Don’t let the Calgary winter surprise you this year! Be prepared and learn how to get your property ready for the winter. By performing these simple tasks around the house, you can avoid no heat calls, fines from the City of Calgary and ensure you have a safe and warm winter season.

FURNACES & HUMIDIFIERS: Change your filters either monthly or bimonthly to minimize dust and your heating costs. A clogged filter and improper burning can add significantly to your monthly gas bill and can also burnout the motor. Furnace filters are available from any store, which stocks hardware items. Turn your humidifier to the appropriate percent for the outside temperature. If your wall or windows are dripping, it is set too high and damage will result. Do not close your blinds or drapes completely, leave them partially open to allow air circulation. If you are having problems with your thermostat check the battery, it may need to be replaced. Make sure your thermostat is set above 17C.

OUTSIDE WATER TAPS: Outside water taps should also be shut off and drained from the inside of your home. To do this you merely find the inside valve handles close to where the outside taps are located and turn these valve handles off. You then open the outside tap handle lightly to release any additional water. Leave this outside tap open for the winter. On some water lines there is a small square nut attached by this inside handle. Open this nut. A small amount of water will leak out until the line is completely empty.

UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER SYSTEM: If you have an underground lawn sprinkler system, it must be blown out by a compressor. Do not arrange for the blowout privately, hire a professional.

FIREPLACES: We cannot keep track of how often your fireplace is used, or when the chimney was last cleaned. Creosote build-up can cause a fire and blockage of the chimney may result in deadly carbon monoxide coming back into the house. Please make sure you have the chimney checked and cleaned.

SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL: City by-laws state that you must remove snow and ice from both your private sidewalks and the public sidewalks bordering your property, within 24 hours of a snowfall. Failure to do so could make you personally liable for any accident. If you do not clean your sidewalk the City has the right to do so and you will be assessed the cost of doing so (usually $150.00).

SMOKE DETECTORS: These devices are lifesavers. Make sure you test all smoke detectors and replace the batteries once per year to be sure they will work when needed.

DRYER VENTS: Make sure you check not only the lint screen in the dryer but also the vent going out of the dryer for blockages. A clogged vent will take your clothes longer to dry and can be a fire hazard.

EAVES TROUGHS: After most of the trees have shed their leaves, check eaves troughs for leaves and ensure they are cleaned out and the downspouts are clear and not clogged. Also ensure they are properly attached and drain well away from the foundation.

CONDOMINIUM PROPERTIES: When outside temperatures are at or below zero, never leave a window or patio door open. A space of just 2 cm can cause a pipe to freeze within minutes. Make sure your thermostat is set above 17C.

PROPERTY CARE AND PERSONAL SAFETY: Make sure you carry glass, liability insurance and personal contents insurance. You can be held liable if you do not take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents.

Should you be away from your property for more than 3 days, please check with your insurance company as to how often the property should be inspected to maintain your coverage, also turn the main water valve off just in case a freeze up or leak occurs.

The above responsibilities are brought to your attention to ensure the safety and protection of you and your family, so that you and your family can have peace of mind this winter.

About Power Properties Ltd.

Founded in 1980, Power Properties has been providing hassle-free property management services to property owners, property investors and non-residents with homes in Calgary, Alberta for over 40 years. Our full-service property management includes everything from move in to move out, so you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day operations of your rental property. With a team of licensed professionals, years of experience, and award-winning service, you can rest assured that your property is in good hands.