by Guest Contributor, Haysboro Resident Clint Nogier
Alberta winters are no joke. Between the snow, cold snaps, and freeze–thaw cycles, your home has to work overtime to stay warm, safe, and efficient. Taking a few hours can save you from frozen pipes, costly repairs, and drafty nights later in the season.
That’s where a good checklist comes in. Below, you’ll find a practical winter-prep guide tailored for Calgary homeowners. It covers the essentials — from outdoor maintenance to furnace care — so you can step into winter with confidence.
Outdoor Maintenance
It’s often helpful to drain and shut off outdoor hose bibs – disconnect hoses, drain water lines, and close interior shut-off valves to help prevent freezing.
Many homeowners lift and secure downspouts – keeping them angled away from the foundation can reduce ice blockages.
Clearing gutters and eavestroughs is worth doing – leaves and debris left behind can contribute to ice dams and water back-up.
A quick roof and shingle check can be smart – look for loose, damaged, or missing shingles that may allow leaks when snow melts.
Checking caulking around windows, doors, and siding is a good idea – sealing gaps may reduce drafts and heat loss.
Storing or covering outdoor furniture and BBQs can help protect them from winter weather.
Walkways and driveways can benefit from a once-over – filling cracks and having ice melt/sand handy may improve safety.
Many people winterize their irrigation system – blowing out lines and shutting it down helps reduce the chance of freeze damage.
Testing exterior lighting can pay off – fresh bulbs and working motion sensors keep things safe on dark winter evenings.
Clearing debris from window wells can help – making sure there’s space between the bottom of the well and the bottom of the window reduces the risk of snow or runoff leaking inside.
Furnace, Heating, and Humidity
Scheduling furnace service is common – an inspection/cleaning by a licensed technician before heavy use can provide peace of mind.
Swapping in a new furnace air filter regularly may help with efficiency and indoor air quality.
Adjusting the humidifier to a winter setting can help – settings are best tuned to outside temperature and condensation on windows.
Cleaning or replacing the humidifier pad/filter may keep it working effectively.
Giving the thermostat a quick test is worthwhile – confirm it cycles properly and refresh batteries if needed.
A carbon monoxide detector check is wise – fresh batteries and ensuring it’s within its lifespan can improve safety.
Adjusting furnace registers/dampers can help comfort – directing more warm air to cooler basement areas if needed.
Plumbing and Utilities
Wrapping exposed pipes with insulation may reduce the risk of freezing – especially in unheated areas like garages or crawl spaces.
Checking that the sump pump (if present) runs properly can give peace of mind during freeze–thaw cycles.
Testing the hot water tank’s relief valve can help catch small issues early.
Clearing lint from the dryer vent is always worthwhile – reduces fire risk and helps airflow.
Additional Mechanical and Comfort
Checking garage door weatherstripping and opener can be useful – seals and lubricated parts work better in cold weather.
A fireplace or gas insert tune-up can be worthwhile – cleaning glass and confirming ignition helps keep it cozy and safe.
Safety and Supplies
Giving smoke detectors a quick test (and new batteries) is always smart.
Having snow tools handy – shovel, roof rake, or ice scraper – makes winter life easier.
Ordering furnace filters and ice melt before the first storm can save hassle later.
With a little preparation, your home will be ready to take on another Calgary winter. These steps aren’t complicated, but they can make a big difference in keeping your home safe, efficient, and comfortable during the coldest months.
Disclaimer: These tips are shared as general homeowner suggestions for Calgary’s winter season. I’m not a home inspector, service technician, or contractor. Every home is unique, and some situations may require specialized expertise. If you’re unsure about any of these steps, I encourage you to connect with a qualified professional.
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