Winterize your home with these 5 simple steps

Autumn officially got underway just a few days ago, but it won't be long before Albertans are breaking out the shovels to tackle snow-covered driveways.

Is your house ready for the freeze?

CBC Edmonton'sNews at 6 host Nancy Carlson spoke with professional home inspectors Colin Dvorak and Glen Eskat, ofA Buyer's Choice Home Inspections in Spruce Grove and Edmonton, about ways to protectyour home this winter possibly savinga lot of money down the road.

The segments ran during Thursday and Friday's newscasts.

Home tips: gutters and hoses

5 years ago

Duration 2:15

Nancy Carlson discovers tips to winter proof your home

1. Clean the gutters

It's fall, and if your house has a tree overhanging it, now is the time to getleaves out of the gutter.

Any buildup can prevent water from draining freely, increasing the chances of ice damming, which can spell trouble when it warms up. That water could drip inside an attic space and come throughceilings.

2. Disconnect your garden hose

Is your garden hose still attached to the house?

Any waterstill inside the hose will freeze and, as it expands, it can push backwardsthrough the valve, causing the water line to freeze.

Simply disconnecting your hose can save you a lot of money.

3. Take a close look atthe furnace filter

Isyour basement's furnace filter in bad shape?

Makesure the filter is clean and airflow is moving tohelp prevent the headache of a furnace breakdown.

4. Check inside the furnace

Is there any moisture inside?

In the event that you spy moisture anywhere inside the furnace, considercalling a technician to have it serviced right away.

If you spot dust, a duct cleaning service can help make sure the air you're breathing is clean.

5. Humidifier maintenance

A humidifier can help maintain temperature and humidity levels within your home as long as you're maintaining itat least semi-annually.

Simply remove the pad from inside and have it cleaned or replaced.

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Home tips: furnace

5 years ago

Duration 2:03

Tips for preparing your furnace for winter