Winter is coming, Calgary! Whether you're someone who loves the magic of freshly fallen snow or would happily skip straight to spring, one thing is certain: our homes need a little extra attention before the temperatures take a serious dive.
Fall is the perfect time to tackle a few important maintenance tasks that can help keep your home warm, comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the colder months. A little preparation now can also help prevent unexpected repairs when the snow starts flying and the temperatures dip well below freezing.
So, grab a coffee, make a checklist, and let's get your home winter-ready!
1. Check Your Furnace and Heating System
Your furnace is about to become one of the hardest-working systems in your home. Before the cold weather settles in, replace or clean your furnace filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
It's also a good idea to book a professional furnace inspection and servicing if you haven't done so recently. A technician can check that your system is operating safely and efficiently, helping reduce the risk of an unexpected breakdown on the coldest night of the year.
And don't forget to test your thermostat! There's nothing quite like discovering your heating system isn't working properly when it's already freezing outside.
2. Inspect Windows and Doors for Drafts
Have you ever sat on the couch and wondered why one corner of the room feels colder than the rest? Drafty windows and doors could be the culprit.
Check the weatherstripping around exterior doors and look for gaps or damaged seals around windows. Replacing worn weatherstripping or applying appropriate caulking can help reduce drafts and keep warm air inside.
Not only can this make your home more comfortable, but it may also help reduce heating costs.
3. Clean Your Eavestroughs and Downspouts
Those beautiful fall leaves can create a surprising amount of work around the house!
Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog eavestroughs and downspouts, preventing water from draining properly. When temperatures fluctuate, trapped water can freeze and contribute to ice buildup or other drainage problems.
Clear out debris and make sure downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation. If your roof or eavestroughs are difficult to access safely, consider hiring a professional.
A little preventative maintenance can help protect your home from unwanted water damage.
4. Disconnect Garden Hoses and Protect Outdoor Faucets
This is one of those small jobs that's easy to forget until it's too late!
Disconnect garden hoses before freezing temperatures arrive. If your outdoor faucets aren't frost-free, follow the manufacturer's instructions to shut off and drain the water supply where applicable.
Water left in hoses or plumbing exposed to freezing temperatures can freeze, expand, and potentially cause costly damage.
While you're outside, put away patio furniture, protect appropriate outdoor equipment, and secure anything that could blow around during a winter storm.
5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Home safety should always be a priority, especially during the heating season when furnaces, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances may see more use.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace batteries as needed, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement and maintenance.
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas, making a functioning alarm especially important. Ensure you have working alarms in the appropriate locations throughout your home.
If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, arrange for the chimney and venting system to be inspected and cleaned as recommended.
These small steps can make a big difference in keeping your household safe.
6. Check Your Roof and Attic
Your roof takes a beating from Calgary's changing weather, so fall is a good time to look for missing or damaged shingles, deteriorating flashing, and other visible signs of wear.
It's also worth checking your attic for signs of moisture, poor ventilation, or inadequate insulation. Proper insulation and ventilation can help manage heat loss and reduce the risk of certain winter moisture problems.
If you notice concerns, consult a qualified roofing or insulation professional before winter conditions make repairs more difficult.
7. Prepare Your Garage and Outdoor Spaces
Your garage can quickly become a winter survival station, so take some time to get it organized.
Clear away summer clutter, make room for your vehicle, and create an easy-to-access spot for snow shovels, ice scrapers, winter boots, and ice melt.
Sweep the floor and check the garage door's weather seal. If you notice damaged seals or gaps, consider having them repaired.
It's also a great time to check exterior lighting, inspect walkways for uneven surfaces, and make sure you have the supplies you need to keep entrances clear and safe.
8. Stock Up on Winter Essentials
Finally, think ahead!
Keep a supply of snow-melting products suitable for your surfaces, a sturdy shovel, and a snow brush for your vehicle. Consider assembling an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, blankets, and other useful supplies.
If you have a fireplace, make sure your fuel supply is ready and stored safely. And if a winter storm knocks out the power, knowing where your essentials are can make an uncomfortable situation much easier to manage.
A Little Preparation Makes Winter Easier
Getting your home ready for winter doesn't have to mean tackling everything in one weekend. Start with the most important safety and maintenance tasks, then work through the rest of your checklist as time allows.
Your future self will thank you when the temperatures drop and your home is warm, comfortable, and ready for whatever the season brings!
At Russell Realty with CIR Realty, we believe homeownership is about more than the day you get your keys. It's about caring for your home, protecting your investment, and making the most of the place you call home in every season.
What’s on your winter-preparation checklist? Is there one home maintenance task you never forget to do before the snow arrives? Share your tips with us!
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the season ahead!