Design and Trends 2019 1_Digital_Design_Color_Trends_2019 | Page 88

HOME
ADVICE
FROM
BEN
BISSET
this winter
Bears have it pretty easy. During winter, they
curl up in their caves and watch Seinfeld
reruns until Spring (I assume). Homeowners,
not so much. These tips will keep you
comfortable all winter long!
CHANGE FURNACE FILTERS Furnace
breakdowns when it’s -30 o C are no fun. 9 out
of 10 service calls result from poor airflow.
Change 1-inch filters every three months and
6-inch filters every six months. To change a
filter, turn off the furnace. Replace the existing
filter with the arrow pointing towards the
furnace. Turn the power back on.
TURN OFF EXTERIOR FAUCETS Pipes that
bursts in February don’t show up until March
when temperatures rise and your basement
floods. To winterize faucets turn off the water
at the shut-off valve inside your home. Open
the faucet outside then find the drain cap
located back at the shut-off valve. Unscrew
it and catch the water that comes out in a
bucket before reinserting the cap.
CLEAN YOUR EAVESTROUGHS You don’t
want clogged eavestroughs in the spring
when rain starts falling. Eavestroughs also
protect your home during winter by directing
melting snow away from your foundation.
Clogged eavestroughs may also increase
the risk of ice dams. Eavestrough cleaning is
dangerous work so hire a professional.
BE FIRE SAFE With your heating equipment
working overtime, there is added danger
from fire and carbon monoxide. Replace the
batteries on your alarms and check for expiry
dates. Alarms need to be replaced every 10
years. Place fire extinguishers on each floor
and near your kitchen, electrical, and laundry
rooms.
Caboodl lets you enjoy your home. Serving
the Toronto area, our proactive maintenance
saves time and money by preventing
problems before they happen and solving
them quickly if they do. - Ben Bisset, www.caboodl.
ca