Cold Weather in Calgary: How Homeowners Can Prepare for Sudden Temperature Drops

by Ken Rigel

Hey Calgary, winter’s about to remind us who’s boss! With temperatures set to plummet next week, it’s time to make sure your home is ready for the freeze. Here are some quick and easy tips to keep your place warm and damage-free during this cold snap:

1. Protect Your Pipes

Nobody wants to deal with frozen pipes. A few simple steps can save you a lot of hassle:

Let your taps drip: Keeping water moving can stop it from freezing inside your pipes.
Wrap exposed pipes: Foam insulation or heat tape works great for pipes in unheated areas like basements or garages.
Open up under-sink cabinets: Let warm air flow around your plumbing by leaving those cabinet doors open.

2. Check Your Furnace

Your furnace is about to do the heavy lifting, so make sure it’s up for the challenge:

Swap out the filter: A clean filter means your furnace can run more efficiently.
Clear those vents: Make sure air vents aren’t blocked by furniture or clutter.
Have a backup plan: If it’s been a while since your furnace got a checkup, now’s the time to book one.

3. Stay on Top of Snow and Ice

Snow and ice can quickly cause problems if you’re not careful. Here’s how to stay ahead:

Shovel regularly: Don’t wait—clear snow before it turns into slippery ice.
Throw down some de-icer: Salt or sand can save you (and your guests) from nasty falls.
Clear gutters: If you can safely do it, get rid of snow in your gutters to avoid ice dams.

4. Block the Drafts

Keep the cold outside where it belongs:

Seal up gaps: Check your doors and windows for drafts and use weatherstripping or caulking to seal them up.
Close your curtains: Thermal curtains can help keep your home nice and cozy.
Add door sweeps: Stop chilly air from sneaking in under your exterior doors.

5. Test Your Detectors

Cold weather means furnaces and fireplaces are working overtime, so double-check those detectors:

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are in good working order.
Have detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms.

6. Be Ready for Power Outages

Sometimes cold weather brings power outages. Be prepared with:

Flashlights, extra batteries, and candles.
Plenty of blankets and warm layers.
Non-perishable snacks and bottled water.

7. Don’t Forget the Garage

If you have a garage, a little extra effort can go a long way:

Keep it closed: Don’t leave the door cracked open—you’ll just let the cold air in.
Check the seals: Make sure the weatherstripping on the bottom of your garage door is in good shape.

Winter in Calgary can be brutal, but a little prep can save you a lot of stress. If you need help finding a local pro for furnace maintenance or insulation, just let us know—we’re happy to share some recommendations. Stay warm out there!