New Homeowner’s Guide to Prepping Your Home for Winter

The first few months after moving into a new home is an exciting time. You’re full of ideas for how to make the space your own and busy finding the perfect spots for your belongings and furniture.

If you’re in a new build home, home maintenance may be low down on your to-do list. However, as the temperatures start to drop in the Greater Edmonton Area there are steps you’ll need to take to keep your home comfortable during an Alberta winter.

Protect your new home before winter arrives with these important home maintenance tasks every new homeowner should know.

Winter Home Maintenance in Alberta: Essential Tasks

Check Your Furnace and HVAC Filters

Replace or clean your furnace filter and make sure your furnace and HVAC system are working properly before the colder weather arrives. If you notice any banging or rattling sounds, musty smells, inconsistent heating or frequent cycling, book an inspection right away. Better to fix a problem now than to have your furnace fail on a cold winter night.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Remove garden hoses, shut off exterior water lines where applicable, and drain outdoor faucets to help prevent freezing and burst pipes.

You should also locate your home’s main water shut-off valve so you know how to turn off the water supply if a pipe freezes or bursts. During extreme cold, keep your home adequately heated, even when you’re away. If you have plumbing in unheated areas, such as a garage or crawl space, check whether additional insulation or freeze protection is needed.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Remove leaves and debris and make sure downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation. Backed up gutters can lead to leaks once the snow starts melting.

Check that water can drain away from your foundation and that snow isn’t blocking drainage areas around your home.

Monitor your roof throughout winter for signs of ice dams, such as thick ice buildup along the eaves. If snow or ice removal is necessary, avoid climbing onto an icy roof and contact a professional if the work cannot be done safely.

Check Windows and Doors

Inspect weatherstripping and exterior caulking for gaps that could allow cold air or moisture into your home. If you find any drafts, seal them where appropriate.

Weatherstripping can help reduce drafts and improve comfort during cold Alberta winters. If you notice persistent drafts or signs of moisture around windows and doors in a new build, consult your builder or warranty provider before making repairs that could affect warranty coverage.

Adjust Humidifier Settings

Humidifier settings should be lowered in winter to prevent condensation on windows as the temperature drops. The ideal setting depends on outdoor temperatures, your home’s construction and whether condensation develops on windows. Follow your humidifier manufacturer’s recommendations and adjust the settings as needed to help prevent excess moisture. Now is also a good time to check your humidifier’s filter.

Trim Trees

Strong winds during winter storms and the weight from heavy snowfall can cause branches to snap off the trees in your yard. Not only are falling branches a safety hazard, but they can also cause damage to your home, fencing or any vehicles that are parked outside.

Trimming your trees and removing any weak, dry or damaged branches now is essential winter prep for homeowners.

Prepare Winter Equipment and Store Batteries Safely

If you’re a new homeowner prepping your home for winter, now is the perfect time to buy winter necessities such as snow shovels, ice melt and snow blowers. If you already have winter equipment, be sure to check that everything is in working order and determine whether anything needs to be repaired or replaced before the first snowfall.

If your equipment uses rechargeable batteries, check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage and charging. Keep batteries dry and store them within the recommended temperature range, away from excessive heat or extreme cold. Use the recommended charger and inspect batteries for damage before use. Proper storage can help protect your equipment and ensure it’s ready when winter weather arrives.

Prepare your property for snow and ice by keeping shovels accessible and planning how you’ll clear your driveway and walkways. Choose ice melt that’s suitable for your driveway or walkway material and follow the product instructions for safe use.

Test Safety Devices

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check their batteries and expiry dates. Replace batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as some alarms use sealed long-life batteries or are hardwired. Test alarms regularly and replace the entire detector when it reaches the end of its service life.

Understand Your New Home’s Maintenance and Warranty Requirements

Even if you’ve purchased a newly built home, seasonal maintenance is still important. Review your homeowner manual for instructions on maintaining your furnace, humidifier, exterior finishes and other home systems.

Keep your builder and warranty provider’s contact information handy, and report concerns such as persistent drafts, unusual moisture or other potential defects through the appropriate process. Following the recommended maintenance guidelines can help you care for your new home and understand your responsibilities as a homeowner.

Are you interested in buying a new home in Alberta before winter arrives? View our current inventory of quick-possession homes now. We have a wide selection of beautiful move-in-ready homes in Stony Plain, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove and Devon, Alberta.

As a new home builder serving Alberta communities, Alquinn Homes is committed to providing quality homes designed for everyday living. Reach out to a home consultant when you’re ready to learn more about our home inventory and how Alquinn Homes builds spaces for everyday living!