Keep an eye on your roof’s snow load. D.J. Schloss, left, and Doug Metz, right shovel off a roof in Alden, N.Y. on Nov. 20. The weight of the snow has caused problems around the area with roofs collapsing and buildings compromised.
Tempted to shut everything up tight and hunker down when it’s cold outside? That might not be the best move.
Windows, for instance, should be kept uncovered as much as possible to expose the glass to warm inside air, minimizing condensation, says Tamarack Homes in its winter home maintenance guide.
Here are some other winter tips to follow. Some we’ve heard before, but a reminder never hurts.
Open and shut: Leave bedroom doors open when you can for better air circulation.
Bone dry: Hardwood flooring can be damaged if your home gets too dry. Monitor the relative humidity with a hygrometer (a tool specifically designed to measure humidity) and set your humidifier for 30 per cent or higher.
Checkup time: If you haven’t yet done it, get your annual furnace check/cleaning to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Also make sure you’re replacing or cleaning air filters in the furnace, HRV and hood fan either monthly or as needed. Tip: Running your furnace fan throughout the year helps provide ventilation for the house.
Air care: Make sure your indoor air vents (HRV and furnace supplies and returns) are clean and not blocked by dust, furniture or drapes. Air supply vents in the basement should be open.
On or off? Your HRV draws outside air into the house. But on very cold days, you don’t want this dry air, so switch it off.
Outside: Make sure roof louvres, vents and soffits are not blocked. Your attic needs to breathe.
Checklist: 7 winter maintenance tips for your home
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