How to Winterize Your Home in Edmonton: Simple Tips From One Horizon Living

Winter in Edmonton is long, cold, and tough on our homes. Preparing your house before the deep freeze hits can save you money, prevent damage, and make your home feel warm and cozy all season long.

Here’s an easy, no-stress guide to winterizing your Edmonton home.

Stop Cold Drafts, Your Wallet Will Thank You

Cold air sneaks in through tiny gaps around windows and doors. If you walk by a window and feel a chill, that is a sign.

Easy fixes:

• Add weatherstripping around doors

• Re-caulk cracks around windows

• Put a door sweep on the bottom of drafty doors

These small tweaks can make a big difference in comfort and heating bills.

Check Your Attic Insulation, It Keeps More Heat Inside

A warm home starts at the top. If your attic is not well insulated, heat escapes and your furnace works harder than it needs to.

You may need more insulation if:

• Your top floor feels chilly

• Your heating bill is high

• You see icicles forming on your roof edge

If you are unsure, most insulation companies can take a quick look.

Keep Ice Dams Off Your Roof

Ice dams are those thick ridges of ice that form along your roof edge. They can cause leaks and damage during freeze-thaw cycles.

Prevention is simple:

• Make sure gutters are clean

• Keep attic insulation in good shape

• Do not block attic vents

A little attention now can prevent costly roof repairs later.

Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter

Your furnace is about to run almost non-stop for several months. Give it some care now.

What to do:

• Change the furnace filter

• Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture

• Schedule a quick tune-up if it has been a while

You will get better heat, fewer breakdowns, and lower energy use.

Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

A frozen pipe can burst, and the damage is expensive.

Before winter:

• Unhook garden hoses

• Turn off outdoor taps

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas

If you are leaving town for the holidays, keep your heat on at a reasonable level.

Give Your Roof and Gutters a Quick Check

You do not need to climb on the roof. Just take a careful look from the ground.

Look for:

• Missing or damaged shingles

• Gutters full of leaves

• Downspouts draining too close to the foundation

A little fall cleanup goes a long way.

Make Your Windows Work for You

Older windows lose a lot of heat.

Easy ideas:

• Use thicker curtains at night

• Open curtains on sunny days

• Use window insulation film on drafty windows

If your home is older, consider window upgrades when the budget allows.

Check the Exterior of Your Home

Walk around your home and look for anything worn or loose.

Check for:

• Cracks in siding

• Gaps around pipes entering the house

• Weatherstripping on your garage door

• Outdoor lights for safety and visibility

Small repairs now prevent bigger issues in minus thirty weather.

Keep Humidity at a Comfortable Level

Winter in Edmonton is extremely dry. This can cause dry skin, static shocks, and cracks in hardwood floors.

A good winter humidity level is around 30 to 40 percent.

If your home has a built-in humidifier, make sure it is turned on and working.

Prepare for “Just in Case” Moments

Winter storms happen, so be prepared.

Keep on hand:

• Extra blankets

• A portable phone charger

• Flashlights

• Spare furnace filters

• A small emergency kit

You probably will not need it, but you will be glad you have it if a cold snap hits.

Winterizing your home does not have to be complicated. A little maintenance now can save you money, keep your home comfortable, and prevent winter surprises.

Stay warm from your friends at One Horizon Living.