BUTTON UP YOUR BUNGALOW
Get your home ready for colder days with easy, room-by-room checklist to stay warm, safe and snug all season long
Fall is the season for crisp walks, colourful leaves and pumpkin everything, but it’s also a key time to get your home ready for winter. A little prep now goes a long way in avoiding chilly surprises later. Think of it as a warm-up act for your home before the snow hits.
Stop sneaky drafts.
Start by checking windows and doors for drafts. Run your hand around the edges on a breezy day to feel where cold air is creeping in. Weatherstripping and caulking are your best friends here—quick fixes that make a big difference. Don’t forget mail slots, attic hatches and even keyholes.
Give your furnace a little love.
Now’s
the time to change that furnace filter. It helps your system run more efficiently and keeps the air cleaner too. If you haven’t had a professional tune-up in a while, consider booking one before it gets busy. And if you’re using space heaters, double-check cords and outlets to make sure everything’s safe and sound.
Fireplaces need love too.
If you’re
lucky enough to have a fireplace, now’s the time to give it some attention. For wood-burning fireplaces, clean out old ash, inspect the damper and consider having the chimney professionally swept to prevent build-up. Gas fireplaces should be checked for dust and debris, and it’s a good idea to test the igniter before the cold really settles in. A well-maintained fireplace adds more than warmth—it brings that cozy, crackling charm that makes winter feel like a win.
Bundle up your pipes.
Burst pipes
are no joke. Insulate any exposed pipes in basements, garages or along exterior walls. If you’ve got outdoor taps, drain and shut them off before the first hard frost. And if you’re planning a winter getaway, keep the heat on low and open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can circulate.
Tidy the outdoors.
Clean gutters to prevent icy blockages and potential water damage. Store hoses and turn off outdoor faucets. If you’ve got trees near your roofline, trim any branches that could snap under snow. While you're out there, test your snow shovel or snowblower before that first big dump of snow.
Clear the way for warmth.
Make sure
vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs. If you’ve got baseboard heaters, give them a good dusting so they’re not blowing dust around when they kick on. Radiators? Bleed them to keep them running at full strength. Even ceiling fans can help. You can set them to run clockwise to push warm air back down.
Snug as a bug indoors.
Swap out lightweight drapes for heavier curtains to keep the warmth in. Add a few extra blankets to beds and couches. And while you’re at it, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re ready for hibernation season.
With just a weekend of work, you can keep your space comfy, cozy and protected all winter long. So roll up those sleeves, crank the tunes and get your home buttoned up. It’s about to get brisk out there.
Stock your seasonal supplies.
Think ahead now, and you’ll thank yourself later. Refill ice melt, stock up on batteries, and make sure flashlights are working. A winter emergency kit for the car and house—blankets, snacks, a phone charger—never hurts either.