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Welcome to our Ultimate Calgary Homeowner Guide
Welcome to our Ultimate Calgary Homeowner Guide, a valuable resource designed to help you maintain your home and protect your investment. On this page and in our Home Maintenance Guide, you will find expert advice on home maintenance, safety, and strategies to extend the lifespan of your property. Whether you are a first-time homeowner or experienced in Calgary’s unique climate, we offer essential tips and maintenance schedules tailored to your needs. Stay informed with actionable insights that will keep your home running smoothly year round. Start exploring our tips now and ensure your home remains in top condition for years to come.
Gain valuable insights into maintaining and enhancing your Calgary home, from seasonal upkeep to expert advice on repairs and upgrades.
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Our pages offer comprehensive insights, practical tips, and helpful tools tailored to your home maintenance needs. Start exploring essential maintenance strategies and expert advice to keep your Calgary home in excellent condition throughout the year.
Watch Our Winter Home Maintenance Instructional Videos
Watch our instructional videos to help you maintain and improve your home. Winter can take a toll on your property, preparation for this season in Calgary is very important.
Winterizing Your Home
Salting Concrete
Watch Our Furnace Maintenance Instructional Videos
These videos will help you understand how to maintain your furnace, focusing on various types and the importance of regular filter changes to keep it running efficiently throughout the winter.
Mid Efficiency Furnaces
High Efficiency Furnaces
Home Maintenance Seasonal Checklist
Follow this seasonal checklist to maintain your home throughout the year, ensuring it stays in top condition and ready for each season.
| Month | Maintenance Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Check and clean/replace furnace and air exchanger filters if dirty. Conduct a house-wide moisture level inspection. |
| February | Review furnace and air exchanger filters; clean or replace as needed. Examine plumbing for any leakages or drips. |
| March | Maintain routine inspection of furnace and air exchanger filters. Assess home for any moisture-related issues. Inspect home for any needed interior maintenance. |
| April | Continue regular filter checks and replacements. Test smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed. Inspect fire extinguisher and recharge if necessary. Look for water leakage signs in the basement. Examine siding and exterior for winter damage. Clean eavestroughs and downspouts; reattach loose sections. Check landscaping and grade for effective drainage. |
| May | Inspect windows, doors, and screens for functionality and repairs. Check foundation walls for cracks and leaks. Maintain furnace and air exchanger filters. Clean the chimney at the end of heating season for wood-burning appliances. |
| June | Regular filter maintenance. Check and clean septic tank if required (typically every three years). Inspect the roof for loose or missing shingles. Evaluate yard for exterior maintenance needs, such as fence repairs or landscaping. |
| July | Continue filter checks and cleaning. Inspect drainage ditches and clear if necessary. Perform interior maintenance checks. |
| August | Maintain regular filter cleaning/replacement. Conduct a thorough exterior maintenance check. |
| September | Keep up with filter maintenance. Clean the chimney and service the furnace. Vacuum electric heaters to remove dust. |
| October | Test smoke detectors and replace batteries. Check the pressure gauge on fire extinguishers. Regular filter maintenance. |
| November | Inspect home for excessive moisture. Check and maintain furnace and air exchanger filters. Review home for any interior maintenance needs. |
| December | Regular check and cleaning of furnace and air exchanger filters. Inspect windows and doors for ice buildup. Check electrical cords, outlets, and plugs for any damage. |
Furnace Maintenance: Ensuring Efficiency and Safety
Furnace Care Tips
Regular furnace maintenance is essential to ensure your furnace operates efficiently, reduces energy consumption, and keeps your home safe. Follow these guidelines to enhance your furnace's lifespan:
- Clearance: Keep the area around your furnace free of obstructions.
- Average Lifespan: Furnaces typically last 15-20 years with proper care.
- Routine Checks: Annual professional inspections help identify potential issues early.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure detectors are working properly.
Low-Efficiency Furnaces
Low-efficiency furnaces are cost-effective for moderate climates, but they have lower efficiency and higher operating costs.
Maintenance Tips:
- Change filters every 1-3 months.
- Ensure vents are clear and check for any unusual noises.
- Schedule annual professional inspections.
Mid-Efficiency Furnaces
Mid-efficiency furnaces provide a good balance between cost and energy efficiency. They have a higher upfront cost but offer improved performance over low-efficiency models.
Maintenance Tips:
- Change filters every 3-6 months.
- Check thermostat settings regularly.
- Ensure vents and registers are unobstructed.
- Get annual professional inspections.
High-Efficiency Furnaces
High-efficiency furnaces reduce energy bills and have a lower environmental impact, but they come with higher initial costs. Regular maintenance is key to ensure their longevity.
Key Maintenance Steps:
- Safety First: Turn off electricity and gas before maintenance.
- Air Filter Check: Replace filters every 3 months.
- Cleaning the Flame Sensor: Clean with a wire brush or dollar bill to prevent buildup.
- Thorough Cleaning: Vacuum the furnace and wipe down surfaces, paying attention to the blower wheel.
- Complete Cycle Test: Restore power and gas, and check for proper operation.
- Battery Check: Replace thermostat batteries annually.
- Carbon Monoxide Safety: Test carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
How to Maintain Your Furnace: Watch Our Video Tutorials
Learn more about furnace maintenance with our step-by-step video tutorials. From filter replacement to cleaning your furnace, we've got you covered.
Home Maintenance - Specialized Care Checklist
Use this guide for routine upkeep of key appliances and systems in your home, ensuring efficiency, safety, and longevity.
| Item | Maintenance Activities |
|---|---|
| Humidifier Care | Ensure annual filter replacement and clean the humidifier unit to prevent mineral buildup and ensure optimal performance. |
| Water Softener Maintenance | Keep the salt level at half-full in the brine tank, replace filters annually, and schedule a salt replenishment to maintain water quality. |
| Mechanical Filters | Check and clean the mechanical filters annually to maintain air quality and optimize airflow for heating and cooling systems. |
| Water Heater Upkeep | Replace sacrificial anodes every 3-5 years to extend the lifespan of the water heater. Perform routine checks for leaks and corrosion. |
| Dryer Vent Cleaning | Clean the dryer vent annually to prevent lint buildup, reduce fire hazards, and maintain dryer efficiency. |
| Fire Safety: Wood Burning Fuel Cleaning | Clean the wood burning stove, chimney, and vents annually to prevent creosote buildup and ensure fire safety. |
| Washing Machine Hose Maintenance | Inspect washing machine hoses every 5 years for cracks or signs of wear. Replace hoses to avoid leaks or water damage. |
DIY Home Maintenance Tips
How to Clean Your Furnace
Cleaning your furnace can improve its efficiency and prolong its lifespan. Follow these simple steps:
- Turn off the power and gas to the furnace.
- Remove the air filter and clean or replace it.
- Vacuum the furnace components and clean the flame sensor.
How to Replace an Air Filter
Replacing your air filter is an important task for improving air quality and furnace performance. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off the furnace and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
- Locate the filter and remove it carefully.
- Insert a new filter, ensuring it fits securely and in the correct direction.
Energy Efficiency Tips
Start saving money, improving comfort, and reducing your carbon footprint with simple energy-efficient practices around your home.
Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation can drastically reduce heating and cooling costs. Ensure that your walls, attic, and floors are properly insulated to keep the air inside your home at the desired temperature.
Seal Drafts and Leaks
Seal gaps around windows, doors, and ducts to keep warm or cool air inside your home. This reduces the work your HVAC system needs to do and lowers your energy bills.
See the Difference: Before and After Furnace Filter
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Home Maintenance Blog Posts
Explore our blog posts for information to help you maintain and improve your home throughout its lifetime.
Winterizing Your Home
Learn how to prepare your home for the cold months in Calgary with essential tips and maintenance practices.
Read BlogCarbon Monoxide Safety
Protect yourself, family and co-workers from the dangerous and potentially deadly odorless and tasteless gas.
Read BlogIdentify and Test for Mold
Understanding the risks of mold in your home and knowing how to test for it can help protect your health and preserve your property's integrity.
Read Blog.png)
City of Calgary Resources
Our pages offer comprehensive insights, practical tips, and helpful tools tailored to your home maintenance needs. Start exploring essential maintenance strategies and expert advice to keep your Calgary home in excellent condition throughout the year.
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