The following is a Consumer Tip, about Preparing Your Home For Winter from BBB Serving Central and Northern Alberta. For further tips, visit the Tips area of our website.
Furnace: Furnaces older than 15 years might be due for a replacement. For newer furnaces, BBB recommends making sure the furnace filter is clean, the thermostat is working properly and the pilot light is functioning. Homeowners can also hire an inspector to do the job and make sure the furnace is in safe working order.
Heating Ducts: Ducts should be cleaned once every two years. Homeowners should also consider adding insulation to any exposed ductwork.
Chimney: Before lighting up, homeowners planning on using their fireplace come winter should have the chimney inspected for animals, debris and leaves that may have fallen in. BBB also recommends installing a screen over the chimney opening.
Eavestrough and Ridge Vents:. Eavestroughing should be cleaned to prevent any clogs that would cause melt water or rain to back up and freeze, making the eavestroughing expand and crack. The ridge vents need to be cleaned as well in order to allow the house to "breath" correctly. Otherwise, air will stagnate and create an unhealthy environment.
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: BBB recommends testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and installing fresh batteries. Homeowners should consider replacing smoke alarms older than 10 years.
Caulking and Weather Stripping: To prevent leaks, homeowners should inspect the caulking around windows and doors and check for cracking and peeling. In addition, BBB recommends ensuring that doors and windows shut tightly and no cold air is coming in due to worn down weather stripping.
Seasonal Equipment:. Homeowners won’t need their spring and summer equipment for a few months, so BBB recommends draining the water from garden hoses and air conditioner pipes and the gasoline from the lawnmower and other garden tools. It’s also time to pull out the snow shovels and plows and ensure they are in good repair.
Emergency Kits: When a winter storm strikes, an emergency kit should have all essential materials in one handy place. An emergency kit should include flashlights, candles and matches, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food and a battery-powered radio. BBB recommends creating the same emergency kit for the car as well, including several blankets.
For more advice you can trust on home maintenance and saving money this winter visit BBB online at www.edmonton.bbb.org.