Most of us dread that word: winter. We live in Canada, though, which unfortunately means the colder months ahead are inevitable. 

There are surely activities to make you love winter, like skiing, tobogganing, or simply admiring the sparkle of freshly fallen snow. But when it comes to your home, there are some tasks you'll want to take care of to ensure your investment is kept in great condition throughout these harsh months.

We recently took you through some of the outdoor tasks to prep for winter [ link to AFHYYC - Oct 25 - It’s Almost That Time: Outdoor Tasks to Prep for Winter ], now let's look at some indoor items to take care of, both for home maintenance and home décor.

Maintaining Your Home for the Season

Tune Up Your Heating System 

This is probably the most important thing we can do as Canadians prior to winter. Ensure your heating system is operating properly. The last thing you want is to wake up at 3:00 AM in a house that’s as cold as it is outside. For typically less than $100, you can have a technician inspect your furnace to be sure it is efficient and operating properly.  

This inspection usually includes a check for carbon monoxide leakage, a deadly gas undetectable by human senses. Most new homes now have carbon monoxide detectors, anyway, but it doesn't hurt to double check.

Note: Before tackling your winter maintenance task list, it's a good idea to determine all the home maintenance tasks you should hire a professional for. 

Change Filters 

Now is the time to change furnace filters and clean out your humidifier and HRV filters. Winter brings dirt and dust, and you'll want to ensure your furnace and air movement systems are clean and ready to be in full use for several months.

Do You Have Ceiling Fans? 
If you have any ceiling fans in your home, you'll want to reverse the direction. In summer, your ceiling fans will suck hot air upwards leaving cool air down below. In winter, you'll want the opposite effect to keep your rooms warmer. Reverse their direction before the cold days arrive.

Caulk Your Window Gaps 

In newer homes, this is a rare task to have to complete, but you should still check on your window seals nonetheless. If you find any gaps you'll want to seal them up so you don't have a nasty draft coming into your home.

Hang Heavier Drapes 

To help prevent cooler air from penetrating your home, consider replacing your drapes in the winter with ones made from heavier materials. This acts as a barrier to keep your warm rooms insulated at the windows. If your home has triple pane windows this isn't entirely necessary, but it does help on energy costs.

Fireplace Check

If you have a wood burning fireplace, now is the time to get your chimney checked and cleaned if needed. Dangerous soot build-up can cause a backup of carbon monoxide if not cleaned properly, putting you and your family at risk.

If your home has a gas fireplace, simply check the outside to ensure nothing is stored around the ventilation pipe. Exhaust from your fireplace should be able to vent freely.

Changing the Décor - Winterizing the Mood

Smells of the Season 

Freshen up your home with some warmer scents such as cinnamon, anise, and citrus. You can make your own on your stovetop with a huge variety of readily available recipes.

Combine the scents with appropriate home décor items such as soft pillows, candles, and extra throw blankets in sitting areas.

Change the Bedding 

Get extra cozy in the winter by swapping out your bedding for something warmer. Flannel sheets work very well to insulate your body heat, and thermal blankets with a thick comforter will ensure your nights are cozy and warm. Add an extra throw blanket or afghan on top as both decoration and additional warmth if needed.

Soften the Lighting 

Mood lighting turns an unpleasant outside snowstorm into a cozy, cuddly night in. Hanging string lights in your great room or sitting areas create softer light by which to read or simply relax. Replace overhead, high-end custom lighting with softer lamps throughout the space, changing the entire ambience within the room.

Winter is a tough season both for us and our homes. New homes are constructed to be far more energy efficient, but there are still things we can do to protect it. The more prepared we are before the snow flies, the easier it will be to enjoy our homes until spring arrives once again.

Photo credits: book, technician, tea