 10% discount when they bundle home and auto insurance through us! Visit our website to learn more and enjoy a cozy, worry-free winter in Saskatchewan.