“Weather” you like it or not, a Calgary winter is just around the corner. Preparing your home in advance of a drastic drop in temperature can make it more comfortable and prevent larger issues when the next season fully arrives. Here’s a checklist of essential home maintenance activities to get your home winter ready:

Outside

• Gutter Cleaning: Remove leaves and other debris to ensure proper drainage.
• Roof Inspection: Check your roof for any signs of damage or potential leaks.
• Winterize Pipes: Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses and turn off the water to outdoor faucets.
• Landscaping: Trim branches that hang too close to your house or electrical wires to prevent them from causing damage during a heavy snowfall or ice storm.
• Weather Stripping: Replace worn weather stripping around doors and windows to keep cool drafts and unwanted pests out.
• Venting: Ensure venting is clear. This includes exhaust venting from your furnace, hot water heater, and even your clothes dryer and hood fan. Equally as important is your fresh air intake to allow your furnace to function properly.

Inside

• Caulking and Sealing: Check windows and doors for drafts. Seal any gaps to keep heat in.
• Heating System Check: Have your furnace or heating system serviced. Replace the furnace filter to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency. Newer systems often have an HRV unit which requires filter maintenance, alongside a humidifier which is attached to your forced air system.
• Chimney and Fireplace: Have your wood-burning fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected by a WETT certified technician (this certification is a best practice) to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
• Test Home Safety Devices: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if necessary. Helpful reminder: test your alarms monthly, and always change the batteries when you change your clocks (about every 6 months).
• Reverse Ceiling Fans: Have a reverse switch? Use it to run the fan’s blades in a clockwise direction to push warm air downward.
• Emergency Kit: A winter emergency kit should include items like flashlights, candles, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food items and bottled water.

Unsure of who to call for help around your home?

Send us an email at hello@popowichrealestate.com or text 403-923-4700 and we’ll let you know who our preferred vendors are in the area.