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Home Maintenance Tips | August 21st, 2025

Fall Home & Yard Maintenance: Alberta Home Expert Guide

Fall is on its way, and this is the perfect time to give your home a little TLC before winter sets in. Over the years, we’ve seen how a few simple steps now can save families from stressful (and costly) surprises later. Since the 1970s, we’ve been helping Alberta homeowners take care of their homes, and one thing is clear: a little fall prep makes a big difference. That’s why we’ve put together this trusted checklist to help you get ready for the season ahead.

Protect Your Roof and Gutters

Why it matters: Every fall we hear from homeowners caught off guard by leaks or ice dams, and it almost always starts with clogged gutters. Leaves and debris pile up quicker than you think, and when water has nowhere to go, it can back up under your roof, damage fascia, or even invite pests looking for a cozy spot. A quick clean now saves you from a much bigger headache later.

What to do:

  • Clear out gutters and downspouts. Consider adding guards in the spring.
  • Test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof.
  • Cover your outside air conditioning unit.
  • Inspect the roof for missing, broken, or curling shingles.
  • Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for cracks or deterioration.

Seal Exterior Gaps and Improve Energy Efficiency

Why it matters: Ever notice a chilly draft near a window or door that makes you reach for a sweater? Those little gaps don’t just make your home less comfortable—they also drive up your heating bill all winter long. A bit of caulking or weather-stripping now keeps the cold air out, the cozy warmth in, and your energy costs from sneaking higher than they should.

What to do:

  • Inspect weatherstripping around windows and doors. Replace any worn strips.
  • Caulk gaps around window frames, exterior pipes, and vents.
  • Check foundation walls and fill cracks with concrete caulk.

Tune-Up HVAC, Furnace, and Heating Systems

Why it matters: Imagine waking up on a frosty morning only to realize the furnace quit overnight. Suddenly, you’re scrambling for space heaters and waiting on repairs. A quick fall tune-up helps catch small issues early, keeps your home cozy, and gives you peace of mind when the real cold hits.

What to do:

  • Replace filters in your furnace, air exchanger, and humidifier. Heat recovery ventilator (HRV) filters should be checked every two months.
  • Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to clean burners, test safety controls, and check duct connections.
  • Examine the forced air furnace fan for looseness or noise. Clean fan blades of any dirt build-up after first disconnecting the motor power.
  • Top up the furnace humidifier’s water panel and clean water lines.

Clean and Prepare Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, and Chimneys

Why it matters: Few things feel cozier than a crackling fire on a chilly night—but if your chimney is clogged with creosote or has a cracked flue, it can turn dangerous fast. A quick clean and inspection now means you can enjoy the warmth safely all winter long.

What to do:

  • Hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect for creosote, blockages, or warped components.
  • Check seals on stove doors and clean fireplace glass.
  • Stack seasoned wood in a dry, ventilated area away from exterior walls and windows.

Check Windows and Doors Before the Cold Creeps In

Why it matters: Drafty windows or sticky doors don’t just let in the chill—they affect your comfort, security, and even your heating bill. A quick check now helps seal in the warmth, keep your home safe, and save you money through the winter.

What to do:

  • Open and close every window and door to ensure smooth operation.
  • Inspect screens for tears or loose frames. Repair or replace as needed.
  • Lubricate tracks, rollers, and hinges to prevent sticking.

Prep Your Plumbing and Outdoor Water Systems

Why it matters: Nothing ruins a winter morning like discovering a burst pipe or a frozen outdoor spigot. Taking a little time now to inspect and winterize your plumbing helps prevent costly damage and keeps your home running smoothly all season long.

What to do:

  • Disconnect hoses from outdoor taps. Drain and store them indoors.
  • Shut off and winterize exterior taps using insulated covers.
  • Flush your hot water tank to reduce sediment buildup.
  • Test your basement sump pump and clean the float switch.

Check Your Garage, Decks, and Outdoor Spaces

Why it matters: Winter weather can take a toll on your outdoor structures. A quick pre-winter inspection helps protect your investment and keeps your garage, decks, and other spaces in great shape.

What to do:

  • Check decks and railings for rot, soft spots, or loose fasteners.
  • Inspect your garage door, tracks, and weather seals. Replace batteries in your garage remote.
  • Clean under eaves and around the garage door to deter pests.

Lawn, Garden, and Landscaping Prep

Why it matters: Proper fall care encourages stronger growth in spring and prevents winter damage. Alberta winters are tough—your yard needs to be ready.

What to do:

  • Grass & Lawn Maintenance: Give your lawn a final mow to about 2 inches to prevent matting under snow, and remember to clear leaves regularly so your grass stays healthy. Fall is a great time to aerate compacted areas, overseed thin spots, apply a high-potassium fertilizer, and keep watering until the ground freezes—these small steps help your lawn bounce back strong in spring.
  • Yard & Garden Maintenance: Trim back perennials but leave ornamental grasses for winter interest. Mulch garden beds a few inches to protect roots and keep weeds down, and make sure tender plants are wrapped or covered to survive the cold. Cleaning up fallen fruit, storing outdoor furniture, and caring for your garden tools now helps prevent headaches later.
  • Irrigation & Water Systems: Winterize sprinklers and drip lines, disconnect hoses, and shut off outdoor water valves. A little prep now protects your pipes and irrigation system from costly freeze damage.

Inspect Siding, Foundation, and Exterior Finishes

Why it matters: Small cracks or damage can turn into big problems once the cold and storms hit. A quick check now helps protect your home and avoid costly repairs later.

What to do:

  • Inspect siding or stucco for cracks, mold, or damaged mortar.
  • Check the foundation and basement windows for water entry points.
  • Walk the perimeter of your home to ensure the grading slopes away from the foundation.

Check Smoke & CO Detectors and Prepare for Emergencies

Why it matters: With colder weather and more indoor heating, it’s a good time to replace batteries in your smoke and CO detectors and review your home’s emergency plan. A little prep now helps keep your family safe and comfortable all season.

What to do:

  • Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Check the expiration dates on detectors. Replace any that are more than 10 years old.
  • Review or build your emergency kit. Include flashlights, extra batteries, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food.

Ready for Fall?

Taking care of these basics now means you can actually relax and enjoy the season instead of worrying about your home. Checking even a few of these items off your list now can save you from bigger tasks and expenses later.
Looking for a printable version of this checklist? Reach out and we’ll be happy to send you our updated customer handout. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy everything this beautiful season has to offer.

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