Of course, you may have already done a heating system check prior to the really cold weather, however it is a good plan to do this again. It is not too late to check that you have not left anything out, as well as re-check these systems for any other signs of maintenance that may be required.

First and Foremost, if you have an outdoor air conditioner, you will want to make sure it is being protected while not is use. Your air conditioner unit should be kept clear of any leaves, branches, sticks, etc. It is also recommended that you place a cover over it to protect it, in particular the heating coils. from any moisture that can accumulate from the snow or ice.

Maintaining the Furnace & Fireplace Components

Moving onto the heating unit themselves, there are some steps you can take to ensure these are in working condition, in order to support the needs of your home during the winter months. When it comes to your furnace, it is recommended that you have a professional examine and the filters. Secondly, if you have a fireplace in your home, this will also need to be inspected prior to use each year.  At the same time, heat vents should be checked for any blockages as well as this can mean that the heat is not effectively making its way into the proper parts of your home.

Examining Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Additionally, at the top of the list should be the inspection of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is so that you ensure they are doing their job effectively and keeping you, your loved ones and your home, safe.

Overall, the goal here is to make sure that when you are relying on all of these various heating systems, they are in fact, working as they should, while also ensuring you feel safe and secure in your own home.

Also, a key element is keeping your home warm during the winter is the task of inspecting all doors and windows. This step also helps support the effective heating of your home, whereby ensuring that excess amounts of heat are not being lost to the outdoors.

Some specific aspects to look for include, checking that the weather stripping around the doors and window frames are not showing any gaps or signs of wear and tear. If you do identify this type of damage, it is best to repair it as soon as possible, so that you don’t have to suffer with unnecessary drafts as well as major heat loss in your home this winter.

In addition to prepping your house itself, you also need to remember to have your necessary winter gear on hand. These can include snow shovels, snow blowers, ice scrapers and snow brushes, and of course, ice. Having these items within reach will really save you in a pinch, when you are rushing to get out the door and also on your way to any one of your essential destinations.

You will also want to stock up on items like food, water, batteries, and flashlights, etc. as it is helpful to have these at your disposal, in the event that travelling is not an option, and also in the case of a power outage.

With winter weather in Canada being unpredictable as times, it is best to be as prepared as possible in order to deal with the demands of the season. Not only will you and your family be safe, your home will be as well.

With both your financial and your loved one’s well-being in mind, you can also look to home insurance as a key element of your winter home preparedness plan.

Reach out to the Leaders Insurance team to learn more about our services, and to find a home insurance policy that will best meet the needs of you – and your home as you look ahead to another season.