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Unfortunately, winter is inevitable and has arrived in full force. Many of us are wondering “how can we keep warm without breaking the bank?” The team at RCC North DKI (https://www.rccn.ca/) have been in the restoration biz for over 35 years, and in that time, we’ve seen a thing or two when it comes to property management. Here are some useful tips to keep your home toasty and safe this winter season. We will also be diving into what the most common cold-related emergencies are and how to respond.
Let’s break down cold weather tips for your home, apartment or condo into three groups:
- Feng Shui
- Home Projects
- Emergency Tips
Table of Contents
1. Feng Shui
Ok, so maybe this isn’t exactly “feng shui” but some simple things you can move around your home can really make a difference in keeping you warm this winter.
Curtains
During the day, leaving them open allows the sun to shine in and naturally heat your home and when it gets dark, close them which adds another layer of insulation.
Couch
Make sure your couch is not placed too close to a radiator, this will cause much of the heat in your home to be absorbed. Moving your couch away from a radiator will allow the heat to properly disperse throughout the room.
Monitor all your heat sources throughout the house as potential threats to your well-being.
Close The Door
If you have rooms in your home that are not overly used, simply closing them will not only contain the heat in the more common areas but will also stop any cold air from those other rooms from entering the rest of the house.
Ceiling Fans
We all know these can be a lifesaver during the summer months, but in the winter, the simple act of turning the switch so the fan goes clockwise can actually help keep you home warm. This will keep the warm air where you want it, closer to the ground – this is especially if you have cathedral ceilings.
2. Home Projects
So now that you’ve rearranged your furniture to maximize heat distribution in your home, let’s take a look at some other long-term solutions that can help you keep your home warm during those cold months.
Upgrade your heating: In some provinces, heating makes up HALF the energy bill, by upgrading to an efficient heating system, you can save money and stay warm!
Thermostatic radiator valves: Research has shown installing heating controls and a thermostatic radiator vale can result in energy savings of 40% compared to homes without!
Insulation: Did you know that when it comes to heat, about 25% is lost through the roof? This can be reduced by simply installing 25cm of insulation throughout your home. Not only will this help keep your home warm but can reduce ice dam formations, which can cause a lot of damage to both your home interior as well as the exterior.
When it comes to heating your home, there are a lot of different ways to accomplish this. It is important to consider that long term solutions will not only keep you warm but will also increase the value of your home.
When it comes to renovations and restoration, know the team at RCC North DKI have your back and will be there to help you every step of the way!
3. Emergency Tips For The Cold
Determining what constitutes an emergency and how to deal with it can be a challenge that no one wants to face. Below we break down the most common emergencies relating to the cold weather and how they can be avoided.
Frozen Pipes
Water damage to your home is devastating any way you look at it. In the winter months, floods can occur when a water line freezes and bursts. This is typically caused by windows or patio doors being left open. Even if they’re only open an inch, this can cause a pipe inside to freeze in minutes.
It’s recommended to keep your thermostat above 17 degrees and ensure it’s never turned off. If you are going away, ensure the heating is kept running in case there is a sudden drop in temperature.
No Heat
Another common issue that may arise is if you are experiencing no heat in your home. Not only is this uncomfortable in those winter months, but no heat can also be a contributor to frozen pipes. It’s important to have no heat issues resolved as quickly as possible if they do happen.
The best time to make sure you have heat is when you still have it. If your furnace is in your unit, then make sure you complete your pre-winter tune-up.
You may also want to look into some heat alternatives for your space, such as a space heater or other room heaters. These can also help you reduce your heat bill for the winter.
Fires
With everyone wanting to get cozy with a fireplace, heater, or candles, there is a higher risk of indoor fires when its chilly outside. If you suspect a fire in the building, immediately leave and call 911. Your personal safety and the safety of your neighbours is the most important.
To avoid these situations, ensure you do not leave the fireplace or any candles unattended, even for a few minutes.
Notes from Magnum York: Thank you to Rocky Cross Construction North (RCCN) for these wonderful tips! RCCN has been a long time, a preferred vendor of ours here at Magnum York. They continuously provide consistent and professional work to all of the properties we manage.
Review Magnum York emergency instructions to help you understand what to do in the event of an emergency at your property.
Carry enough deductible insurance for your condo unit
In multi-family complexes, the winter emergencies create exponential damage. A burst pipe in one unit can impact many units underneath it if there’s enough water. It’s important to carry enough insurance to cover your unit belongings … and in the case of condo owners, enough insurance to cover the max $50K deductible for the condo corporation if the emergency originates in your unit. For more information, see our article:
References
- Rocky Cross Construction North – https://www.rccn.ca/
- The Conversation – https://theconversation.com/10-ways-to-keep-your-house-warm-and-save-money-this-winter-67285
- Efficiency Alberta – https://efficiencyalberta.ca/
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