Fall is quickly coming to an end, and winter is on its way. If you’re like many Torontonians, you’re probably looking forward to getting cozy with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. That said, the coldest months aren’t all rosy.

Winter also means plenty of ice, snow, and cold temperatures—all of which can be rough on your home. Fortunately, a few winter-proofing steps can help ensure that your house gets through the season unscathed! In this post, we’ll outline a few of our top tips for protecting your property this winter.

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Why Winterizing Matters

Winter-proofing your home isn’t just about your comfort. It’s about protecting the interior and exterior of your house from the elements, which will save you on costly repairs in the long run. Taking care of the small details now will also help you retain the resale value of your home.

You may not be planning to sell for a long time, or ever, but it’s still worth your while to do whatever you can to enhance your property’s value. When the time comes, getting your house ready for the market will be faster and less disruptive since you’ve kept it carefully maintained all along.

Even if you never sell, the equity you build will increase your purchasing power and net worth. Later on, you can tap into the value of your home to fund your ultimate dream vacation or other investment.

Is there a move coming up for your family? The posts below can help with the sale of your existing home:

• Why Late Fall is a Great Time to Sell Your Home
• What Every Seller Should Know About Home Inspections
• 5 Tips to Make Your Home Irresistible to Young Buyers

Turn Off Your Outdoor Faucets

We all take our plumbing for granted—until a nasty surprise pops up in the form of a burst pipe. Winterizing your outdoor faucets can help you avoid this outcome, and the expenses that go along with it.

Before the deep freeze sets in, disconnect any garden hoses and bring them inside if you can. You should also turn off the water to any exterior taps and allow them to drain completely. You could consider purchasing covers for them to avoid cold-weather damage. When spring returns, just turn the taps back on and reattach the hoses, and you’re all ready for gardening season!

Curious about West End Toronto? Learn more about a few of our favourite neighbourhoods in the posts below:

• Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Active Retirees
• Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Foodies
• Best Neighbourhoods In Toronto For Young Families

Prepare Your Windows

To avoid the winter chills, repair any drafty windows in your home. Start by checking for gaps. If you find any around the frames, you can seal them up using weatherstripping or foam insulation. To keep more of your heat indoors, you may also want to buy some window covers.

You’ll find kits for performing this task at your local home improvement store. If you’re pressed for time, even a draft stopper can help you save on energy costs – and some of them are very stylish, too!

Have Your Furnace Serviced

Your furnace is your lifeline when temperatures outside begin to plunge! However, it can only do its job if it’s well-maintained. That means regular inspections and tune-ups. Once a year is ideal, so get ready to call an expert if it’s been a while!

Of course, the benefits of servicing your furnace go beyond a warm home. An efficient HVAC system can also mean lower energy bills—and more money in your pocket for other things. At the very least, changing your filter regularly can help your furnace run more efficiently while improving the quality of your indoor air.

Assess or Upgrade Your Insulation

Before the temperature drops, assess how well-insulated your home is. A lot of heat can be lost through your attic, so check to see that yours is winter-ready. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to consider upgrading your insulation every 15 to 20 years or so. This investment can pay off in terms of greater comfort and lower energy bills.

Any exposed pipes, especially those that run through exterior walls and unheated areas, should also be wrapped with insulation. There are many options available, but foam is one of the easiest and most affordable. Even something as simple as hanging thermal curtains can help you keep that precious warmth inside.

There are still plenty of fun things to do in the West End even as the cooler weather approaches! The posts below will give you a few ideas:

• 6 Places You Have To Visit In The West End This Fall
• Top Hiking Trails In The West End
• Five Best Skating Rinks in the West End

Focus on Safety

Battling ice and snow is a fact of life during Toronto winters. Fortunately, homeowners can take simple steps to protect their property—and the safety of family members and guests.

It’s always a good idea to keep a shovel, ice chipper, and de-icing salt on hand before the first snowfall arrives. If you have pets, be sure to look for some of the pet-friendly solutions on the market. Once winter hits, be sure to maintain a clear path to your front door. A little extra work can go a long way toward preventing slips and falls!

Winter in the GTA can take a toll on a house, but it doesn’t have to. By taking a few preparatory steps, you can ensure that you and your home are ready for the months ahead!

Thinking of selling your home? We know the process inside and out. Get in touch at info@sidorovainwood.com or call 416-769-3437 to learn how we can help you make a successful home sale!