Our latest blog prepares you for the cold winter months of Canada with...

8 Tips For Homeowners in the Winter!

From saving on energy bills to proper maintenance and winterizing tips, the Real Estate Partners with Re/Max First  (a top Calgary real estate brokerage and a top real estate team) that proudly serves Calgarians and the surrounding areas of Cochrane, Airdrie, Okotoks, Langdon and Chestermere.  

1.  Thermostat 

    Feeling the woes from last years winter bills? Your furnace running constantly to keep your home at a toasty... 24? 23? 22? 21? Either way, you're definitely relying on a thermostat to keep your house temperatures in check, but when you're not home, why are you heating the house up? As many of you know and probably have, programmable and smart thermostats and readily available and can save you anywhere from 5 to 20% a year on your heating bill! When you're out and about, utilize this newer technology to save on your bills and pay off that flashy new tech in your place! 

2.  Clean your laundry ducts 

    You might have heard the warnings, but we're here to repeat them loud and clear, the lint stacking up in your dryer may seem tempting to let it go and grow into one just fuzzy ball, but it poses a big risk in your home! Too much lint build up can reduce air flow, build heat, and ultimately causes thousands of fires throughout North America every year. Check your lint traps, and ducts to ensure proper clearance and operation. 

3.  Adjust your hot water tank temperature 

   Many times your water heater could come installed and running at its maximum setting, this can pose a much higher risk of scalding and burning, especially with infants and toddlers in the house as well as cost you more money to keep the tank piping hot throughout the year. Turning down your water heater to more neutral levels we've been told 120-125 Fahrenheit can help save up to 7% on your water heating bill! 

4.  Window check up 

   Did you know that up to 25% of your heat in the house can be lost simply from poor windows and window seals being broken? If your windows insulation isn't up to par anymore, consider replacement or resealing, this could easily save you the money invested in a short time. 

5.  Attic insulation 

   Properly insulating your attic can provide great cost savings on your heating bill. It's estimated that you could save anywhere from 10-50% on your heating bill by getting your attic insulated properly. Contact local insulation experts to check out your home and see what they can achieve for you and your insulation needs. 

6.  Clean your gutters 

   Having clear and clean gutters for heavy rain fall isn't just important in the spring and summer. After fall drops it's beautifully coloured leaves all over your roof and right into your gutters, they're going to need a little attention before winter comes around. Having clogged gutters could lead to ice damning and major gutter back ups which can lead to leaks and eaves trough damage.

7.  Outdoor plumbing 

   Turning off the water supply on your exterior faucets is a great way to prevent busted pipes in the winter! We've run across many buyers and sellers who are new, and very experienced who weren't aware of this preventative measure, and often just allowed their pipes to sit exposed and potentially full leading into the cooler months. 

8.  Chimney safety checkup  

   Last but not least, proper chimney maintenance is essential! If you've purchased a new home and aren't sure on the history or use of the fireplace, get it inspected and potentially cleaned before you use it, don't risk a chimney fire in your home!