Perhaps it’s your first winter in your new home. Maybe you’re a procrastinator. Well here is your slight nudge. Now get out there before the snow flies.
Winterizing your home is essential to ensure energy efficiency and protect your property from potential damage. It can also create domestic harmony           and eliminate embarrassing Mom/Dad moments.

Something to consider is Enbridge Gas and Canada's Greener Homes Grant provide rebates towards eligible retrofits such as home insulation, windows and doors, heat pumps and renewable energy systems. You can get an energy audit done on your home to see what your deficiencies are and what you qualify for.

 Here are some key steps to winterize your home:

1. Check and Seal Windows and Doors
   - Inspect windows and doors for drafts. Use weatherstripping to seal gaps and prevent cold air from entering. Big culprits, at least in my home are the sliding doors and dormers.
   - Consider using draft stoppers at the base of doors to minimize heat loss.

2. Insulate Your Home
   - Make sure your home is adequately insulated, especially in the attic and walls. This helps retain heat and lower energy bills. This one might be too late depending on the availability of your local insulator. If so grab that musty blanket that your Aunt crocheted you. Breathe through your mouth you’ll be fine.


3. Service Your Heating System
   - Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your heating system. This ensures it operates efficiently and reduces the risk of breakdowns during winter.
   - Replace furnace filters regularly to maintain optimal performance + save $$ on your heating bills. We just had Canco in to service our furnace, they are fantastic.

4. Protect Pipes
   - Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential bursts.
- If you're going away, always have a neighbour or family member stop by. The only thing bursting while you’re in Cancun is your L4 disc from doing the Macarena poolside.


5. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
   - Remove leaves, debris, and any blockages from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water damage. Just did mine. My daughter was kind enough to hold the ladder. Albeit with one hand while on TikTok with the other.

6. Check the Roof
   - While you’re up on the roof fastening Santa’s Sleigh and hanging Christmas lights. Go Griswald Go. Inspect the roof for damaged or missing shingles. Repair any issues to prevent leaks. I know easier said than done.
   - Consider adding extra insulation in the attic to keep the roof cool and prevent ice dams. FYI if you’re of thinking of a DIY the stuff is ITCHY.

7. Install a Programmable Thermostat
   - A programmable thermostat allows you to set lower temperatures when you're away or sleeping, helping to reduce energy consumption. I need one of these. Right now I’m the manual thermostat controller in our family.


8. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems
   - Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets. If you have an irrigation system, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for winterizing. You get the theme , no to bursting pipes.

9. Chimney Maintenance
    - If you have a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned before use. This reduces the risk of chimney fires and ensures efficient heating. Pay attention/remember to open the flue. Don’t get smoked out having the first fire of the season. Checking into the Holiday Inn with the family in their smoky flannel pajamas is a memory they won’t let you forget.

10. Stock Emergency Supplies
    - Prepare for power outages by having a supply of flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food items, wine, beer and candy ( okay the last two were from my list ). I'm a big fan of the flashlight on the head. I just googled it, the proper name is led headlamp. Great for late night/early morning snow blowing and of course BBQing.

11. Landscape Care
    - Trim tree branches that could potentially damage your home during winter storms. Clear debris from the yard to prevent slips and falls. Yard waste is still being picked up curb side so that’s not an excuse. I tried it that’s how I know. Brought in our lawn stuff last weekend. Windy night Wednesday and a huge branch fell exactly where our wicker couch was. The couch would have exploded.

12. Snowblower
- Change the oil. Make sure you have gas on hand. Please, please start the snowblower up before winter. Picture this. Excitement of the first snowfall. The whole family gathered at the living room window. So festive. Watching Dad with his jacket, hat and gloves off in a full raging sweat pulling incessantly on the Toro trying to fire it up. Not a good look.

13. Driveway/Walkway Supplies
- Make sure you have good supply of sand/salt on hand. The first freezing rain event always sneaks up on you. Sliding down the driveway on your back clinging to your blue bin is no way to start the day. But more importantly you don’t need any lawsuits from your Doordash guy.

By taking these steps, you can create a more energy-efficient and comfortable living environment while protecting your home, your marriage and yourself from potential winter-related issues.
   I make light but these things are very serious. All of these steps need to be handled with care and in some cases professionally. If you do need help with any winterizing around your home please reach out. As well, if there is someone who you would recommend that performs any of these winterizing tasks please let me know so we can have them on standby to help. Please be safe and Happy Winterizing.