Fall Home Maintenance Tips from Digger Real Estate

Keep your home cozy this winter with these Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Our Homes are our Castles and soon they’ll be under the siege of freezing winter winds! Now’s the time to plan ahead to keep cozy, warm and safe this winter. Here are 10 practical Fall Home Maintenance Tips for homeowners in Alberta to help prepare for the harsh winter months ahead.

1. Winterize Outdoor Faucets & Sprinklers, BEFORE the first frost

• Why: Prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
• How: Shut off the water supply to outdoor taps and drain residual water. Blow out sprinkler systems or have a professional do it. (TIP Drain water hoses to keep them from splitting when they freeze)

 2. Get Your Furnace Inspected

• Why: Ensure your heating system is in tip top shape and running efficiently when temps drop.
• How: Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning. Replace or clean furnace filters monthly during heavy use.

3. Check the seals on Windows & Doors

• Why: Reducing Energy Bills. It’s surprising how much heat can be let out, and cold drafts can come in through leaky seals.
• How: Apply weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors. Consider adding thermal curtains for added insulation (and a refreshed Fall/Winter look!)

4. Check Roof & Gutters

• Why: Ice dams and heavy snow can damage your roof.
• How: Inspect for damaged or missing shingles. Clean out gutters to prevent ice buildup and water damage. Call a roofing expert if you suspect damage or can’t view it.

5. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Why: Safety is critical! More heating appliance use increases fire and Carbon Monoxide risks.
• How: Replace batteries, and test detectors. Ensure you have enough units on each floor, especially near bedrooms.

6. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

• Why: Be prepared for snow and power outages.
• How: Ensure you have snow shovels, ice melt, extension cords, flashlights and batteries. Consider a generator if outages in your area are common.

7. Insulate Exposed Pipes

• Why: Prevent costly pipe bursts in unheated areas.
• How: Use foam pipe insulation in crawl spaces, basements, and garages.

8. Clean the Chimney & Fireplace

• Why: Prevent chimney fires and ensure safe operation.
• How: Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean it annually, especially if you burn wood regularly.

 9. Reverse Ceiling Fans

• Why: Improve warm air circulation.
• How: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at low speed to push warm air down. To confirm your fan is in winter mode, look at the blades from below - they should be rotating from left to right, and you should feel little to no direct wind.  

10. Trim Trees & Branches

• Why: Prevent damage from falling limbs during snowstorms or high winds.
• How: Cut back dead or overhanging branches, especially near the house or power lines. Call a Certified Arborist if necessary. 

If you’re considering listing your home this fall or winter, it’s a great idea to get a jump on these handyman fixes now!
Would you like a second opinion on how else you could improve your home’s saleability? Give me a call at 780-886-5644 or email at homes@teamdigger.ca I’d be happy to give you the benefit of my experience.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Dan

Dan Yurdiga |  Broker/Owner  |  Digger Real Estate