Encor Fall Energy Checklist

Get your home ready for the season and the colder weather ahead.

Fall in Alberta can feel fleeting, so it’s the perfect time to prep your home before the snow flies. Use this step-by-step checklist to stay ahead of the cold and keep your home safe, warm and energy efficient.

2. Drain outdoor faucets & hoses

Close any shut-off valves and open outdoor faucets to drain any remaining water. Use an air compressor to blow any water out of underground sprinklers.

Why it matters: Leftover water can freeze, expand and burst pipes or lines, causing costly damage. Store drained hoses in a shed or garage to keep them in good shape.
 

3. Sweep the chimney

Even if you only use your fireplace occasionally, you should check it annually for damage or potential hazards. Even with occasional fireplace use can lead to creosote buildup, a flammable residue from burning wood.

If you spot any of these, it’s time to call a professional chimney sweep:

• Deposits thicker than 1/8 inch.
• Damaged dampers or flues.
• Blockages like bird nests.
   

4. Change your furnace filter

A clean filter keeps your furnace running efficiently and helps prevent breakdowns.

General guidelines when to change your filter:

• 1-2 inch filters: every 3 months.
• 4 inch filters: every 6 months.
• 5 inch filters: every 12 months.

Also, keep in mind that most gas furnaces last 15-20 years. Plan ahead if yours is aging before the cold weather arrives.
 

5. Inspect the weather stripping & caulking

If you’re feeling drafts in your home, it might be time to replace worn-out weather stripping or reapply caulking. Benefits:

• Keeps warm air in and cold air out.
• Improves heating efficiency.
• Saves on energy bills.

Weather stripping typically lasts 1-3 years, so check it annually.
 

6. Test CO2 & smoke detectors

Fall is a great time to test these life-saving devices, especially as furnace use increases. Why it’s important:

• Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible.
• Malfunctioning heaters can emit harmful gases.

Replace batteries and test each unit for peace of mind all season long.
 

7. Seal driveway cracks

Small cracks can turn into big problems when water freezes and expands.

Fix it now:

Pick up concrete crack sealer from your local hardware store and patch things up before winter hits.
 

8. Monitor humidity levels

Too much or too little humidity can affect comfort and safety. Signs of high humidity:

• Condensation on windows.
• Damp air. Fix: Use a dehumidifier. 

Signs of low humidity:

• Dry skin or lips.
• Increased static electricity. Fix: Use a humidifier.

Also, clean your dryer vents to reduce fire risk from lint buildup and static.

A little fall prep goes a long way. Bookmark this checklist and revisit it next year to keep your home safe, efficient and ready for whatever Alberta’s weather brings

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