Warm Up to Winter

Spoiler alert: Winters in Alberta are no joke. Even if you've survived countless prairie winters, the icy temperatures can still be quite a shock—both for you and your home. Here are a few ways to make the season feel a bit cozier, without needing long johns or a snowsuit!

Turn Up the Heat

As much as you might mentally prepare for winter, that first cold snap can really change the vibe in your home. Some areas might get colder than others, and you might notice poor airflow. If you're cranking the thermostat and still feeling uneven warmth, a space heater could be a great solution to target specific spots without overheating the entire house.

But here's a tip: don't overdo it with the heat. Cranking it up won't make your home warm any faster—it'll just end up being too hot. Not every area of your home needs to be the same temperature. A smart thermostat might be the answer for you—keeping the main living spaces cozy while letting spare rooms, basements, and storage areas stay cooler.

Prepare Your Ride

Alberta winters can be brutal on our vehicles. Thankfully, a block heater can help. These modern solutions eliminate the hassle and safety concerns associated with older heaters. The best part? You can control them remotely via an app on your phone. So, if you need to get to the rink early on a chilly Saturday morning, you can set the timer through the app instead of leaving it plugged in all night.

If you want to step it up a notch, consider having Rümi install a permanent heater in your garage. It'll definitely be worth it during those long winter months when it feels like half the year is covered in snow.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Freezing and burst pipes are common problems in Alberta, costing homeowners thousands in repairs. Generally speaking, pipes start freezing around -6°C, which is a temperature we see often during our harsh winters. Here are some steps you can take to avoid ice blockages and protect your plumbing:

Before Winter:

Insulate Pipes: Pipe insulation is affordable and easy to install. Grab some at your local hardware store. Focus on uninsulated areas like your attic, garage, or basement.

Seal Cracks: Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or openings before winter to prevent cold drafts from freezing your pipes.

Use Heating Tape: For easily accessible pipes, apply heating tape directly to keep them warm. This is especially useful for pipes in unheated or exterior areas like attics or basements.

Cover Crawl Spaces: Temporarily block ventilated crawl spaces in your home to reduce cold air exposure around your pipes. Use foam cut to fit the vent size and secure it with duct tape.

During Winter:

Close Garage Doors: If your water supply lines run through the garage, make sure to keep it sealed and doors shut. Garages tend to stay very cold due to their concrete surfaces.

Open Cabinets: Warm air can circulate around your plumbing by opening cabinet and cupboard doors. This helps prevent ice blockages and pressure buildup.

Let Faucets Drip: To prevent freezing, allow faucets to drip slightly. Even minimal water flow can stop ice blockages from forming in exposed pipes.

Keep the Thermostat Steady: During extreme cold snaps, maintain a consistent thermostat setting day and night. The extra heating costs are far less than what you'd pay for repairing a burst pipe.

Leave the Heat On: If you're leaving town during winter, keep your heat on and have someone trusted check your home regularly—not just for peace of mind, but also for insurance purposes.

Open Interior Doors: To ensure even heat distribution, keep interior doors open. This encourages airflow and helps keep rooms warmer during cold snaps.

Warmth from Within

There's nothing like a warm meal to lift spirits in the winter. Our favorite comfort food comes from the Blue Flame Kitchen. A hot cup of three onion soup is perfect for warming up after a chilly dog walk. Satisfy your sweet cravings with a mug of hot butterscotch apple cider or dig into a hearty casserole. Their fall and Christmas menus are sure to keep everyone fed through the winter.

Stay Cozy Indoors

When it drops below -15°C (or whenever the cold gets unbearable), Rümi is here to help with your winter tasks. Stay warm indoors while we handle the snow and maintenance. Snow removal can be exhausting, but we've got you covered—whether it's driveways, walkways, stairs, or entrances. We even use eco-friendly ice melt safe for pets.

Winter should be about skiing, cozy nights with family, and delicious meals—not frozen pipes or drafty windows. By planning ahead and outsourcing some of the tough tasks, you can enjoy the season to its fullest. With a little preparation now, you'll be ready to embrace the winter wonderland.