INSULATION

• Pay special attention to doors and windows. These are the source of most of the drafts in the house during winter. Install new weatherstripping on the outside edges of doors and windows. Front door insulation can be improved with an insulating strip at the bottom of the door.

• Examine all electrical outlets and switches located on outside walls. If you detect any cold air, put insulation pads behind the cover to seal the wall plate and cut drafts.

• Insulating hot water pipes by wrapping them in foam tubes is an excellent way of reducing heating bills. The water heater can also be insulated by wrapping it in a water heater blanket.
  

HEATING

• Programmable thermostats will help you reduce your home’s heating costs. They automatically lower the temperature at night or when you’re out during the day, as well as maintaining a uniform temperature throughout the house.

• Clean or replace the furnace filter. Inspect the fuel tank. Check carefully for any fuel leaks. Inspect the oil level indicator, the filling pipe, etc.

VENTILATION

• For better air quality, clean or replace the filters in the kitchen range hood and air exchanger.

HUMIDITY

• Measure the humidity in the house with a hygrometer. The humidity level should be between 30% and 55%. While excess humidity increases concentrations of pollutants, too little humidity (below 30%) can cause dry skin and dry throats and aggravate skin allergies. A humidifier will increase the humidity in the home.

• Inspect rooms susceptible to damp. It is essential to take steps to eliminate any signs of mould to avoid health problems.

REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS

• Inspect tiling and replace any damaged tiles. If grouting is damaged, repair it. Old grout should first be removed with a hammer and a special chisel. Afterwards, you can apply new grout.

• Carefully examine the caulking around the bath, shower and sink. Remove old caulking in places where it is breaking down or damaged, clean the surface and let it dry. Apply the new caulking and smooth the joint with a wet finger to obtain a uniform finish.
   
  Look around the house for ways of brightening up the decor. Why not try rearranging furniture and adding a few new decorative items? Think about putting up mouldings to enhance a room.

FAUCETS

• Equipping showers with a low-flow showerhead will allow you to reduce water consumption by up to 50%. Water retention and displacement devices increase an old toilet’s efficiency. If you feel that it’s time to replace the entire unit, select a water-efficient model. 

• Are some faucets leaking? Check the gaskets and replace any that are worn. Bathtub, shower and sink drains that are not flowing properly should be unblocked.

SMOKE DETECTORS

• Check the state of the batteries by pressing the test button, and ensure that the smoke detector works properly by snuffing out a candle near the unit.

SNOW REMOVAL AND DE-ICING

• Always keep your entrances and walkways shovelled and ice-free. You can use salt to melt ice, or choose another type of de-icing product that does not damage surfaces.

• If you can safely get rid of excess snow on the roof while standing on the ground, go ahead. Otherwise, call a professional to do the job for you.

• To prevent ice accumulating on the edges of the roof or in the gutters, you can use specially designed heating cables.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

• At the beginning of December, inspect your Christmas decorations and replace any burnt bulbs. If you’re planning to install outdoor lights, be sure to use the right outdoor extension cords.

By taking advantage of winter to carry out indoor maintenance, you’ll be making your home safer and more comfortable. You’ll also find it gives you more time to look after the outside of the house during the rest of the year.