Homework Before Winter

Winter is coming - use this checklist to be more ready:

1.  Drafty Windows Last Winter? Caulking is often a fix. Check weather stripping around doors too. 

2.  Damaged or Missing Shingles? Skylight Leak? Eavestrough Trouble Spot?  Freezing weather will make any of them worse. Be sure the downspouts are pointing away from the foundation.

3. Pressure Washer? Electric or gas, flush it and put plumbing antifreeze into the pump. Even a small amount of water will freeze, expand, and likely crack the pump.

4. Gas Lawn Mower? Add Fuel Stabilizer. Today’s “green fuel” with Ethanol will "gum up" a small engine after a few months if left untreated.

5. Dryer Vent? Clean it out, a clogged vent increases drying time which means higher energy use.

6. Grimy Gutter? Be sure it’s secure and free of debris, so water drains off the roof.

7. Ice Dam at the Roof Last Winter? Add attic insulation and ventilation to keep the roof cold. A warm roof melts snow, which flows into the eaves, and if the eavestrough is blocked, water seeps under the shingles and into the house. 

8. Furnace Ready to Start? Once the cold weather sets in, you want to know the furnace is running reliably. An unexpected breakdown could mean more than a chilly night.

9. A/C Wrapped? Water that gets in could freeze, damaging the fins. Before you wrap it, blow out the leaves.

10. Fireplace Clean? Schedule a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote build-up in the chimney.

11. Outside Connections Drained? Winterize underground irrigation systems. Drain hoses. Turn off the water supply at the inside connection and then open the outside tap to drain it.

12. Fresh Furnace Filter? Clean filters will keep the air moving.

13. Humidifier Healthy? Say goodbye to dry winter air. A properly working humidifier makes a home feel warmer.

14. Bathroom & Kitchen Exhaust Systems Clean? Ensure they actually vent to the outdoors. If they vent into the attic, you’ll soon have to deal with a mold issue.

15 Smoke Alarm & CO Detector Tested? Check the replacement recommendation for each – usually 5 to 7 years.


If you are looking to sell or buy property in Nova Scotia - we can help! 

Call Greg - 902.932.4082 - greg@remaxnova.ca






Location: Nova Scotia, Canada

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