Fall Homeowner Maintenance: A Complete Guide for a Cozy, Worry-Free Season

Alberta fall shows up fast. One week you’re sipping iced coffee on the deck, the next you’re scraping frost off the windshield. A few focused days can spare you expensive repairs when the deep freeze hits.

Here’s a checklist to keep things running efficiently and give you peace of mind.

Guard the Exterior

Clean gutters and downspouts

Leaves and twigs trap water, which then freezes and expands. Clear them out and run a hose through to check for blockages.

Inspect the roof and siding

Look for loose shingles, cracked caulking, or flashing gaps. Catching a small leak now is far cheaper than fixing water damage in February.

Seal the gaps

Walk the foundation and exterior walls with a tube of caulk. Fill cracks in siding, around windows, and along the foundation to keep out moisture and critters.

Prep the driveway and walkways

Patch small cracks with concrete filler before freeze-thaw cycles turn them into potholes.

Inside the Home

Service the furnace or boiler 

A professional tune-up boosts efficiency and lowers the chance of a mid-January breakdown. Swap or clean filters monthly during heavy use.

Test safety devices 

Check smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries and note expiry dates.

Flip ceiling fans 

Switch blades to rotate clockwise at a low speed. It pushes warm air down, trimming heating costs.

Check windows and doors

Feel for drafts with a lit incense stick or candle. Replace worn weather-stripping and add a door sweep if needed.

Plumbing Protection

Drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior taps 

Open the outside valve, then the interior shut-off, to keep pipes from bursting.

Insulate vulnerable pipes 

Basements, crawl spaces, and garages benefit from foam sleeves or heat tape.

Look for slow leaks 

A tiny drip under the sink can become a split pipe in a cold snap.

Yard & Garden

Rake or mulch leaves 

A mulching mower returns nutrients to the soil; otherwise, compost them to avoid smothering your lawn.

Trim trees and shrubs 

Cut back dead branches that could fall under heavy snow or wind.

Protect outdoor furniture and tools

Clean and store cushions, cover the barbecue, and move planters or delicate décor inside.

Condo Owners: Your Fall Checklist

Condo living lightens the workload—no raking or roof repairs—but you still have responsibilities.

• HVAC filters & vents - Even in a high-rise, your furnace or heat pump needs a clean filter for air quality and efficiency.

• Balcony or patio – Clear leaves and secure planters or furniture to prevent wind damage or frozen drains.

• Windows & doors – Inspect seals and caulking to keep drafts out and heating bills in check.

  
  

Stay looped in – Read board notices about boiler checks, garage cleaning, or winter pest control so you’re not caught off guard.

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A crisp Saturday with gloves and a checklist now means a quieter, warmer winter later. Think of it as investing in your own comfort—future you, curled up with a book and a mug of something hot, will be grateful.