Anyone living in a colder climate understands the importance of having the right amenities during the winter season. Whether you’re considering moving to a colder region or simply buying a home in winter, it’s essential to know what features will make your living space more comfortable and efficient. If you’re unsure where to start or what to prioritize, we’ve put together a list of key amenities to look for when house hunting in the winter months.
Year-Round Amenities for Condos
If you’re considering a condo, it’s important to think about the amenities that can enhance your lifestyle during the winter months. Condos often offer a range of amenities, so be sure to check which ones are included in the building. Indoor gyms and pools are great options to maintain your fitness routine without worrying about the snow and cold. Additionally, if you have children or pets, some condos feature dedicated play areas, allowing them to stay active and entertained indoors.
Another valuable amenity to look for is a sauna, a timeless practice that’s been becoming more popular in Canada. During winter, a sauna provides warmth and several health benefits for your skin and body. According to Healthline, regular sauna use can promote relaxation, relieve pain, and even improve blood circulation. With these advantages, a sauna could be a worthwhile addition to your must-have amenities when searching for your new home.
Fireplace
One of the greatest comforts of winter is warming up by the fireplace. A functional fireplace is essential during the colder months, offering both a cozy ambiance and much-needed warmth. It can help create the inviting atmosphere we often crave during the winter while also providing a source of basic lighting for your home.
According to Dunrite Chimney & Stove, several key factors should be considered when using your fireplace. Proper maintenance, utilizing a damper, and installing a fireplace insert are all important for retaining heat efficiently. Additionally, the type of wood you burn plays a crucial role—some woods burn faster or produce less moisture, so it’s worth selecting the right kind for optimal performance.
Related: A Guide to Preparing Your Fireplace for Winter
Efficient Heating System
Ensuring your heating system is properly functioning is a top priority for homeowners during winter. Depending on the size of your home, you may need a larger heating system to generate enough warmth throughout the space. It’s important to keep in mind that heat naturally rises, so upper floors will generally be warmer than lower levels. Similarly, experts agree that a new energy-efficient furnace can help lower energy costs, increase comfort, and will likely appeal to prospective homebuyers. After all, if a buyer were deciding between two houses, one with a new and improved HVAC system would likely win them over with the promise of reduced utility bills, better heating performance, and peace of mind with a modern, reliable upgrade.
Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats simplify home efficiency by learning your preferences, adjusting temperatures automatically, and saving energy—all with easy setup and remote control. These devices can regulate your home’s temperature by learning your daily routines and habits, adjusting settings to save energy when you’re not home, and ensuring your space is warm and comfortable when you return.
Here are some key benefits of smart technology for your home:
- Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats help minimize energy waste by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re not home, leading to reduced heating bills. Often, we forget to adjust the temperature ourselves, but a smart thermostat ensures your home is always at the ideal temperature without constant manual changes.
- Remote Monitoring: With smart thermostats, you can easily control your home’s temperature remotely, whether at home or away. For example, if you’re heading home from work, you can increase the temperature so your house is warm and comfortable when you arrive.
- Personalized Comfort: Smart systems learn your schedule and adapt to your routine, ensuring your home is always at the perfect temperature without requiring manual adjustments. With full control over when and how the temperature changes, you can set your thermostat to meet your unique needs.
Walk-in Mudroom
An extra room, such as a mudroom, can be highly beneficial during the colder months, providing an ideal space to store winter coats, boots, and other seasonal items. A mudroom helps block cold winds from entering your home while keeping warm air from escaping, ultimately saving you money on heating bills. It also provides a space for family members and guests to enter without tracking dirt or snow throughout the house, making winter cleanup easier. While a mudroom might not always match the design of your home, it can serve multiple functions that enhance the space.
As explained by design company, Factor Design Build, there are several ways to style a mudroom to make it more functional and visually appealing. “Just because it’s not glamorous doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful; plus, knowing you have a dedicated space to store items, care for your pets, and prepare to leave the house without forgetting anything offers peace of mind.”
These spaces can be enhanced with shelves to keep items organized. One practical suggestion is incorporating a hall tree as a functional storage solution. It provides a convenient spot to hang coats while offering built-in shelving for shoes, making it a stylish and efficient alternative to traditional storage options.
Read: Tips for Creating a Mudroom That Keeps the Winter Mess Out
Basement And Attic Insulation
Ensuring your home is adequately insulated is essential for retaining warm air during the winter months. Adequate insulation helps maintain heat within your home, making your heating system more efficient and reducing energy costs. While a walk-up attic can be fun, it’s best to have it professionally insulated to prevent heat from escaping. As heat naturally rises, it’s important to keep that warmth from dissipating through the attic. The basement is equally essential when it comes to insulation. Since basements are typically colder and house the main heating and cooling systems, proper insulation helps keep the warmth in.
According to the Government of Canada, approximately 25% of heat is lost from the basement. It might come as a surprise that the ground is not a good insulator and absorbs heat. Ultimately, this is why insulating your basement during the winter is crucial to reducing heat loss and maintaining a comfortable home.
Now that you’ve gotten some ideas on what to look for when buying a home this winter ensure you set your priorities and understand what you need to create a comfortable, energy-efficient living space. By carefully considering these features, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy a warm and cozy winter season in your new home.
Are you looking to enter the real estate market this winter? Give us a call today! One of the experienced agents at Zoocasa will be more than happy to help you through the exciting home-buying process!
