As the leaves finish falling and temperatures begin to drop, Calgary homeowners know that winter can arrive quickly! Between freezing temperatures, snowfall, and the occasional Chinook, our homes experience a little bit of everything during the colder months.
Taking some time to prepare your home before winter arrives can help prevent unexpected repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your family comfortable all season long. Whether you're planning to stay in your home for years to come or thinking about selling in the near future, a little fall maintenance can go a long way.
Here are seven things every Calgary homeowner should consider doing before the snow falls.
1. Have Your Furnace Serviced
Your furnace is about to become one of the hardest-working systems in your home, so fall is an ideal time to make sure it's ready for the colder months.
Book a professional furnace inspection and service to help identify potential issues before temperatures drop. It's also a good idea to replace your furnace filter, check that your thermostat is working properly, and make sure your heating vents aren't blocked by furniture or rugs.
A little preventative maintenance now can help you avoid an inconvenient heating issue on one of Calgary's coldest days.
2. Inspect Your Roof and Clean Your Gutters
Your roof plays an important role in protecting your home from snow, ice, and moisture. Before winter arrives, take a look for missing, damaged, or curling shingles, and arrange for any necessary repairs.
Cleaning your gutters is equally important. Fallen leaves and debris can prevent water from draining properly, increasing the risk of ice buildup and water damage. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation.
If you're not comfortable inspecting your roof yourself, consider hiring a professional to take a closer look.
3. Seal Windows and Doors to Keep the Warmth In
Drafty windows and doors can make your home less comfortable and contribute to higher heating bills during Calgary's cold spells.
Check the weatherstripping around exterior doors and inspect the caulking around windows for cracks or gaps. Replacing worn weatherstripping and sealing small openings can help keep cold air out and warm air inside.
You can also consider heavier curtains or thermal window coverings to add another layer of insulation during particularly chilly nights.
These relatively simple improvements can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable your home feels throughout the winter.
4. Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces
Before the first major snowfall, take some time to put away and protect your outdoor furniture, planters, cushions, and seasonal décor. Clean and store your barbecue according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and make sure outdoor electrical items are suitable for winter conditions.
Disconnect garden hoses, drain them, and shut off and drain exterior hose bibs where applicable. This helps reduce the risk of frozen pipes and costly water damage.
It's also worth checking your deck, railings, and exterior steps for loose boards or other maintenance concerns before snow and ice make them more difficult to address.
5. Check Your Plumbing and Protect Against Frozen Pipes
Calgary winters can bring extended periods of extremely cold weather, making frozen pipes a concern for homeowners.
Inspect exposed plumbing in garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other colder areas of your home. Consider adding appropriate pipe insulation where needed, and make sure pipes near exterior walls are adequately protected.
If you plan to travel during the winter, keep your home heated and arrange for someone to check on it while you're away. If your property has plumbing in an unheated area, take extra precautions to reduce the risk of freezing.
Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located is also helpful in case a leak or plumbing emergency occurs.
6. Get Your Fireplace and Chimney Ready
There's nothing quite like a cozy evening at home when the temperature drops outside. If you have a fireplace, make sure it's ready for the season before lighting that first fire.
For wood-burning fireplaces, arrange for a professional inspection and chimney cleaning as recommended. Creosote buildup and obstructions can create serious fire hazards.
For gas fireplaces, follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations and have the unit inspected if it's due for service or showing signs of a problem.
Also, test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries or units as needed. A warm, inviting home should always be a safe one.
7. Prepare for Snow and Ice Around Your Property
Winter maintenance isn't just about what's happening inside your home. Preparing your outdoor areas can make everyday life easier once the snow arrives.
Before winter sets in, check that your snow shovel and ice scraper are in good condition, stock up on appropriate ice-melting products, and make sure your snowblower is working if you use one.
Clear leaves and debris from walkways, exterior stairs, and drains where accessible. Trim any branches that could pose a risk to your home during heavy snowfall, and make sure exterior lighting is working properly for those darker winter evenings.
Planning ahead can help keep your driveway and walkways safer for your family, visitors, and anyone coming to your front door.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Getting your Calgary home ready for winter doesn't have to be overwhelming. By tackling a few maintenance tasks in the fall, you can help protect your investment, improve comfort, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected problems when the temperature drops.
It's also a great opportunity to take stock of your home and consider any larger improvements you may want to make in the coming year. Whether that means upgrading older windows, improving insulation, or simply keeping up with regular maintenance, small steps today can help preserve your home's value over time.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Calgary?
Understanding how to maintain a home is an important part of making a confident real estate decision. If you're considering a move, have questions about preparing your property for the market, or simply want to chat about Calgary real estate, I'd be happy to help.
Reach out to Stuart Bartwicki anytime. I'm always happy to answer your questions and help you feel more confident about your next move!
Stay warm, Calgary!
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