Why winter maintenance is a big deal in Calgary

Winter is when small weak spots show up fast. A loose downspout turns into a wet basement corner. A clogged furnace filter turns into uneven heat. A bath fan that vents poorly turns into attic frost. Calgary’s cold snaps and quick thaws do not forgive “I’ll deal with it later.” The good news is that a winter checklist is simple. Most items take minutes, not hours.

Start with the big three: heat, water, and moisture

If you keep heat steady, protect pipes, and control indoor moisture, most winter issues stay small.

Heating checklist

Change the furnace filter

Check monthly and replace as needed. Long winter run times load filters fast, especially with pets. A clean filter improves airflow, keeps rooms more even, and reduces shutdowns.

Keep vents and returns clear

• Do not block return vents with furniture
• Vacuum supply registers and return grilles
• Keep basement storage away from the furnace area

Know your “what if the furnace stops” plan

• Know where the furnace switch and breaker are
• Keep a spare filter at home
• Check the intake and exhaust pipes outside after storms
• Have a trusted HVAC contact saved in your phone

Thermostat habits

Keep the home at a steady, comfortable temperature during deep cold. Large night setbacks can increase pipe-freeze risk in cold corners. If you leave town, do not turn heat off. Keep it low but stable.

Plumbing and pipe-freeze checklist

Know the main water shutoff

Find it now, not during a leak. If someone in your home cannot find it, label it.

Protect cold spots

• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during deep cold
• Let a small trickle run if you know a line is at risk
• Seal drafts around pipes where they enter cabinets or basements

Watch hoses and outdoor faucets

• Remove garden hoses before freeze
• Confirm exterior faucets are shut off and drained if your home has inside shutoffs
• Check for drips at hose bibs, a slow drip can freeze and crack a pipe

Hot water tank area

• Look for water at the base
• Check the temperature and pressure relief valve discharge tube is present
• Keep the area clear so you can spot leaks early

Indoor moisture and air quality checklist

Many Calgary winter problems are moisture problems in disguise. When indoor air is warm and moist, it tries to escape upward. If it reaches cold attic surfaces, it turns into frost. You can prevent that.

Manage humidity

• Use a small hygrometer and track indoor humidity
• Aim around 30 to 35 percent during winter
• If windows fog, reduce humidity and run fans longer

Use bath fans well

• Run the fan during showers and for 15 to 20 minutes after
• Make sure the fan actually moves air (tissue test at the grille)
• Clean the grille if it is dusty

Kitchen ventilation

Use the range hood when cooking. Boiling water adds a surprising amount of moisture to a home, which can show up later as window condensation.

Dryer vent safety

• Clean lint from the lint trap every load
• Check the exterior vent cap for proper opening
• If drying takes longer than normal, schedule a vent cleaning

Attic and roof-edge checklist (from the ground)

You do not need to climb your roof in winter. You can still look for clues from outside.

Watch for ice patterns

• Large icicles can be a sign of warmth escaping to the roof edge
• Thick ice at eaves can point to air leaks and poor insulation near the edge

One small icicle is not a crisis. A whole “ice curtain” is a clue worth investigating in spring.

Keep roof vents and soffits clear of snow piles

Heavy drifting can block intake areas. After major storms, check that vents and soffit areas are not buried by huge piles from shoveling.

Exterior drainage checklist

Even in winter, drainage matters. Melting snow needs a path away from your foundation.

Downspouts

• Confirm downspouts are attached and not loose
• Make sure extensions push water away from the wall
• Clear ice and debris at the end if water is pooling there

Walkways and grading

If meltwater flows toward the home and freezes at the foundation line, take note. That pattern matters when you plan spring grading or downspout changes.

Window wells

• Keep window wells clear of drifted snow
• Do not pile shoveled snow into wells
• Watch for meltwater lines inside the well

Safety checklist

Smoke and CO alarms

• Test monthly
• Replace batteries if needed
• Replace old units that are past the expiry date on the back label

Fireplace and wood appliance notes

If you use a fireplace, make sure you know the basics. Use a screen, keep combustibles away, and consider professional cleaning on a schedule that fits use. If you are unsure about safety, ask a specialist before heavy use.

Space heaters

• Keep them away from curtains and bedding
• Plug directly into wall outlets, not power bars
• Do not leave them running unattended

Garage and car comfort checklist

Garages affect home comfort. A cold garage can make adjacent rooms cold, and fumes can migrate indoors if seals are weak.

• Keep the man door weatherstripping intact
• Check the door bottom seal
• Do not idle a car inside, even with the door open

Quick “deep cold” checklist for minus days

• Keep heat steady, avoid deep setbacks
• Open under-sink cabinet doors on exterior walls
• Check intake and exhaust pipes for snow blockage
• Run bath fans longer after showers
• Watch for window condensation and lower humidity if needed

What an inspection can do for winter prep

A home maintenance inspection can help you build a priority list for winter. Inspectors often point to attic sealing risks, weak ventilation, furnace filter issues, and drainage patterns that show up during melt. The report photos help you plan the spring fixes that prevent next winter’s problems.

Winter checklist you can print

• Replace furnace filter and keep returns clear
• Check exterior intake and exhaust pipes after storms
• Know the main water shutoff and protect cold pipes
• Manage humidity around 30 to 35 percent
• Run bath fans and use range hood during cooking
• Check dryer vent cap and consider vent cleaning
• Keep downspouts secure and water directed away
• Keep window wells clear of shoveled snow
• Test smoke and CO alarms

The payoff

This checklist is not about perfection. It is about keeping small issues small. A few monthly checks protect your budget, your comfort, and your peace of mind through Calgary winter. And when spring arrives, you will have fewer repairs and more time to enjoy the season.

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