- Attic Insulation – 12-15 inches minimum of even insulation is needed to keep heat in the house and money in your pocket. Have your R-value checked by a professional if needed.
- Change Air Filter – For healthy, indoor air, change your air filter once a month in the winter months. Your furnace has to work twice as hard with an air-borne allergen clogged filter.
- Vacuum Vents – Take off the covers and hoses to your dryer, bathroom and stove vents and suction out lint and debris. This will increase efficiency and decrease fire hazards.
- Furnace Cleaning – Have furnace inspected and cleaned once a year – before winter. A dirty furnace is less efficient. Call ATCO Gas to inspect your appliances. Free of charge.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts – Use a ladder, gloves and a garbage bag to remove debris from the past year. Run water from a hose through the downspouts to ensure they are unclogged.
- Install Gutter Guards – To minimize the amount of debris accumulated, gutter guards are a good idea but you’ll still need to check for clogs once a year in the fall.
- Seal Foundation – Cracks and holes in foundation are inevitable and can lead to significant damage if not treated. Repair and seal holes with a quality caulking material.
- Inspect Roof Shingles – Not just the shingles but metal flashing at all the roof joints to look for signs of leaking, rotting or damage. It protects everything in the home – don’t overlook it.
- Check Shut off Valves – An important line of defense and if not cared for, they can deteriorate. Wipe valves clean, and open and close. This deters corrosion and ensures they work.
- Drain Outside Faucets – Water pipes can freeze, swell and burst in the winter months, causing significant damage. Turn the external shut valve off and open the faucet until the drip stops.
- Replace Batteries in Detectors – October is Fire Awareness Month so use it as a reminder to replace batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and other safety instruments.
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