Thursday, O ctober 1, 2015 - H om e and G arden - w w w .theifp.ca Page 5 Tired of High Electricity Bills? We can help (519) 853-2308 sales@solardirectcanada.com Cheaper, greener options are available Completely offset your electrical bill with no money down Or earn up to 14% annual income Call us or visit us on the web today to learn more Locally owned and operated in Acton SolarDirectCanada.com 1990-2015 WE DELIVER! ■ FIREWOOD ■ GRavEl ■ Mulch ■ SOIl 519-853-2480 www.RedsGardenCentre.com 12771 hwy 25 (2 Km South of acton) 5 w 1 call uS TODa Y! Premium Products at competitive Prices 905-872-2077 www.dynamiccontracting.org CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION "For All Your Renovation Needs" bASEmENTS bAThROOmS kITChENS HOME AND GARDEN Get your home ready for winter If boots, a warm hat and a tuned-up snow blower are the only items on your win- ter preparation list, your home mainte- nance plan may need a makeover. These simple home maintenance projects can help to lower your energy bills, avoid more costly repairs and/or increase the lifespan of your home: 1. Heating & Ventilation - Examine your fireplace and chimney system to ensure that no soot or creosote has col- lected. Any cracks or voids present could potentially cause a fire. Before you turn the furnace or boiler on, replace the air filter and hire a professional to inspect the unit more thoroughly. These steps will improve the efficiency and life of your furnace and will ensure stable in- door air quality. 2. Windows and Doors - If not prop- erly sealed, windows and doors can be a major culprit for heat loss. To keep the warm air inside, inspect the weather- stripping for leaks, rot, or decay. Repair or replace structural framing, and caulk inside and out, if necessary. 3. Insulation - One of the easiest and most effective defenses against heat loss is proper insulation. Prevent cold drafts from entering and the loss of heated air through basement headers, which, when left exposed, can make your fur- nace work harder. Look for a moisture- resistant product with high thermal per- formance. For this, retailers tell us that Roxul Comfortbatt stone wool insulation is a top seller, and it makes installation simple. All that's needed is a serrated blade or bread knife. Cut the batt to fit the cavity and press into place. The insu- lation will help improve energy efficien- cy as soon as it's in place and provide savings over the lifetime of your home. Comfortbatt can also be used to top or replace old attic insulation. Aim for an R50 or a depth of 16 inches (41 cm). 4. Backyard Care - Save your prop- erty from potential damage by trimming overgrown trees and shrubs to prevent ice-laden branches from thrashing against electrical wires and your home's exterior. Drain/shut off any exterior fau- cets and sprinkler systems to prevent freezing. Ensure rain or snow drains away from the house to avoid foundation problems. 5. Roof and Gutters - Inspect your roof for shingles that are warped, dam- aged, or even missing to prevent a future leak. Use roofing cement and a caulk- ing gun to seal joints where water could penetrate around the chimney, any sky- lights, or vent pipes. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are securely fastened. Downspouts should extend at least five feet away from the home to prevent flooding. When it comes to preventative main- tenance, a little time and effort can save thousands of dollars in energy costs and repair bills over the lifetime of your home.