Warm Your House for the Cold Season

Canadian winters can be long, cold and tough on our homes. To keep you and your family safe and comfortable, you'll need to keep your home in top condition.

Regular maintenance is the secret. You can do much of the work on your own; however, if you are uncomfortable or ill-equipped for some tasks, such as annual servicing or gas or wood heating appliances call in a professional. If you are handy, you may wish to do the following maintenance jobs on your own:

• Check and clean or replace furnace air filters in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions during the heating season. If you have a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV), check the filters every two months. Clean range hood filters monthly. If you have a humidifier, clean it two or three times in winter and make sure it is set properly.

• Inspect indoor and outdoor air vents (intake, exhaust and forced air) to ensure they are free of snow or debris and flapper dampers close. It is a good idea to inspect outdoor air vents and gas meters after each snowfall to make sure they are not covered.

• Clean bathroom fan grilles, coils underneath or on the back of a refrigerator or freezer, and smoke detectors. Check smoke detectors and all fire extinguisher gauges and recharge or replace if necessary.

• Examine indoor and outdoor lights, electrical cords, plugs and outlets. If plugs look worn or cords feel warm, replace immediately.

• Examine windows and doors for ice accumulation or cold-air leaks. Seal any leaks temporarily with weatherstripping or removable caulking, and repair or replace in the spring.

• Inspect your attic to ensure proper insulation and ventilation. Note signs of roof leaks, gaps or separations in the underside decking and repair. Check the attic for frost accumulation and the roof for ice dams or icicles. Ensure any ducts serving exhaust fans are insulated, have a vapour barrier wrap and are vented outdoors.

• Check your basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water and refill if necessary.

• To help control sediment and maintain your hot water tank's efficiency, consult the owner's manual and drain a dishpan full of water from the clean-out valve. Ensure hot water pipes are insulated. Unless you have freeze-proof outside faucets, turn off the valves inside the house and drain the pipes.

• Check all indoor faucets for signs of dripping repair as needed.If a plumbing fixture is not used often, run the tap briefly to keep water in the trap. Finally, clean the drains in your dishwasher, sinks, bathtubs and showers, and open and close the shut-off valves to prevent seizing.

Source:CMHC