#1: Flush Your Water Heater:
Sediment and particles can easily accumulate at the bottom of the water heater. So, as you can imagine, this will affect its efficiency not to mention that your costs are going to increase drastically. So, what you should do is to simply flush out all sediments. You can do this using the drain valve. Make sure that you drain some gallons of water to get rid of all the sediment and particles accumulated. This way, you’ll be able to take the best advantage of the water heater.
#2: Clean Your Eaves Troughs:
If you notice that you have some icicles hanging off the roof of your home, then you need to pay attention since this indicates that the water isn’t draining from your roof as it should.
So, during the Fall, you should make sure that you remove any twigs and leaves so that the water can flow freely down the eaves. This ensures that you won’t have any ice forming and you’ll be avoiding damaging your roof.
#3: Replace Filters:
When you want to ensure that you winterize your cottage (or home), then you need to consider to change the filter of your furnace. The truth is that filters tend to get clogged with both particles and dust over time. It is actually their job.
When your furnace has its filter dirty it will need to work harder to heat your home. Replacing the filter often will ensure that your home isn’t only heated well as it will save you a lot of money in the process.
#4: Clockwise Ceiling Fans:
If you have ceiling fans at home, then you probably don’t know that they are great for both the summer and winter. The truth is that in order to use them in the colder months, you need to use the rotary switch that will change the direction of the turn. This will ensure that the warm air gets drawn down and around you in the winter.
#5: Draft Guards:
Draft guards are great when you want to ensure that the heat doesn’t leave your home. One of the things that you should do is to carefully inspect your windows and doors (especially the exterior ones) at their bottom. In case you notice that you have a loose seal, just place the draft guard to keep the cold air from coming in and the hot air getting out.
Bottom Line
Winter in Canada can be very cold but it can also bring happiness and joy. So, just make sure that you have your home (or cottage) ready for the winter. This will maintain your family and you warm and cozy and you’ll be saving a lot of money and headaches in repairs that you could have prevented.
