Winter 2024 is predicted to bring exceptionally cold temperatures and heavy snowfall to Ontario, following an unusually wet summer. Preparing your home now can save you money on heating bills and protect against the harsh elements ahead. Here’s how to get started.The first, most obvious step in protecting against freezing temperatures in general is to check your home’s insulation. Real Simple specifies that the attic is an essential place to adjust your insulation, since it’s a common place that may slip our minds but proper insulation in our attic prevents an escape for hot air and an entrance for cold air to circulate our houses. When looking at insulation, people should keep an eye out for a higher R value, as it’s the most energy and cost efficient while keeping you warm. The Ontario Building Code sets the R value for new construction at R-60. That equates to approximately 22 inches of loose-fill insulation or 16 inches of fiberglass batt insulation. We will guess that this is much more than the average person would assume. Best to check.Of course, it’s important to make sure your heaters and furnace are in tip top shape. Most of us will meet with our maintenance crew around this time of year, but certain thing everyone should look out for include: checking filters, cleaning radiators, checking proper temperature of your water heater, and checking for air leaks in the venting around the home.The Fire Department often reminds us to check our smoke and carbon dioxide detectors when we switch to daylight saving time in the fall. While that is a fun way to remember, the important thing is to do it before the winter. Not only is it important to check them periodically, as we are using the furnace and possibly space heaters, the winter months are a time when being extra vigilant pays off.&nbsp;To help trap the heat and make your day-to-day life more comfortable, think about adding seasonal floor coverings. Hard wood and tile are nice, but a well place rug here and there will help. Add in a special mat or runner at the front door and you’ll help keep the house clean and avoid having salt and sand dragged in.The fall is also a good time to do an inventory of your winter tools. Shovels and snow blowers need to be in shape and accessible. It is also a good time to stock up on salt and sand to keep your driveway and walks safe.&nbsp;An essential step given our forecast of wetness and freezing is to check pipes. Morison Insurance points out that most of our plumbing is hidden in places only a plumber would know to check, so hiring one may be helpful. This can help detect leaks or inadequate insulation in those areas. They also state that water sometimes sits in pipes that may freeze, and water that freezes will expand, therefore causing pipes to crack or even burst. You should also turn off and drain exterior hoses (and bring them into the garage), faucets and valves to prevent those from cracking or bursting. It is a good idea to add a faucet cover on the outside of your house for extra protection.For those of you with a lawn sprinkler system, it is also important to drain those pipes. The handy do-it-yourselfer can handle this, but it may be easier, quicker and in the long run cheaper to hire a professional to do this. They have the experience and the equipment to do this job properly. Avoiding a broken pipe will make this money well spent.When you’re outside checking the hoses and faucets, it the perfect time to make sure your air-conditioning unit is covered. This will prevent snow and rain from getting in the unit and freezing. It will also keep leaves from getting and potentially damaging the motor.&nbsp;Finally, we’ll talk about flooding prevention. Installing a backflow valve can prevent sewage from entering your home. You should clear your gutters to remove any debris such as leaves that have accumulated over the fall season and may be clogging your draining system. It is important your gutters are clear to direct any moisture away from the house and avoid it flowing under your shingles. Shoveling snow away from your house will also help direct moisture away. Finally, it’s essential to seal cracks in doors, windows, walls, and floors. Not only will this help with keeping cold air out, but it will keep moisture from entering these spaces. A common failure point is the door sweeps that are installed at the bottom of the door. Check for wear and replace them if needed. It is a cheap and easy way to save money and lock out drafts.Checking and sealing cracks is important in the fall, especially if you live in a rural or suburban area. Small animals that are searching for a warm place to hide from the elements are very creative and can find a way in even if the space is small.Winter is coming, but with a little preparation, your home can handle whatever the season throws its way.&nbsp;What’s your first step toward a cozier, more efficient winter?

Winter 2024: Essential Tips for Homeowners and Buyers

Prepare your home for Winter 2024 with essential tips to save on heating, prevent freezing pipes, and stay cozy during Ontario's forecasted harsh season.

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