Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash
LAST UPDATED: Aug 2023.
As the leaves start to change colors and the air becomes crisp, it’s a clear sign that fall has arrived. Along with pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters, this season also brings the need for homeowners to prepare their properties in Calgary for the upcoming winter months. To help you stay organized and ensure your home is ready to withstand the cold weather, we have put together a comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist. In this blog post, we will cover essential tasks, which play a crucial role in keeping your home or commercial property in top shape.
Gutter & Downspout Cleaning in Calgary
One of the most important tasks in your fall maintenance routine is gutter cleaning. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, ice dams, and even foundation issues. Start by removing any leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters and downspouts. For DYI projects, consider using a gutter scoop or a pressure washer to thoroughly clean them. Or you can hire a professional gutter cleaning team in Calgary. Once your gutters are clear, ensure that the water flows freely through the downspouts and away from the foundation of your home.
HVAC System Maintenance
Before the temperatures drop, it’s essential to ensure that your heating system is in optimal condition. Schedule a professional maintenance service for your HVAC system to clean or replace filters, check for any issues, and ensure it is operating efficiently. This will not only keep your home comfortable but also extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Inspect and Seal Gaps
Inspect the exterior of your home for any gaps or cracks that could allow cold air to enter or warm air to escape. Check around windows, doors, and utility openings such as vents and pipes. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal these gaps and improve energy efficiency. By doing so, you’ll not only keep your home warmer during the winter but also save on heating costs.
Window Washing
Fall is the perfect time to give your windows a thorough cleaning before the winter weather sets in in Calgary. Dirty windows not only affect the overall appearance of your home but can also reduce the amount of natural light that enters your living spaces. For DYI projects, use a window cleaner and a squeegee or microfiber cloth to remove dirt, grime, and streaks from both the interior and exterior surfaces of your windows. Don’t forget to clean the window frames and tracks as well for a complete refresh. Or you can hire a professional window cleaning team in Calgary, and they will get it done for you.
Chimney and Fireplace Inspection
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, it’s crucial to have your chimney inspected and cleaned before the winter season. A professional chimney sweep will remove any creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Additionally, they will check for any cracks or damage that could impact the functionality and safety of your chimney.
Roof Inspection
Inspecting your roof is an important part of fall home maintenance. Look for any missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or signs of wear and tear. Addressing these issues now can prevent leaks and water damage during winter storms. If you’re not comfortable inspecting your roof yourself, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to do the job.
Outdoor Faucet Winterization
To prevent your outdoor faucets from freezing and potentially bursting during winter, it’s crucial to properly winterize them. Start by turning off the water supply to the outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water from the pipes. Disconnect and store any hoses, and consider installing frost-proof faucet covers for added protection.
Insulation Check
Check the insulation in your attic and walls to ensure it’s sufficient for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature during winter. Insufficient insulation can lead to heat loss and higher energy bills. Consider adding more insulation if needed or hiring a professional to do the job.
Lawn and Garden Care
Prepare your lawn and garden for winter by completing essential tasks such as raking leaves, aerating the soil, and applying winter fertilizer. Trim any overgrown branches or shrubs that could potentially cause damage during winter storms. Additionally, consider covering delicate plants or moving them indoors to protect them from frost.
Drain and Store Outdoor Equipment
Before winter arrives, drain and properly store any outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and garden hoses. This will prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures and ensure they are ready for use when spring arrives.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fall is a great time to test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace batteries if needed and make sure they are installed in the correct locations throughout your home.
Clean and Inspect Dryer Vents
Lint buildup in dryer vents can pose a fire hazard. Take the time to clean out your dryer vents and inspect them for any damage or obstructions. This will not only improve the safety of your home but also increase the efficiency of your dryer.
Drain and Winterize Sprinkler Systems
If you have an underground sprinkler system, it’s important to drain and winterize it before freezing temperatures arrive. This will prevent pipes from bursting and costly repairs in the spring.
Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture
Clean your outdoor furniture thoroughly and store it in a dry, protected area for the winter. This will extend its lifespan and prevent damage caused by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Prepare Emergency Supplies
Lastly, make sure you have essential emergency supplies readily available in case of power outages or severe weather conditions. This includes items such as flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, blankets, and a first aid kit.
By following this fall home maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your residential or business property is fully prepared for the winter season and minimize potential issues that could arise during the colder months. These are all crucial steps in keeping your place safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient. Remember, proper property maintenance now can save you time, money, and potential headaches in the long run. Stay proactive and enjoy a cozy and worry-free winter in your well-maintained home.
Why choose ‘Gutter Cleaning on a Budget’ for your eavestrough and other exterior cleaning needs?
A small but dedicated family business. We are in the TOP THREE gutter cleaning companies in our beautiful city, and #1 by volume of eavestrough cleaning jobs in Calgary. Thank you, YYC. We’ve been working hard to achieve and sustain this status. Our spotless reputation is backed up by the CLOG-FREE & NO STREAKS guarantee. Your satisfaction is our priority. We guarantee that your gutters, eavestroughs, and downspouts will have no clogs after our appointment. We guarantee that your windows will have no streaks.
Wonder if you can trust us?
Over the years, we helped CEOs, doctors, lawyers, politicians, engineers, IT-specialists, tradesmen, and even some local celebrities. We helped single moms, retirees, landlords, tenants, new homeowners, and a lot of other people who are not comfortable with heights or don’t have enough knowledge of the rain gutter system. That means you won’t be among the first thousand customers who trusted us, but we are very happy to work for you anyway 🙂
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