Winter home maintenance
Indoor winter home maintenance
When you’re cooped up all winter, why not take the opportunity to give your home some TLC? Here’s a list of inside things you can do.
Keep an eye on your ceilings and interior doors: Unusual cracking or warping could be a sign of excessive snow buildup or ice on the roof.
Check your fire extinguishers and recharge or replace them as needed.
Examine the locking mechanisms on doors and windows that double as emergency exits.
If your windows are frequently fogged up, measure the humidity level with a hygrometer and rectify as needed.
Check that railings and handrails are sturdy.
Make sure air can circulate behind furniture and in the backs of closets on outside walls, especially in the basement. Warm, damp areas are conducive to mould.
Keep the crawl space at 10–15°C and make sure the basement window wells are properly sealed.
Precautions to take in very cold weather
- If your pipes are at risk of freezing, turn on a tap and let a trickle of water run all night. Similarly, if you have pipes running through the bottom of a cabinet near an outside wall, open the doors to let warm air in.
- In very cold or windy conditions, make a note of drafty spots so you can fix them when the weather warms up.
Good to know
Always keep de-icer for your house locks in your car, and de-icer for your car in your house. And if you’re a member, CAA-Quebec will send a locksmith to your home if you get locked out. You’ll be reimbursed for some or all of the cost, depending on the terms of your membership.
Roof and attic maintenance
- Check the attic hatch for drafts. Install compressible weatherstripping or removable sealant if necessary.
Inspect the attic for signs of problems:
Frost
Rusty nail heads
Mould under the roof support
You may need to call in a specialist to determine and eliminate the root cause.
Appliances and other household equipment
Clean the humidifier and dehumidifier (coil and tank) two or three times over the winter. |
Clean behind and underneath your appliances. |
Clean the filters on these appliances (or replace as needed):
|
If there is no air exchanger, open at least two windows for a few minutes every day. A well-ventilated house is less humid and easier to heat. |
Pour water into the check valves (flood guards) of floor drains and little-used plumbing equipment. |
Check that the sump pump and drain hose are working properly. Make sure the sump pump has a cover (as airtight as possible). |
If you have an oil furnace, look at the burner flame. If the tip of the flame isn’t blue, call a specialist. |
Inspect your oil tank regularly. If you detect moisture, water seeping in at the base of the tank, or a persistent odour, it may be a sign of an impending leak. In the event of a minor leak, liberally sprinkle baking soda over it and sweep it up the next day. And of course, call a technician to do the repair. |
Every month, clean the air filters of the warm air heating system or replace them as needed. |
Reverse the rotation direction of your ceiling fans. It will create an updraft and then push the warm air back down. Take the opportunity to tighten the screws (your fan will be more secure and quieter). |
Good to know
If you haven’t already done so, locate the shut-off valve for the main water supply line and show your family members where it is. If something were to happen, you won’t waste precious time trying to figure out how to turn off the water. It can make all the difference between a minor leak and a major flood (and major costs!).
Outdoor winter home maintenance
Clear snow from basement walkways and emergency exits, as well as balconies, patios, and driveways. Spread out sand or gravel with a de-icing (melting) product as needed. Remove snow and frost that could interfere with the operation of the heat pump or obstruct the air intakes and exhaust vents. :
Air exchanger
Dryer
Range hood
Bathroom fan
At the same time, make sure there’s nothing preventing the damper from being air and watertight.
Regularly check for ice and snow to be cleared from the roof.
Don’t let snow or ice build up on a temporary car shelter.
Use an extension cord to plug your car into a block heater.
Handy checklist to download or print
See our guide to winter maintenance, with a list of things to do or check, both inside and outside your home. Download or print it—and be sure to keep it on hand.
Do you need personalized advice on your home?
Our Residential Advisory Services counsellors are there to answer your questions and support you when you need it. Ask for their advice as often as you like. It’s one of the benefits of membership.
