Fun things to do, and how to prepare for the cold

You know summer is over when the kids go back to school and you’re not being eaten alive by bugs on your favorite hike.

You know it’s over when your heating system kicks in.

Don’t despair. Rejoice at the prospect of hiking, camping, and weekend getaways without the crowds. But don’t forget that your home may need a little TLC to ensure it’s comfortable and energy-efficient—and your energy bills don’t get too high—as shorter days and colder temperatures soon arrive.

Here are 6 things to do (and have fun) in the coming weeks.

1. Weekend Getaways

Fall colors. Weekend spas. Wine tasting. Boating on the lake. There are plenty of good reasons to book a fall getaway.

Check the weather forecast, then check online to see what accommodations are available. Peak summer is behind us, so your chances of booking after Labor Day are much better.

2. Heat only the rooms you’re using, and consider a smart thermostat

Make it a standard practice in your home to heat only the rooms you’re using, and turn down the heat when you’re out or staying overnight.

Set the temperature to 18°C ​​when you’re in the kitchen or active at home, and 21°C when you’re sitting down to read or watch TV. This is a general guideline, and if someone needs more warmth, remind them that a hoodie or sweater, or a pair of slippers will keep them comfortable.

If your home is equipped with a heat pump for year-round comfort, stick to the “set it and forget it” strategy, which is your top choice for efficiency and comfort.

If you don’t already have a smart or programmable thermostat, consider upgrading to one. A smart thermostat connects to your home’s internet and allows you to remotely control the temperature in your home from your smartphone or laptop. It’s convenient and can help you save money on your energy bills.

3. Book the best spot at your favorite campground

Finding a spot at your favorite campground might be tough this summer. Now, with a little luck, you can find a spot with a view of the water (and away from the outdoor toilets).

Weekends are still busy, so act fast. If you are lucky enough to find time during the week, the opportunities are plentiful.

4. Insulate and draught-proof: 45% of heat loss is through walls, floors, and roofs

If you have the time and budget, upgrade your insulation. If not, or if your home is already well-insulated, make sure your doors and windows don’t compromise that insulation.

Aging or improperly installed weather stripping around doors and windows can leave gaps that lead to poor drafts, increase heating (and cooling) costs, and make your home uncomfortable. It’s cheap and easy to fix these problems with DIY draught stripping (or installing thermal window film on leaky windows).

5. Book 18 holes at your favorite BC golf course

Summer is a tough time to play golf, with midday heat making it difficult to complete 18 holes. But with the arrival of fall, all that changes.

6. Check the heating system, clean or replace filters

If you have electric baseboards, wipe the heater surface and vacuum the fins to remove as much dust as possible. If you don’t, not only will you smell dust when you first use the baseboards in the fall, but the baseboards will also be less effective at cooling.

If you have a heat pump, clean the filters on the indoor unit a few times a year and replace them annually. And remove debris around the indoor and outdoor units, including furniture or curtains indoors, or leaves and snow outdoors.

Inspect the heating system for visible leaks and loose joints, including spaces around air registers and grilles, duct connections, floor joists, and around the heating unit itself. Clean surfaces and seal any leaks with duct mastic or foil tape. Insulate ducts outward with vinyl or foil backing.