Winter has a way of arriving early in Edmonton. One week we’re enjoying the last of the fall colours, and the next we’re scraping ice off the windshield every morning.
Before freezing temperatures settle in, it’s worth taking a walk around your property and checking that your home is ready for the season.
We’ve put together this fall home maintenance checklist to help you get started. You can also download our printable checklist to keep track of everything as you go.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Exterior & Property
Your home’s exterior takes the brunt of Edmonton’s changing weather. A thorough inspection in the fall can help prevent water damage, heat loss and costly repairs.
☑️ Clean your eavestroughs (gutters) and downspouts. Remove leaves and debris so water can flow freely, and make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation. If you have mature trees around your property, check again once the leaves have finished falling.
☑️ Clear window wells and exterior drains. Remove leaves and debris to prevent blockages when snow begins to melt.
☑️ Inspect your roof. Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles, and check exterior vents and finishes for visible damage. Arrange for a professional inspection if you notice anything concerning.
☑️ Check exterior caulking and weatherstripping. Pay particular attention to windows and doors. Cracked seals and worn weatherstripping can allow cold air and moisture into your home.
☑️ Prune trees and shrubs. Cut back branches growing against your home or hanging over the roofline. Heavy snow and ice can put considerable strain on branches.
☑️ Repair cracks in driveways and sidewalks. Water expands when it freezes, which can make existing cracks worse throughout winter.
☑️ Inspect your deck and fencing. Check for loose boards, damaged railings and other repairs that will be more difficult to complete once snow arrives.
☑️ Review your landscaping and grading. Make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation rather than directing water toward the house.
☑️ Disconnect garden hoses and winterize exterior water lines. Shut off and drain exterior lines as required by your plumbing system.
☑️ Winterize your irrigation system. Arrange to have irrigation lines blown out before sustained freezing temperatures arrive.
2. Heating & Air Quality
As temperatures drop, your heating and ventilation systems work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
☑️ Replace your furnace filter. Check your filter regularly and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Arrange a professional furnace inspection if one is due.
☑️ Check your insulation. If certain rooms are consistently drafty or difficult to heat, consider having your insulation assessed. Poor insulation and air leakage can also contribute to problems such as ice damming and attic moisture.
☑️ Clean your heat recovery ventilator (HRV) filters. If your home has an HRV, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance instructions.
☑️ Service your built-in humidifier. Clean or replace the humidifier pad, inspect the drain line and adjust the equipment to its recommended winter settings.
☑️ Monitor indoor humidity. As outdoor temperatures fall, you may need to reduce indoor humidity to prevent condensation on windows. However, very dry conditions can also cause hardwood flooring to shrink or develop gaps. Check the recommended humidity range for your particular flooring and adjust your home’s systems accordingly.
3. Water & Interior
Some winter maintenance concerns aren’t immediately visible. Plumbing, mechanical equipment and moisture-prone areas deserve a quick inspection before freezing temperatures arrive.
☑️ Test your sump pump. Confirm that it’s operating properly and that the discharge line is clear.
☑️ Look for plumbing leaks. Inspect under sinks, around toilets, behind accessible appliances and near mechanical equipment for signs of water or moisture.
☑️ Check windows and doors from the inside. Look for drafts, condensation or signs of moisture around frames.
☑️ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they’re functioning properly and replace batteries when needed.
4. Cooling Equipment
Your air-conditioning equipment needs some attention before winter, too.
☑️ Clear debris from your outdoor air-conditioning unit. Remove leaves, grass clippings and other debris from around the equipment to maintain airflow.
☑️ Check the manufacturer’s winter protection recommendations. Some units may benefit from protection against falling ice, but completely wrapping an air conditioner can trap moisture.
☑️ Keep heat pumps clear. If your home uses an outdoor heat pump, leave it uncovered and keep it free of snow and ice throughout winter.
One important distinction: an air conditioner and a heat pump may look similar from the outside, but they have different winter operating requirements. Always follow the instructions for your specific equipment.
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Download Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
We’ve created a printable Fall Home Care Checklist to make seasonal maintenance easier. It covers everything discussed here, with space to check off completed tasks and make notes about anything that needs follow-up.
If your fall inspection has you considering more substantial improvements to your home, contact our team to discuss your renovation plans.
Ready to reimagine what’s possible in your home?
We serve homeowners and condo owners across Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Leduc, and the surrounding area. If you’re ready to start planning your renovation, send us an email at info@contactrenovations.ca – we’d love to bring your luxury home vision to life.
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