As the crisp air rolls into Calgary and the leaves turn golden, it’s time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Fall is the perfect season to tackle maintenance tasks that protect your investment and ensure your family stays cozy all winter long. Calgary’s unique climate — with fluctuating temperatures, early snowfalls, and chinooks — makes a fall checklist especially important.
Here’s your Calgary-specific fall maintenance checklist:
1. Inspect and Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Remove leaves, pine needles, and debris to prevent clogs.
Check that downspouts extend at least 4–6 feet away from your foundation to avoid water pooling during snowmelt.
Look for sagging or damaged sections that may need repair before heavy snow.
2. Service Your Furnace
Book a professional furnace inspection and cleaning before the first deep freeze.
Replace filters every 1–3 months for efficiency.
Consider installing a smart thermostat to manage fluctuating Calgary temperatures.
3. Seal Windows and Doors
Check for drafts around windows, doors, and baseboards.
Apply weather-stripping or caulking where needed.
Add door sweeps to keep cold air out and heating bills down.
4. Winterize Your Outdoor Plumbing
Drain and shut off outdoor faucets.
Store garden hoses indoors.
If you have underground sprinklers, have them professionally blown out to prevent frozen pipes.
Drain rain barrels.
5. Check Your Roof and Chimney
Inspect shingles for curling, missing pieces, or damage after summer storms.
Clear off branches and debris.
If you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney cleaning to reduce fire risk.
6. Maintain Your Yard & Trees
Rake leaves and aerate your lawn before the first snowfall.
Fertilize with a fall formula to help grass survive the winter.
Trim overhanging tree branches that could break under snow and damage your home.
7. Test Safety Devices
Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher on each floor.
If you use space heaters, check cords for wear and keep them away from flammable materials.
8. Inspect Your Insulation
Peek into your attic for signs of leaks or insufficient insulation.
Proper insulation not only keeps your home warm but also helps manage Calgary’s sudden temperature swings.
9. Prepare Winter Equipment
Bring out shovels, ice melt, and snow brushes.
Test your snow blower and schedule repairs if needed.
Stock up on emergency supplies — blankets, batteries, flashlights, and a winter roadside kit.
âś… Final Thoughts
Taking the time in fall to prepare your Calgary home saves money, energy, and stress once winter hits. A little effort now means you’ll spend more time enjoying the cozy season and less time dealing with frozen pipes, furnace breakdowns, or icy sidewalks.
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