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Mis à jour le 12 décembre 2023

Pro Tips

Top Tips for Winterizing Your Home

It’s the time of year to get set for winter again! Before the cold and snow really hit, take some proactive steps to prepare your home for the season. Here are our top tips for helping your household weather the conditions.

Start with the Weatherproofing Basics

Weatherproofing is all about stopping air exchange with the outside and lowering your heating bill. Here are four effective ways to do it.

Add Weather Stripping

Adding weather stripping to your doors, windows, and attic access points will keep out drafts.

Install Door Sweeps

Door sweeps are installed on the bottom of a door to seal the gap above the threshold.

Apply Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is another effective way to insulate windows. For casement windows, you only need to use self-adhesive foam insulation. For double-hung windows, you should use both foam insulation and V-channel stripping. Make sure to apply the foam insulation between the studs and frames.

Seal Up Your Windows

Window film is a type of plastic sheeting that you can apply across your window frames to create an airtight barrier, helping you save energy and lower your heating bills. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to install and doesn’t require any additional supplies or tools.
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Pro Tip

If you cannot remove the trim around your windows and doors to install insulation or stripping, then you can seal air leaks using latex or acrylic caulk instead.

Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to remove and replace old exterior caulking.

Insulate Your Home

Insulation is the most effective way to keep the cold air outside and the warm air inside during the winter.

Use Roll Insulation Anywhere in Your Home

Roll insulation is best applied in spacious and unobstructed areas like attics and crawl spaces, but it can be used just about anywhere in the home. One of its main benefits is that it can be cut to any size to fit a variety of cavities. It is also available in un-faced and faced designs. Faced insulation can be used in attics, exterior walls, finished basements, knee walls, floors, ceilings, and cathedral ceilings.

Use Blown-In Insulation in the Attic

Blown-in insulation is among the easiest types of insulation to apply in the attic. For maximum efficiency and performance, it is important to note the R-value of the material, which denotes its ability to resist heat conduction. Different regions and climates require different R-values.
SHOP ALL INSULATION PRODUCTS

Winterize Your Home Exterior

The outside of your home, including the patio, deck, garden, and yard all need to be prepared for winter as well. Get ready to deal with the snow and ice with effective snow removal tools like shovels, salt, snow blowers, and snow-melting sensors and cables. Snow protection for your plants, garden tools, and eaves troughs is also a must.
SHOP SNOW AND WINTER ESSENTIALS
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Pro Tip

Freezing temperatures can cause terra cotta pots to crack and break. Insulating materials like bubble wrap, burlap, or even old blankets can help protect these beautiful pieces.

Don’t Forget to Shelter Your Outdoor Power Equipment!

To keep your lawnmower and other yard tools running smoothly and to extend their life, it’s important to prepare them for winter. Check out our guide to learn how to prepare outdoor power equipment for winter storage.

Protect Your Plumbing

When water freezes, it expands and can cause your pipes to rupture. While pipes often have insulation already, any cracks in your foundation or walls can lead to freezing.

Seal Cracks with Caulking

Use caulking to seal cracks in the walls, basement, attic, or crawlspace.

Insulate with Pipe Sleeves

Unprotected pipes can be insulated with pipe sleeves. Use duct tape to seal the joints and slits.

Create Warmth with Heating Cables

Another way to keep pipes warm is to install heating cables along them, making sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
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Pro Tip

Pipes that are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures should be protected by thermostat-controlled, UL-listed pipe heating cables. Take care only to use the right cables for your specific pipes and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation. The manufacturer may also recommend unplugging the cables at the end of winter.

Living room with an electric fireplace

Heat Your Home Effectively

Even when it is freezing outside, the right heating products will help you stay cozy and warm inside of your home. We carry a great selection of electric fireplaces, portable heaters, and heating systems that work effectively and efficiently. Turn your home into an inviting abode for all your family and friends.

Install an Electric Fireplace

Smoke- and emission-free electric fireplaces don’t require venting, making them a great option for extra heating.

Set Up Some Portable Heaters

Portable heaters let you take the heat with you anywhere in your home.

Optimize Your Central Heating and Cooling

An optimized heating and cooling system will let you get the perfect temperature all through the house, down to the exact degree.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Ensure maximum efficiency of your heating and cooling system with a programmable thermostat.

Change the Air Filters

Air filters keep everything running efficiently by trapping dirt, dust, and other debris. However, they need to be changed regularly so they don’t obstruct the airflow.

Hang Up Insulated Curtains

Insulated curtains do an excellent job of keeping the cold out. Install them on your windows to give any room some added style and save on your heating bill at the same time.

Prepare for Winter Storms

Make sure you’re ready for the howling wind and piles of snow by getting prepared ahead of time. Take the steps to keep your family safe from fallen trees, power outages, or infrastructure damage.
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Pro Tip

If you experience a power failure, keep the curtains open during the day to let in sunlight and heat, then close them at night to trap the heat inside. You should also turn off all of your appliances and other electronics in case of a power surge once the electricity is restored. Don’t open your freezer unless you absolutely have to—if the door remains closed, the food will keep from 24 to 36 hours. If you use candles, then never leave them unattended, and be sure to use deep and wide candle holders. Finally, don’t forget to check in on family members, friends, and neighbours who may be vulnerable and in need of assistance, like the elderly, disabled, or ill.