Furnace
After immigrating to Canada, the winter is long and cold, and many immigrants need to keep the furnace running for at least six months. It is advisable to have a professional inspection before winter to avoid the furnace suddenly failing on snowy days. If you are using a large company like Direct Energy, by paying an extra twenty dollars a month, they will provide a free furnace inspection once a year. This is like buying insurance for your furnace; if any issues arise, you can have them repaired. The furnace filter should ideally be changed every three months, and for new homes, the filter should be replaced at least every six months. If you are doing it yourself, be sure to turn off the furnace power before changing the filter.
Central Humidifier
People living in houses know that the furnace filter needs to be changed regularly, but few will change the filter of the central humidifier. The filter of the central humidifier should be changed regularly; otherwise, it can grow mold. In fact, the central humidifier is like a person's lungs, filtering clean and moist air; a moldy humidifier is like a house suffering from "lung cancer." Imagine the air inhaled by family members is coming from a moldy filter, which could lead to respiratory infections over time. Experts emphasize that if someone in the household has allergies, it is best to change the filter when having the ventilation ducts checked. Those with strong DIY skills can purchase filters at Home Depot according to their central humidifier brand and change them themselves.
Fireplace
Older homes may still use traditional fireplaces that burn wood. These fireplaces have vents, and if you do not plan to use the fireplace this winter, you should close the vents tightly to prevent indoor heat loss. Many people do not know there is a small door for ventilation inside the fireplace; sealing the fireplace can save a significant amount of energy. Additionally, check the chimney on the roof for fallen leaves; otherwise, leaves falling into the chimney can pose a fire hazard.
CO Detector
To save energy and keep warm in winter, residents often seal their homes tightly. However, if the carbon monoxide (CO) concentration exceeds safe levels, the consequences can be dire. Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent killer"; it is colorless and odorless, making it difficult to detect. The carbon monoxide detector in the home should be checked regularly. If the detector's power is low, a red light will flash, indicating that the battery needs to be replaced. As winter approaches, it is best for residents to test the detector once a month to ensure it is functioning. The testing method is simple; just press the button labeled "test" to confirm whether the detector needs to be replaced. Generally, a new tester is needed every 5 to 7 years. The smoke alarm is the same.
Windows
After a summer of wind, rain, and sun exposure, the seals on the windows may start to loosen or even fall off, and the gaps between the window frames become more pronounced. Experts suggest that if you do not want to replace the entire window, you can purchase a transparent wind insulation layer called a Window Insulator Kit. Compared to the thousands of dollars for a full replacement, this repair kit only costs twenty to thirty dollars and can effectively address air leaks around the window. Additionally, if the sealing strip on the glass window has come off, you can buy a squeeze-type sealant at Home Depot to reseal it, preventing unnecessary heat loss.
Outdoor Water Pipes
Before winter arrives, outdoor water pipes used for watering flowers and maintaining the yard should have their water valves turned off to prevent any remaining water in the pipes from freezing and bursting, which could lead to flooding in the basement. These water valves usually have two switches, one on the exterior wall and one inside the garage. The correct procedure is to first turn off the indoor faucet, then open the outdoor switch to drain any accumulated water from the pipes.
Rain Gutters
If there are tall and dense trees in your yard, be sure to clean the leaves out of the roof rain gutters before the snow falls. If leaves block the drainage pipes, melting snow may not drain properly, causing water to back up into the attic, which can severely wet the ceiling and interior walls, leading to complicated clean-up and the need for professional repairs.
Winter Supplies
Ice salt, snow shovels, windshield washer fluid, snow brushes, etc., are essential winter supplies that every household should have. If you have a gas-powered snow thrower, you should also store a gallon of gasoline for emergencies. Additionally, it is best to check the snow shovel for damage before the snowfall and replace it in advance to prepare for snowy days.