It's easy to just turn up the dial on the thermometer in the living room and forget about what's powering the heat.....Until it all goes wrong! When it gets really cold out, furnaces are put through their paces, working overtime to keep homes warm. You should clean out the furnace filter — once a year for larger ones and once a month for smaller filters during the winter months. Another tip is to make sure snow is cleared away from vents and pipes on the exterior of your house. Those pipes connect to the furnace. If snow or ice gets inside, the furnace is going to shut down! Most furnace parts require a professional experienced repair person, but basic regular maintenance can keep the heat on.
Stay warm during the freeze.
When the temperature drops below 7⁰C, winter tires perform the best. Although, all season tires marked as M+S (Mud & Snow) can legally be used in winter in most provinces, winter tires are specifically made for harsh winter conditions, have more traction, and will stop quicker in an emergency. In addition, ensure the air pressure is at recommended levels. Check air pressure on a monthly basis and adjust as required.
If you have not had an oil change done, now is the time to do so! There are specific oil types recommended for winter conditions because they have less viscosity (thinner) and will help the engine work more efficiently.
Have your battery tested and ensure it has enough power to start your engine on a frigid -35⁰C morning.
Additionally, check the cable connections, remove corrosion, and tighten to ensure good contact.
Wiper blades break down over time and should be regularly examined for wear and tear. There are also wiper blades specifically designed for handling snow, ice, and other stresses of the winter months.
If you are in the habit of using water as your windshield washer during the summer months, beware! For winter, you need a washer fluid that can withstand extreme cold conditions, ideally down to -40⁰C.
Check that your car’s block heater is working before winter comes. If you park within a well-insulated or heated garage, plugging in your car may not be required. However, outside parking in temperatures below -15⁰C for extended periods require that you warm up your car engine for a few hours. This will ensure the engine starts up and warms up faster. Plug in the car for about 4 hours before starting up. A block heater timer can help you save on the amount of electricity used.
Ensure the coolant in your car is at appropriate levels and in good condition.
Rubber mats designed for your car’s make and model can help to hold the snow that you transfer into your car and which melts when the car is in use. They are easy to clean up and should be cleaned/drained often.
Fall is a good time to tune-up your car in general. Check the brakes, belts, filters, ignition system, heater/defrosting systems, lights, etc.
Emergencies happen! Always be prepared for getting stuck in a snow storm or your car breaking down when you are out in the middle of nowhere. Carry an emergency kit stocked with first aid supplies, flash light, thick blanket, booster cables, ice scraper, small shovel, snow brush, emergency reflectors, candles, matches/lighter, etc. & a fully charged cell phone of course...
Thank you so much guys.....Being voted Best In Foothills GOLD is awesome and means so much to us. That is SIX YEARS in a row...We are so honored...Thank you!
Julie & Eddie.
Vote for your favourite in the Foothills. It only takes a moment and it certainly means a lot to the recipients. We really do appreciate your vote! (Julie has won Best In Foothills Gold for the past 5 years which we are thrilled about)
Just copy & paste the link below and vote for your Best In Foothills (Best Local Real Estate Agent is #34). After you have done your voting just fill in your details, submit and you will be put in the draw to win a $300 gift certificate.
Thank you so much for your time.
Eddie & Julie.
https://www.westernwheel.com/article/best-of-the-foothills-2018-20180606
Hi Guys
Well it's that time of year again (my how time flies!) to vote for your favourite in the Foothills.
Julie wins numerous awards for her hard work (#1 in her office this year), but by far the most important is Best In Foothills as it is voted for by YOU!
Julie has won Best In Foothills Gold (Best Local Real Estate Agent) for the past 5 years thanks to you guys. We really do appreciate your vote!
Just copy the website below and vote for your Best In Foothills (Best Local Real Estate Agent is #34). After you have done your voting just fill in your details, submit and you will be put in the draw to win a $300 gift certificate. The recipients of the awards really do appreciate your votes....
Thank you so much for your time.
Eddie & Julie.
https://www.westernwheel.com/article/best-of-the-foothills-2018-20180606