How to Get Ready for Winter in Quebec

The cost of damage from a single winter storm can be very expensive for Canadians, and these days, the province of Quebec is getting colder and colder by the day!

Make sure your house is prepared for the winter if you don’t want to pay for expensive repairs. Nevertheless, it isn’t always that easy to know what you can do right away to properly prepare and protect your home from the harsh winter.

Relax; The good news is, Connectimmo is here to help you out. Here are our top winter home maintenance recommendations.

Winter storms and freezing temperatures may be hazardous. Plan ahead of time to stay safe and healthy. Prepare your home and cars. Prepare for power interruptions as well as outdoor activities. Check on the elderly.

Check Your Electrical System

The last thing you need is for your electrical system to malfunction when the winter months bring frigid temperatures and days that are darker for extended periods of time.

Make sure you arrange an electrical maintenance tune-up before the winter season arrives. Check for sparking in the main service panel and look for damaged insulation and any discoloration in the breaker wires.

Test the power flow across the electrical circuits using a multimeter. Examine your heating systems as well as items like extension cables and wall plugs.

Test your ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) while you do this. All you have to do is push the test button to see whether there is electricity flowing through it using the multi-meter.

Contact a certified electrician to look into any issues, you may have. For safety reasons, you really shouldn’t do this by yourself.

Clear Out Rain Gutters

When the gutters are clogged with leaves or tree branches, snow and ice that should be directed away from the house will instead pile up (and eventually melt) on the roof or fly off onto the ground, which will cause decaying fascia boards below the roof level, cracks in the foundation or walkways, or leaks in your basement.

Before the first freeze, inspect your gutters and clean them as needed to avoid severe, costly structural damage. For heavy material, a trowel or shovel scoop should be used. A gardening hose should be used to remove smaller pollutants.

Change The Direction of the Blades on Your Ceiling Fan

The warm air you desire will rise to the ceiling if your fan’s blades are still configured to rotate anticlockwise, while the cold air will be forced downward toward the floor where you are standing.

Change the direction of your ceiling fan so that it rotates clockwise and the blades blow warm air toward you to avoid winter chills.

Buy a Generator

A generator is one of your most important purchases, no matter where you live.

You should get a generator before you actually need it!  The most crucial thing that you need to know is how to use one properly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Prepare For Storms

Blizzards, ice, and freezing rain are all part of winter. Get ready in advance to avoid getting into difficulty during the upcoming severe storm.

Make sure your generator is operational if you have one. Additionally, keep a supply of batteries on hand for lanterns and flashlights in case of blackouts or power outages.

Keep a solar-powered or battery-operated radio in your house as another helpful suggestion. This implies that you can stay current on news and weather even if mobile phone service is unavailable.

Check Your Heating & AC

Most heating and air conditioning systems survive 12 to 15 years on average. At 10 years, we sometimes see systems that are effectively useless, and at 20 years, we have actually seen systems that are still functioning properly. This is mostly due to how they are maintained and the quality of the heater.

Take advantage of this opportunity to at the very least change your filters before it starts to get chilly. We strongly advise having a competent HVAC contractor examine the system.

Even better, consider signing a yearly maintenance contract. Ask the contractor to examine your system to ensure that your heat will operate when you need it.

Clean Your Chimney & Buy Some Firewood

Before you start building those cozy fireplaces in the coming months, get your fireplace cleaned and inspected. A good chimney sweep service company will ensure that the fireplace is safe to use and can identify any maintenance issues.

This is also the time to place your order for firewood. Take the time to stack and cover the wood in a suitable area of the yard. Check that old firewood isn’t rotted and dispose of it away from your home.

Prepping Your Car for Winter

If you often drive in thick snow, try replacing your regular tires with a pair of snow tires—the treads on these tires have huge gaps, which improves grip. Wait until daytime temperatures are regularly 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below before installing winter tires to protect the grip.

Make a winter survival box to keep in your vehicle in case you get stuck. Cell Phones, portable chargers, and additional batteries should be included in the box.

• Extra hats, jackets, mittens, blankets, or sleeping bags to keep you warm.
• Water and food.
• Booster cables, flares, a tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter are all required (for traction).
• Maps and a compass.
• Extra batteries, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.
• Plastic bags and a first-aid kit (for sanitation).
• Service the radiator and maintain the anti-freeze level.
• Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.

While using an ice scraper or a spray bottle of homemade de-icer are two traditional methods of removing an iced windshield, however, both involve leaving your car and facing the cold weather.

Installing winter windshield wiper blades is safer and warmer since their flexible rubber and anti-clogging arms will help ward off snow and ice as you relax in the warmth of your vehicle.

Get Ready for Winter Storms

Blizzards, sleet, and freezing rain are all part of winter. Prepare yourself and your family in advance to avoid getting into trouble during the upcoming major storms in Quebec.

Prepare to check on relatives and neighbors who are more vulnerable to cold weather threats, such as small children, the elderly, and the chronically ill.

Bring your pets inside if you have any. If you can’t bring them inside, make sure they have enough warm shelter and defrosted water to drink.

Nobody can delay the arrival of winter. However, if you follow these tips, you will be prepared when the time comes.

Winter storms appear to be becoming worse by the year, so it’s important to be prepared for the next one. Thankfully, there are many things that may be done ahead of time to prepare.