IBC’s Top 10 maintenance tips for winterizing your home

Toronto, ON (Dec. 14, 2015) – Temperatures have started to drop across the country, a sure sign that winter is on its way, and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is working to help Canadians with some maintenance tips to protect their homes over the winter season.

“Winter weather, including low temperatures, high winds, major snow falls and freezing rain, can cause significant and costly damage to your home. By following a few simple maintenance tips, you can help keep your home and family safe over the winter months,” said Kim Donaldson, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC.

IBC’s Top 10 maintenance tips for winterizing your home:

  1. Test and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
  2. Ensure your furnace, wood stove and any other heating sources are in good working condition. Have all heating sources inspected, maintained and cleaned. During the heating season, clean or replace furnace air filters each month, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
  3. If you go on vacation, even for a few days, leave the heat on and have someone you trust check on your home while you are away. Make sure to check with your insurer how often your home needs to be checked under your policy while you are temporarily absent.
  4. Run water through all plumbing fixtures regularly.
  5. Test plumbing shut-off valves.
  6. Inspect your attic for frost accumulation, and check your eavestroughs and roof for potential ice dams or icicles.
  7. Keep your sidewalk and the front stairs of your house clear of snow and ice.
  8. Keep snow away from gas meters, gas-appliance vents, exhaust vents and basement windows.
  9. Trim branches that are close to your house or electrical wires.
  10. Prevent exposed pipes from freezing by fitting them with insulation sleeves or wrapping.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.

For more information, visit IBC online at www.ibc.ca.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada