With Fall already unfolding around us, it’s the perfect time for Toronto homeowners to start preparing their homes for Winter. As the leaves change color and the temperature begins to drop, prioritizing these seven steps will help to ensure that everything will run smoothly while you are enjoying the spaces where you’ll be spending most of your time this season. This Fall preparation will give you a smooth and enjoyable transition into Winter.

1.    Bring your outdoor plants indoors

During Fall, dedicate time to properly care for your garden by bringing any outdoor plants indoors, placing them in a well-suited space with adequate light and warmth to help them thrive through the season. Your plants will be happy and you will be adding visual interest to the interior of your home. Spend the time to care for your perennials, pruning those that have started to die, while leaving others to be cut back in the Spring. Don’t forget your annuals, as they may need extra care to prepare for the chill ahead. Taking these steps now will set up your garden for a successful return next year. 

2.    Check your faucets and pipes

Inspect your outdoor faucet system and any exposed pipes to ensure they are free of leaks or damage, as freezing temperatures can cause cracks and bursts. Also, drain any water from exterior pipes and undo the hoses. 

3.    Clean your gutters from fall leaves

Fall is the perfect time to clean your gutters, right before the snow comes, and prepare your roof's drainage system to keep water away from your home’s foundation, reducing the risk of leaks, erosion, and other Winter-related issues. If not addressed, clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, ice dams, and potential roof damage. Or you can use leaf guard to protect your gutters from leaves.

4.    Check your furnace

It is essential to have your heating system inspected annually by a professional to ensure safe and optimal working conditions. Regular maintenance such as changing the furnace filter avoids issues such as poor performance, increased consumption costs, and poor air quality. Potential carbon monoxide leaks can be dangerous if left undetected, presenting a major health risk for you and your home. At the same time, you can do the inspection and the maintenance of the tankless system, so you will never run out of hot water during winter.

5.    Maintaining your home humidity

It is highly recommended to use a humidifier to maintain the humidity consistent inside your home. During these upcoming colder months, when indoor air tends to become dryer due to the heating system, things such as wooden furniture, wooden floors, cabinetry, and trim, can all be negatively affected with cracks, separation, and dryness. Issues such as dry skin, irritated respiratory passages, and static electricity can also be impacted.

6.    Test and check your smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors, and air extraction systems

To keep your home safe, it is crucial to check your battery-operated smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors by testing each unit, and replacing batteries if necessary. In the same way, inspect and clean your air extraction and ventilation systems in your kitchen and bathrooms to ensure proper ventilation.

7.    Check exterior lighting

As we are entering into a short daylight season, maintaining effective exterior lighting becomes essential for safety and security. You should Inspect and ensure that all exterior lights are functioning properly to illuminate your home more efficiently. This will help reduce the risk of slips and falls, and aid in your home's security. 

Designer's tip: How to Prepare and Style Your Home for the Fall Season

We recommend styling your home to feel part of the season. Adding decor and seasonal colors such as oranges, golden yellows, deep greens, and earthy browns, can help to create cozy Fall spaces within your home. Consider turning on your fireplace to add warmth and ambiance, creating a natural focal point where you can gather with your loved ones or curl up with a good book and a warm beverage. Changing your area rugs, throw pillows, couch and chair slipcovers, draperies, and adding small touches such as textured throws will add seasonal charm.

in Conclusion

As the chill of Winter approaches, taking these proactive steps to prepare your home will ensure a warm, safe, and comfortable environment for you and your family. By bringing your outdoor plants indoors, checking your faucets and pipes, cleaning your gutters, maintaining your heating and lighting systems, ensuring the correct humidity within your home, checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and air extraction systems, you are safeguarding yourself and your home.  Additionally, embracing the season with thoughtful decor can enhance the coziness and charm of your living spaces. With these steps, you can enjoy the beauty of Fall and the serenity of Winter knowing your home is ready to face the colder months ahead in style.

As you prepare your home for the Fall season, remember it’s also an ideal time to begin thinking and planning your Spring Renovations for the following year. Taking steps now will allow you to get ahead on the upgrades you’ve been envisioning. Whether it’s refreshing your layout or tackling a larger project, this season offers the perfect time to start thinking about how to transform your spaces. Reach out to our Team to discuss how we can help you create the home of your dreams.