As the temperature outside starts to drop and the snow begins to fall, many homeowners are tempted to get cozy and forget about household tasks and chores. Instead, avoid these common winter homeowner mistakes to ensure your home stays well-maintained all season long.

1. Not using the sun to your advantage

During the long winter months, the sun can be used to your advantage to help warm your home. On a sunny day, even when the temperatures are below freezing, be sure to keep your blinds and curtains open to let the rays of sunshine into your home. Doing this can help you save a few dollars on your heating bills.

2. Not humidifying your home

In Ontario, we’re familiar with hot, humid summers and dry, cold winters. Help make your home feel a few degrees warmer in the winter by installing a whole-home humidifier, or a single-room humidifier. A humidifier will help to prevent dry skin, soothe irritated throats and noses and help to protect your wood furnishings from damage.

3. Not installing a programmable thermostat

If your home is more than a few years old, you may still have a traditional thermostat. This winter, we recommend upgrading to a programmable thermostat to save you money on your utility bills. A programmable thermostat can help you keep your house comfortable while you’re at home and save you money and energy while you’re at work or on vacation. Learn more about the benefits of a programmable thermostat.

4. Not clearing up leaves and fall debris

Let’s face it: no one likes to clear up fall foliage, whether it’s on your lawn or your roof. Clearing up fallen leaves and other fall debris can help you avoid potential damage throughout the winter. Make sure your eavestroughs are clear to prevent damage to your roof over the winter. Raking the leaves from your lawn can also help your grass survive the winter months.

5. Keeping firewood too close to the house

If you enjoy a wood-burning fire over the winter, having a stack of firewood on hand is essential. However, piles of wood are habitats for outdoor bugs, and keeping a pile of wood too close to your house can encourage those bugs to move into your home. Firewood should be stacked six feet away from your exterior walls, and be sure to inspect wood before bringing it inside.

Keeping on top of regular furnace maintenance and ensuring you have enough fuel to heat your home is another important part of surviving the winter! Don’t get caught in the cold this winter, and don’t hesitate to contact Bryan’s Fuel for your emergency service and fuel delivery needs.