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Winter Time Checklist


Title: Winter Time Maintenance Tips for Your Home: Keeping Cozy and Efficient

As winter blankets your surroundings in a layer of frost and snow, it’s crucial to prepare your home for the challenges that colder temperatures bring. Winter maintenance is not only about ensuring comfort but also about safeguarding your property from potential damage. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a variety of winter time maintenance tips to help you keep your house cozy, energy-efficient, and well-protected during the colder months.

  1. Heating System Inspection and Maintenance

Begin your winter preparations by inspecting and maintaining your heating system. Schedule a professional check-up for your furnace or heat pump to ensure it is running efficiently. Replace air filters regularly, as clogged filters can impede airflow and reduce heating effectiveness. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to optimize energy usage and keep your home at a comfortable temperature without unnecessary expenses.

  1. Sealing and Insulation

Prevent drafts and heat loss by checking for gaps and cracks around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping and caulking to seal any leaks, ensuring that warm air stays inside and cold air stays out. Additionally, inspect your home’s insulation to guarantee it meets recommended standards. Adequate insulation not only keeps your home warm but also contributes to energy efficiency, reducing heating costs over the winter.

  1. Gutter and Roof Maintenance

Winter precipitation can put a strain on your roof and gutters. Clean out leaves, debris, and any blockages from gutters to prevent ice dams, which can lead to water damage. Inspect the roof for damaged shingles and replace any that are missing or compromised. Addressing these issues before winter storms hit will help protect your home from potential leaks and structural damage.

  1. Outdoor Plumbing and Sprinkler Systems

Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your home. Disconnect and store garden hoses, and turn off outdoor water supplies to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Consider insulating exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like the basement or crawl spaces. Additionally, drain and winterize your sprinkler system to avoid any issues when spring arrives.

  1. Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance

If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s ready for use by scheduling a professional chimney sweep. This not only removes any potential blockages but also reduces the risk of chimney fires. Inspect the damper and ensure it closes tightly when not in use to prevent drafts. Stock up on seasoned firewood to keep warm and cozy during the winter nights.

  1. Winter Landscaping

Trim overhanging branches and remove dead vegetation before winter storms arrive. Snow and ice can weigh down branches, posing a risk of falling on your home. Additionally, apply winter fertilizer to your lawn to promote healthy growth when spring arrives. Taking care of your landscaping ensures a neat appearance and minimizes potential hazards during the winter months.

Conclusion:

By proactively addressing these winter time maintenance tasks, you can create a cozy and well-protected haven for the colder months. Investing time and effort into winter preparations not only enhances the comfort of your living space but also safeguards your home from potential damages, saving you both money and stress in the long run. Remember, a well-maintained home is a warm and welcoming refuge during the chilliest season of the year.

Alberta’s Beer Scene

Alberta’s craft beer scene has grown rapidly in recent years, with a wide range of breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Here are some of the top breweries in Alberta to check out:

  1. Blindman Brewing: Located in Lacombe, Blindman Brewing is known for its innovative and creative beers, as well as its commitment to sustainability and community involvement. Their range of beers includes everything from classic IPAs and stouts to more unusual offerings like a ginger and lemon sour beer.
  2. Tool Shed Brewing Company: Based in Calgary, Tool Shed Brewing Company is known for its fun and irreverent branding, as well as its tasty brews. Their range of beers includes everything from a classic American pale ale to a peanut butter milk stout.
  3. Alley Kat Brewing Company: Founded in 1995, Alley Kat Brewing Company is one of Alberta’s oldest craft breweries. They offer a wide range of beers, including their popular Aprikat apricot wheat ale, as well as seasonal and limited edition brews.
  4. Dandy Brewing Company: Located in Calgary, Dandy Brewing Company is known for its inventive and creative brews, as well as its cozy taproom and patio. Their range of beers includes everything from a floral and herbaceous saison to a rich and chocolaty stout.
  5. Bench Creek Brewing: Based in Yellowhead County, Bench Creek Brewing is known for its delicious and well-crafted beers, as well as its beautiful location in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Their range of beers includes everything from a hoppy and refreshing pale ale to a rich and complex barleywine.

These are just a few of the many great breweries in Alberta to check out. Whether you’re a fan of classic beer styles or enjoy trying new and unusual brews, Alberta’s craft beer scene has something for everyone. So why not take a tour of some of these breweries and discover your new favorite beer!

Some lastminute things to do before you list your home.

So, you’ve made the decision to list your home. Your agent has said they have photographers coming in a week’s time. Here are a few small things that can help you achieve a higher selling price and put your potential buyers minds more are ease

  1. If your like me maybe your cleaning skills are not as great as they should be. For the cost of around $250 you can hire a professional cleaner to come in a day or two before photos and put the finishing touches on your home. Cleanliness is often ranked as one of the highest items potential buyers immediately notice
  2. Shovel/Cut and mow the grass. While this may be common sense, many buyers do a drive by of houses before they view them. If they see your home is well taken care of on the outside it will make them feel more comfortable and excited about the inside of the home
  3. Remove all of your pets items from the house. Alot of people are pet lovers, but some are not. When listings we are trying to attract all buyers. Some of the buyers will instantly be turned off if they see pet beds, water bowls, dog toys, etc lying around the house. Do your best for showings to hide those items away
  4. Fresh flowers and greenery. Having some real or even fake plants strategically placed throughout your home is always a nice touch and generally noticed by buyers. It may sound like a small item but something as simple as flowers can put a smile on a buyers place.

These are only a few small items while prepping your home for a listing that can add value to the final sale price of your home. If you want more ideas as always, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Secret to Getting Rid of Hard Water Stains

Most of us have problems with hard water. It’s almost impossible to get off! You’ve probably tried abrasive cleaning products that promise to remove it, but even those don’t always work. There’s a surprising ingredient that will eat it away and you probably already have it in your kitchen – vinegar! Here are some tricks for using vinegar to get rid of hard water stains: Faucets: Soak paper towels in vinegar and place them on the areas that are caked with hard water stains. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray the towels every couple of minutes. After 20-30 minutes, take the towels off and scrub off the hard water with an old toothbrush. For areas with thick hard water, repeat the process, waiting one hour and keeping the towels soaked with vinegar. You shouldn’t have to scrub too hard – the hard water will come off easily after soaking in vinegar. Showerheads: You can also use vinegar to unclog the holes in your shower heads. Most shower heads detach from the base and can easily be soaked in a bucket. If it’s attached to the faucet or shower wall, simply fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it around the showerhead. Warning: Do not use vinegar on marble countertops or other stoneware, as it can cause the stone to pit and corrode.