As a home inspector and the owner of Arrow Inspections, I’ve seen firsthand how Calgary’s winter weather—along with the deep-freeze conditions in Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, and rural Rocky View County and Mountain View County—can take a toll on a home. Preparing your property before the temperatures drop isn’t just smart; it can protect your investment, extend the life of your home’s systems, and give you peace of mind throughout our long Alberta winters.
Here are 10 essential steps to winterize your home and keep everything running smoothly when the cold weather hits from a local home inspector.
⸻
1. Service Your Furnace or Heating System
Your furnace works overtime in Calgary’s cold climate. Have a licensed HVAC technician inspect, clean, and test your unit to ensure it’s operating safely and efficiently. Homes in more remote areas areas like Sundre, Cremona, and Water Valley especially benefit from early fall servicing, before the first big freeze hits and technicians have to travel further and book up in advance.
⸻
2. Replace Furnace Filters (and one of the top things we see as a home inspector- backwards furnace filters!)
A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder and increases your energy bills. Replace your furnace filter every 1–3 months during the heating season. If you live in rural towns like Didsbury, Carstairs, Strathmore, Chestermere, Cremona, Three Hills, etc where farming dust levels can be higher, consider replacing them more often. Click here to see how to properly change your furnace filter : https://youtu.be/ekzTJThiAOk?si=0NfyrSZqiG_o2FZq
⸻
3. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss in older Calgary homes. Check weatherstripping around doors and caulking around windows. Adding or replacing seals is a simple, affordable fix that makes a big difference in homes.
⸻
4. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
When gutters fill with debris, melting snow can’t drain properly—leading to ice dams, roof damage, and leaks. Clean gutters thoroughly and ensure downspouts direct water well away from the home. This step is crucial in snow-heavy communities like Bragg Creek, Priddis, and Canmore.
⸻
5. Inspect Your Roof
Before the first heavy snowfall, visually inspect your roof for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or signs of wear. A roof issue that seems minor now can become a major problem during a Calgary blizzard. If you’re unsure, book a home inspection through Arrow Inspections and one of our home inspectors will do a full analysis.
⸻
6. Protect Exterior Water Lines
Outdoor hoses, faucets, and irrigation systems must be drained and shut off before freezing temperatures arrive. Burst pipes are common in rural properties throughout Rocky View County and Mountain View County. Disconnect hoses, drain sprinkler systems, and use insulated faucet covers.
⸻
7. Add Attic Insulation
Homes benefit from additional attic insulation to prevent heat loss and reduce ice damming. Aim for an insulation level of R-40 or higher to withstand Alberta’s extreme climate.
⸻
8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters running nonstop, winter is the highest-risk season for CO exposure. Test all alarms, replace batteries, and install detectors on every level of your home—especially near bedrooms.
⸻
9. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Many homeowners don’t realize ceiling fans can help reduce heating costs. Set fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down. This simple change helps maintain even temperatures in both Calgary condos and larger rural homes.
⸻
10. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Winter storms can hit hard and fast in southern Alberta. Keep an emergency kit stocked with blankets, flashlights, batteries, bottled water, a first-aid kit, and a portable phone charger. For acreage owners near Water Valley, Cremona, or Redwood Meadows, having backup heat sources and generators adds peace of mind.
⸻
Final Thoughts From Your Local Home Inspector
Winter in Calgary and surrounding areas can be harsh, but a well-prepared home makes all the difference. At Arrow Inspections, we specialize in helping Alberta homeowners understand their property’s condition so they can make informed maintenance decisions before winter arrives.
If you’d like a full pre-winter home inspection in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, Crossfield, or throughout Mountain View and Rocky View County, reach out anytime—we’re here to help you stay warm, safe, and protected all season long. Click the link to schedule to make sure your home is ready for winter! https://www.arrowinspections.ca/schedule-your-inspection/