Winterizing Your Winnipeg Home: Essential Tips for Homeowners

Winnipeg winters are no joke! As temperatures drop, it's crucial to prepare your home for the harsh weather ahead. Winterizing ensures your home stays warm, energy-efficient, and free of costly damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your property ready for the season.

1. Inspect and Maintain Your Heating System

Your heating system is the heart of your home during winter. Proper maintenance ensures it operates efficiently and avoids sudden breakdowns.

• Schedule a Professional Inspection: Hire a technician to clean and inspect your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. They’ll check for issues like clogged filters, worn-out parts, and inefficient operation.
• Change Air Filters: Dirty filters reduce efficiency and can overwork your system. Replace them every 1-3 months.
• Test Your Thermostat: Ensure it’s working correctly, and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control and energy savings.

2. Boost Your Home’s Insulation

Poor insulation is one of the biggest culprits of heat loss.

• Attic and Basement: Check for gaps or insufficient insulation in these areas, as they’re common sources of drafts.
• Wall Insulation: Consider an energy audit to determine if your walls need an insulation upgrade.
• Pipe Insulation: Wrap exposed pipes in foam sleeves to prevent freezing and bursting.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can drive up your heating costs and make your home uncomfortable.

• Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping tape around doors and windows to seal gaps.
• Caulking: Use caulk to seal cracks around window frames and sills.
• Upgrade to Storm Windows: If budget permits, storm windows provide an extra layer of protection against the cold.

4. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your roof and gutters, leading to leaks or ice dams.

• Clear Debris: Clean out leaves and debris from gutters to ensure proper drainage.
• Inspect Shingles: Look for missing or damaged shingles and have them repaired before snow arrives.
• Install Gutter Guards: These prevent ice buildup and ensure water flows away from your home.

5. Prepare the Exterior

Taking care of your outdoor spaces can prevent damage and save you money come springtime.

• Disconnect Hoses: Drain and store garden hoses to avoid frozen pipes.
• Trim Trees: Remove weak or overhanging branches that could snap under heavy snow and damage your home.
• Store Outdoor Furniture: Protect patio furniture and BBQ equipment by storing them in a shed or covering them with weather-resistant tarps.

6. Protect Your Plumbing

Frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive water damage.

• Let Faucets Drip: On extremely cold nights, allow a small trickle of water to flow from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open Cabinet Doors: Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.