Clear the sidewalk
The City of Edmonton requires you to clear snow and ice from the sidewalk next to your property. Do it soon after it stops snowing. The City generally follows up on complaints once 48 hours have passed without new snow. Use ice melt or grit on icy steps and walkways.
Keep the vents clear
High-efficiency furnaces and water heaters often vent out the side of the house through plastic pipes. If snow or frost blocks them, the furnace can shut off, or exhaust can back up.
- Check the intake and exhaust pipes after every big snowfall.
- Clear snow and ice away by hand. Don't chip at the pipes.
- Keep the gas meter and dryer vent clear too.
Prevent frozen pipes
- Keep the heat on, even when you're away.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls during cold snaps.
- Know where your main water shut-off is, and make sure it turns.
- Away for a while? Check your home insurance. Many policies need someone to check the house regularly in winter.
The furnace
- Check the filter every month and change it when it's dirty.
- Keep the area around the furnace and water heater clear of boxes.
- If the furnace stops, check the filter, the thermostat and the outside vents before you call for service.
Humidity and windows
Frost or water on the inside of your windows usually means humidity is too high for the cold. Turn the humidifier down, run the bathroom and kitchen fans, and open blinds so air reaches the glass.
Roof and ice dams
Ice dams, the thick ridges of ice at the edge of the roof, often come from heat escaping into the attic. Don't climb up to chip at them. If you see water stains on the ceiling, call a roofer. Heavy snow on a flat roof, deck or carport may need clearing.
Safety
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Never warm up a vehicle in a closed garage.
- If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas company's emergency line from outside.
When the melt starts, move on to my spring checklist.
General guidance only. For roof, gas or electrical work, call a licensed pro.