As the crisp autumn air settles over New Brunswick and the first frost hints at what’s to come, it’s time to start preparing your home for the long, cold months ahead. Winter here can be beautiful—but it can also be tough on both your comfort and your home. With a few proactive steps, you can stay cozy, prevent costly repairs, and make sure your home weathers the season safely and efficiently.
Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
1. Inspect and Clean Your Heating System
Your furnace or heat pump is about to become the hardest-working appliance in your home. Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning before the temperature drops too far. Replace or clean filters every month or two throughout the winter to keep the air flowing efficiently.
If you use a wood or pellet stove, clean the chimney and check for creosote buildup—it’s a fire hazard that’s best dealt with early.
2. Seal Drafts and Insulate
New Brunswick winters can be especially cold and windy, so sealing up air leaks is key.
Use weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Apply caulking to seal small cracks.
Consider adding insulation to attics, basements, or crawl spaces where heat tends to escape.
Even something as simple as installing thermal curtains can help retain warmth and lower heating bills.
3. Check Your Roof and Gutters
Snow and ice buildup can take a toll on your roof. Before winter sets in, inspect for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or any signs of leaks.
Clean out gutters and downspouts so melting snow can drain properly—clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage.
4. Protect Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter headaches. To prevent them:
Insulate exposed pipes, especially in basements, attics, or garages.
Keep a steady temperature in your home, even when you’re away.
Let faucets drip slightly on especially cold nights to keep water moving.
5. Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms can sometimes knock out power. Make sure you have:
Flashlights and extra batteries
A portable phone charger
Blankets and warm clothing
A backup heat source (such as a wood stove or generator, used safely and ventilated)
It’s also a good idea to keep a small emergency kit with non-perishable food and bottled water.
6. Winterize the Exterior
Store or cover patio furniture.
Drain and shut off outdoor faucets to prevent frozen hoses or burst pipes.
Bring in any potted plants that can’t handle freezing temperatures.
Make sure snow shovels, salt, and ice melt are ready for the first storm.
7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With heating systems and fireplaces running more often, it’s essential to check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Replace batteries and test each device monthly.
8. Do a Quick Energy Efficiency Audit
If your heating bills were high last year, now’s the time to see where your home might be losing energy. NB Power offers programs and incentives to help homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades—like better insulation, smart thermostats, or heat pumps.
A Warm Winter Starts with Preparation
Taking time now to prep your home will pay off all season long. You’ll stay warmer, save on energy costs, and avoid the stress of mid-winter maintenance surprises.
So grab a cozy sweater, put on some music, and tackle your winter prep checklist—it’s one of the best ways to welcome the New Brunswick winter with confidence and comfort.
