With the Lower Mainland’s winter in full swing, a variety of different potential hazards to the home can come into play.
Winter seems to be getting colder and frostier with each year, and with inclement weather come hazards to look for in and around the home.
From frozen pipes to faulty furnaces, and ensure you have the right home insurance, here’s a round-up of what you need to know to keep your home safe this winter.
Frozen and burst pipes
Burst pipes are a common winter problem, usually caused when they thaw rapidly after freezing up.
When this does happen, it can cause nasty flooding and serious damage.
But preparing yourself against this kind of damage isn’t difficult. If you’re going away during a cold period, for example, one simple step is leaving the central heating on at a low heat.
Furnaces and gas fireplaces
Many will vouch for the seeming fact that your gas-burning furnace or fireplace will most likely break down when you need it most.
Checking to ensure your furnace or fireplace is operating properly and efficiently can save you money and ensure it remains problem-free for the winter.
Having a certified gas professional do a routine check of your furnace or fireplace for winter is always a smart idea.
Here are a few other things that you can do yourself.
• Change the furnace filters regularly. Some experts suggest you do this every three months; others suggest it be done monthly. At least take a look at the filter after 30 days of use to tell if it needs changing. If your filter still looks pretty good, you can put off changing it.
• Stock up on filters during the warmer months as furnace filter bargains are often found during hot summer months.
• Remove items stored near the furnace or fireplace; especially anything that could catch fire. Also ensure no household items are sitting on top of, or in front of, air ducts and return vents.
• If you have hot-water radiators, bleed their valves by opening the valves slightly and closing them again when water appears.
Carbon monoxide
One of the big dangers to consider is carbon monoxide (CO), also known as ‘The Silent Killer.’
If your furnace or gas-burning fireplace are poorly maintained, you may find yourself susceptible to CO, which, with no colour, taste or smell is extremely difficult to detect without an installed carbon monoxide detector.
Snow damage to guttering
Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are securely fastened to the house and-or wall before the really heavy snowfall starts.
Snow accumulation in gutters has been known to help rip them from the house and severely compromising your home’s water-drainage system.
Ensure no leaves left over from the fall are clogging your downspouts too. This too can lead to water backup, excess weight, and gutters ripping away from house walls.
Home insurance
Finally, check your home insurance policy to ensure furnace breakdown and subsequent flooding issues are already included.
If not, it may be worth considering upgrading your policy to avoid a big repair bill and to ensure you aren’t left in the cold longer than you need to be.
Kevin Gillies is a freelance writer for Black Press.
