Simple seasonal checks that keep your home safe, efficient, and stress-free.

Winter in Alberta brings cozy nights, sparkling snow, and… a few home maintenance tasks worth staying ahead of. Whether you’re preparing to host, settling in for the season, or thinking about listing your home, a safe and well-maintained space makes all the difference.

Here are the key winter safety checks every homeowner should tackle — quick fixes that protect your home, boost efficiency, and prevent headaches down the road.

1. Hunt Down Drafts (and Fix Them Fast)

Drafts aren’t just chilly — they can significantly raise your heating bill and strain your furnace.
Check around windows, doors, outlets, and attic hatches
Use a lit candle or incense stick to spot airflow
Add weatherstripping, door sweeps, or a quick bead of caulking

Why it matters: Reducing drafts improves comfort, lowers energy costs, and signals to future buyers that the home has been well cared for.

2. Replace or Clean Furnace Filters

When the furnace is running daily, filters clog faster than you’d expect.
Replace every 4–6 weeks during heavy use
Choose a filter that matches your system (MERV 8–11 is typical for most homes)

Why it matters: A clean filter improves air quality, prevents system strain, and helps your furnace run more efficiently — something home inspectors always notice.

3. Check Your Breaker Panel

Winter means more lights, décor, and appliances running at once.
Ensure each breaker is labelled
Look for signs of scorching or corrosion
Avoid overloading high-demand circuits (space heaters, small appliances, etc.)

Pro tip: If breakers frequently trip, it’s a sign your home may need electrical upgrades — especially common in older properties.

4. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

A frozen pipe is one of the most expensive winter emergencies.
Insulate pipes in unheated areas (garage, crawlspace, basement)
Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on extremely cold nights
Maintain a consistent indoor temperature

If leaving town: Keep heat at at least 16°C and ask someone to check your home every couple of days.

5. Test Smoke & CO Detectors

Winter brings more heating, more cooking, and more time inside, all reasons to check your detectors.
Test monthly
Replace batteries every 6 months
Replace detectors entirely every 7–10 years

Reminder: Homes with gas heat, fireplaces, and attached garages must have a functioning CO detector.

6. Inspect Fireplaces & Space Heaters

Fireplaces add charm and warmth, but also, risk if ignored.

For gas fireplaces:

• Check the glass seal
• Ensure the pilot light is working
• Look for soot buildup

For wood-burning fireplaces:

• Have the chimney cleaned annually
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood

Space heaters:

• Keep 3 feet of clearance
• Never plug into a power bar
• Turn off before bed or leaving the house

7. Clear Vents Inside & Out

Blocked vents force systems to work harder and can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
Check exterior vents for the furnace, dryer, and gas fireplace
Remove snow, leaves, or ice
Vacuum indoor return air vents

Why This Matters for Homeowners (and Future Sellers)

Homes that are maintained seasonally:
Show better during showings
Reduce unexpected repair costs
Run more efficiently
Make winter living more comfortable

Whether you plan to stay put or consider selling in the new year, these simple winter tasks protect one of your biggest investments.