Everyone knows that winters in Edmonton are quite intense. With snowfall typically lasting from October until early May and sub-zero temperatures frequently dropping below -20°C, it’s important to mitigate these conditions as much as possible. Winter-proofing your apartment can drastically help reduce energy costs while improving your ability to stay warm. Moreover, whether you are new in the area or have been living here for years, knowing how to properly prepare your apartment for the freezing months can facilitate a far more comfortable environment. Following are some tips on prepping your apartment for winter whilst enjoying your stay in downtown Edmonton.
Climate in Edmonton during the winter season
The frosty region of Edmonton can be one of the most magnificent and simultaneously quite daunting places to visit. The city is known to experience some of the coldest temperatures in the world, with certain days reaching close to -35°C. What makes Edmonton unique is the fact that it is one of the sunnier Canadian cities, known for its bright and uplifting winter days. Residents must also be mindful that Alaska is known for an average of 125 cm of snowfall in a year, making Edmonton vulnerable to slippery roads and extremely cold weather.
Even in the winter months, living close to Rogers Place and the ICE District in Edmonton comes with its perks. The city has outdoor amenities available, like skating at the ICE District Plaza and winter festivals such as Ice on Whyte. However, focusing on making your apartment a cozy respite from the cold comes first before heading out to explore.
Sealing Out The Cold
The first step in preparing your apartment for winter is ensuring it is sealed against drafts. Check your windows and doors for gaps where cold air can enter the apartment.
In these areas, we suggest utilizing weatherstripping or caulking. Additionally, to seal in heat and block out the cold, consider applying plastic window film, which acts as an extra insulation layer.
Another great item to invest in is thermal curtains. These heavy-duty curtains insulate the cold air while retaining warmth in the apartment. On sunny days, open them and soak in the warmth and close them at night to retain heat.
Making The Most Out Of Your Heating System
Take care of your heating system, as it will be overworked during the winter season in Edmonton. Remember to change the filters to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. Also, for apartments with radiators and baseboard heaters, ensure that you clean them.
If you use additional space heaters, make sure that they are safe and energy efficient. Always pay attention to the instructions while using heaters. Don’t forget to pour away any combustible substances and keep the heater out of sight.
Making Ensuring Floor Warmth
Floors that are not well insulated may create an optical illusion of lower temperatures in the apartment. The easiest and most effective solution is to add rugs or carpets since they make the apartment warmer. By using rugs, you keep the place warmer while simultaneously improving the aesthetic and comfort of the apartment.
If your apartment has ceiling fans, set their direction to reverse for winter. During winter use, switching the fan blades to spin clockwise on low speed pushes the warm air back down into the room.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
In Edmonton, frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter months, but they can be mitigated with some careful planning. Leave the cabinet doors of the sinks slightly open so that warm air can reach the pipes. If the temperature drops way below freezing, allow faucets to open drippingly so that water does not freeze in the pipes.
Moreover, all uncovered pipes should be insulated as well. You can get flexible foam pipe insulation at a low cost, and it can easily be installed. In addition, it offers great resistance during cold weather.
Making Things Cozy
During wintertime, it is not just about staying warm; it is about instilling warmth that makes you look forward to coming home after a long day. You can achieve this by adding soft blankets, throw pillows, and warm lights during the winter months.
Keep the essentials like non-perishable foods, battery-powered lights, and candles close at hand for possible extreme weather conditions that may result in blackouts. Having a blanket and a battery-powered emergency kit makes waiting during the frigid Edmonton winter bearable.
Life in Downtown Edmonton During Winter
As a resident of an apartment in downtown Edmonton, it is very likely that you enjoy urban life at the heart of the booming Edmonton economy. Edmonton’s downtown ICE District is loaded with attractions that transform the area into a vibrant wonderland during the winter. These attractions include festive decorations, skating rinks, and Rogers Place, which also invites thrilling concerts topped off with entertaining Edmonton Oilers hockey games during the winter.
Without a doubt, one of the best times to be a resident of Edmonton is summer, when popular events and festivals such as the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and The Works art & design festival take place. Summer offers unbounded creativity, which is part of what makes life in this district truly rewarding all year round.
Conclusion
Anticipating winter in Canada is not as frightening and daunting as it may seem, considering one proactive step of winter-proofing your apartment. Draft-sealing, heating optimization, pipe protection, and cold-weather decor additions all go a long way in ensuring comfort during the frigid months.
Strategically located near Rogers Place and the heart of downtown, The Switch at Station Lands is one of the best affordable rental living options available that allows residents to take advantage of filtered vibrancy while staying warm during challenging Edmonton winters. We understand how important effortless adapting living spaces are for residents during the icy months.”
