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5 home improvement projects to help get your home winter ready

Fall means it’s time to get your home ready for colder weather — and Canadian Tire is here to make it easy to Prepare for Fall. From simple, but impactful home improvement projects to fall lawn care advice, we’re bringing you the tips you need to be ready for anything this season.

Woman using DeWALT hand drill and workbench from Canadian Tire for DIY project
Photo via Canadian Tire

As the leaves change and colder weather sets in, there are plenty of small tasks you can do around the house that will make a big impact during the winter months. (Yes, even if you don’t necessarily think of yourself as “handy.”) From fall home maintenance to simple ways to improve your indoor air quality, all you need to tackle these jobs – and more – is a little know-how, the right tools, and a can-do attitude.

With that in mind, here are five quick and easy home improvement projects you can take care of this fall to help get both you and your home ready for winter.

Weatherstrip your doors and windows

Energy efficiency shots, woman applying self-stick weatherstripping to door
Photo via Getty Images

Fall is the ideal time to inspect your home for any potential heating inefficiencies, so you can take care of them well before winter weather hits. To do so, move your hand across the bottom of your door frame. Do you feel any air leaks? Consider it a sign you need to add weathstripping. Not only will this keep cold air out and warm air in, reducing household heat loss, it’ll also help your furnace run more efficiently, lowering your energy bill in the process—not only during the winter months, but year-round.

You’ll want to start by measuring the width of your door, then using a hacksaw like this 12-inch option from Mastercraft to cut your door sweep to fit. Finally, use a drill to secure your weatherstripping in place. (Pro tip: Drill pilot holes into your door first.) Once attached, double-check the seal to make sure your new sweep is properly secured, then say goodbye to cold drafts and hello to a warmer, toastier and more comfortable home.

Uncovered drafty windows during your inspection as well? Try a self-stick option from Frost King to quickly and easily seal any gaps, with zero drilling required.

Clean your gutters

Cleaning the gutter from autumn leaves before winter season. Roof gutter cleaning process.
Photo via Getty Images

The last thing you want is for snow and ice to build in your gutters, creating ice dams, which can ultimately lead to roof damage and a pricey repair bill. That’s why it’s always a wise idea to thoroughly clean your gutters of leaves and debris well before the first snowfall of the year.

To do the job right, grab a pair of gloves, your garden hose and a sturdy ladder. The Mastercraft Grade 1A Multi-Task Ladder is a versatile 17-foot option that features a wide base for added stability, even on unstable ground, and can be set up in four different positions. (Even so, always make sure you have a spotter at the bottom to be safe.)

Once you’re up there, clear away any big obstructions, sticks and leaves with your hands. Then use your hose to wash away as much dirt, mud, gunk, and grime as you can. Take your time to ensure you reach every nook and cranny. A little extra work this fall can save you a world of headaches come winter.

Improve your indoor air quality

Woman sitting in a chair and enjoying cleaner indoor air thanks to air purifier from Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

The fall air outside may be crisp, but if things are getting stuffy inside, take it as a sign you need to address your home’s air quality. Start with your furnace: forced air furnaces require you to change your filter regularly for optimal performance—so if you can’t remember the last time you changed your filter, you’re probably overdue for a replacement.

First, remove your existing filter to check which size you need, and be sure to note which way the filter was facing. Your unit will have to work harder to pull air through the filter if it’s not properly installed, putting unnecessary strain on your furnace. Then, simply slide your new filter into place, put the cover back on, and take note of the date. For best results, you should replace your filter every three months.

An air purifier is another great solution to help you breathe easier at home. The Shark Air Purifier 4 comes with an anti-allergen HEPA filter to capture 99.97% of dust, pet dander and other allergens. It also comes with an advanced odour guard to protect against common household odours from cooking or cleaning.

If your air’s uncomfortably dry, try a humidifier, like this Honeywell Warm Mist Humidifier, which is ideal for larger rooms and features an easy-to-use top-fill design. Or, better yet, get a machine that can do both. The Germ Guardian Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo will automatically monitor your air and adjust its fan speed to optimize your indoor air quality, while capturing airborne allergens down to 0.3 microns.

Organize your garage

Woman showing off an organized tool drawer in her organized garage
Photo via Canadian Tire

It’s much easier to organize around the house before the world freezes over. And the garage (heated or not—but especially if not) is the perfect place to start.

Looking to keep all your tools in one well-organized place? Look no further than this Mastercraft rolling storage cabinet. The drawers are lined with non-slip rubber grips to keep tools in place while protecting from scratches, and the heavy-duty locking wheels make it easy to move the unit around the garage for use as a workstation.

A storage rack can be another great option to help you tidy up, while freeing up floor space. Thanks to adjustable wire shelves, this MAXIMUM Heavy Duty Steel Storage Rack makes it easy to customize your storage space to fit your needs, and your gear.

Prep your lawn for cold weather

Man showing daughter how to use his Yardworks 48V Brushless AeroForce Leaf Blower from Canadian Tire to clean up leaves on the lawn
Photo via Canadian Tire

Taking proper care of your lawn during fall will go a long way towards making winter weather easier to handle. For starters, you’ll need a sturdy rake to help you make quick work of falling leaves. The Yardworks Fibreglass Steel Leaf Rake is extra durable, thanks to a fibreglass construction that makes it 40% stronger than wood-handled options.

If you want something with a little more oomph, consider the Yardworks 48V Brushless AeroForce™ Leaf Blower. The variable speed trigger with turbo boost gives you the power you need right when you need it, while the brushless motor and 48V 4Ah battery give it more than enough power and runtime to stand up to its gas-powered counterparts.

And, of course, don’t forget the yard waste bags. Canadian Tire’s moisture-resistant Paper Yard Waste/Leaf Bags come in convenient packs of 20 and are self-standing, making it easy for you to transfer leaves and debris into them with no fuss or muss.

Fall is all about getting back to routine, and making sure both you and your home are properly prepared for colder weather. Whether you’re looking for garage storage solutions, tools to help you make quick work of fall lawn care, or time-saving cleaning products, Canadian Tire has what you need to Prepare for Fall.