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Winter Preparation

The domestic water and sewer lines for the units in Gold City run through each unit. It is essential for protection from freezing pipes that there is heat in the crawl space. The design of the units includes vents to the crawlspaces. The temperature in the crawl space areas just needs to be above zero. To do this you do not need to adjust your home temperature setting, but you are required to complete the maintenance to ensure your unit is prepared for winter weather . A summary of responsibilities is provided below.

Owner To Do List:

Crawl Space

1. Check heating vents to the crawlspace in September and early October to ensure they are opened to the crawlspace area.
2. Check the crawlspace area to see if there is excessive water.
3. Check to see if there are large gaps or openings in the skirting around the unit. You do

   not want wind or snow to enter the crawlspace.

4. Be sure the access to your unit is tightly sealed.
5. When you are away in winter, it is your responsibility to have your unit checked at least once daily and this person should be running water and checking to make sure your heat is on.
6. Be sure that the water circulation pump is turned on.

Furnaces

1. Consider having your furnace serviced to make sure it is in good working order.

2. Insure that the furnace area is kept clear of any debris

Pellet Stoves

1. Consider having your Pellet Stove serviced to make sure it is in good working order.
2. Insure that any pellets kept inside is not near any heat source
3. Insure that the furnace area is kept clear of any debris

Hot Water Tanks

1. Consider having your hot water tank serviced to make sure it is in good working order.
2. Be sure to check your water heater and replace the sacrificial anode as required.
3. Due to the short life expectancy of hot water heaters in the North, consider having your tank replaced if it is 5 years or older.
4. If you replace your hot water tank, ensure it includes a drip tray that includes a line to your sewer to prevent water from entering your basement or the crawl space.

Outside Water Tap

1. Remove the hoses and store them for the winter.

2. Turn off the inside water tap that is going to the outside water tap first. Then open the outside water tap to make sure all water is drained.

3. Turn off the outside water tap.

General Information

1. If you will be away from your Unit, daily checks are required as stated in our By-laws and insurance policies. When it is colder than -30, two checks a day is recommended. Your house sitter should be checking your:

• hot water tank make sure there is no leaks and works
• Flushing toilets
• Running water taps

• fridge and freezer

Do’s & Don’t

1. Do keep your driveway, Deck & stairways clear of snow.This includes the back stairs if you have them, Balcony, lower deck.
2. Do keep a clear pathway to your back fence gate
3. Do get your furnace serviced professionally yearly (Stated above)
4. Do get your hot water tank serviced professionally yearly
5. Do get your pellet stove serviced professionally yearly (If you have one)
6. Do get your Heat ducts & Dryer Vent serviced professionally yearly
7. Do check all outside electrical GFI sockets to make sure they are in good working order
8. Do have a basic ABC fire extinguisher in your house
9. Do have a Fire Safety plan. The City of Yellowknife has a brief but informative basic fire prevention steps. https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/living-here/Fire-Prevention.asp

10.  Don’t use a broken outside electrical GFI socket

11. Don’t run an extension cord from the inside of the garage to the outside so you can plug in your vehicle
12. Don’t plug in your vehicle while it is inside the garage
13. Don’t leave any seasonal lights plugged in all the time indoor or outdoor especially when you are not home
14. Don’t leave candles on especially when you are not home
15. Don’t run your vehicle inside the garage with the garage door closed, 1/4 open or 1/2 open.