Fall is a great time to take care of the little things around your home before winter arrives in Southern Alberta.

For a Medicine Hat homeowner, fall home maintenance is more than just raking leaves and putting away patio furniture. A little preparation now can help protect your home from freezing temperatures, reduce the chance of unexpected repairs, and make the transition into winter a little easier.

If you're wondering where to start, we've put together a simple fall home maintenance checklist for Medicine Hat homeowners.

1. Have Your Furnace and Heating System Checked

Before you need your furnace every day, make sure it's ready for the heating season.

The City of Medicine Hat recommends having appliances such as furnaces and boilers, along with chimneys and venting, inspected and cleaned before the cold weather arrives. The City recommends using a qualified gas fitter for this work.

It's also a good time to:

Replace or clean your furnace filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Make sure vents and registers aren't blocked.
Check that your thermostat is working properly.
Pay attention to unusual noises or changes in how your furnace is operating.

Regular maintenance can also help your home operate more efficiently during the colder months.

2. Check Your Doors and Windows for Drafts

Small gaps around doors and windows can make a noticeable difference once temperatures drop.

Check your weatherstripping and caulking for signs of wear. The City of Medicine Hat specifically recommends checking and replacing weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows as colder weather approaches.

While you're checking the exterior, look for:

Cracked or deteriorating caulking
Gaps around window frames
Damaged weatherstripping
Windows that aren't closing properly

These small maintenance jobs can be much easier to tackle before winter weather arrives.

3. Protect Your Outdoor Water Lines

This is one of the most important items on a Medicine Hat home maintenance checklist.

Freezing water lines can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. The City recommends shutting off the indoor water supply to outdoor faucets and draining or blowing out sprinkler lines before winter.

Before temperatures fall, remember to:

Disconnect garden hoses.
Shut off the indoor isolation valve for outdoor faucets.
Drain outdoor faucets.
Drain or blow out underground sprinkler systems.
Insulate exposed water pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces.
Check areas around water pipes for drafts or inadequate insulation.

The City also recommends taking precautions around water meters and exposed plumbing to reduce the risk of freezing.

4. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves and other debris can build up in gutters throughout the fall.

Before winter, clear out your gutters and make sure downspouts are directing water away from your home's foundation.

While you're up there, keep an eye out for:

Loose or damaged gutters
Leaking seams
Blocked downspouts
Standing water
Areas where water isn't draining properly

If you're not comfortable working on a ladder or roof, consider hiring a professional.

5. Prepare Your Yard for Winter

Your outdoor spaces need a little attention before the season changes.

Fall is a good time to:

Remove leaves and garden debris.
Put away hoses and gardening equipment.
Clean and store seasonal tools.
Protect plants that need extra care.
Trim or address branches that could become a concern during winter weather.
Put away or cover patio furniture.

The City of Medicine Hat also provides local resources for maintaining trees and gardens as part of its home and property resources.

6. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Fall is a good reminder to check your home's safety equipment.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries when necessary. If an alarm is old or no longer functioning properly, check the manufacturer's replacement recommendations.

It's also a good time to make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency.

7. Put Away Summer Equipment

It's easy to leave outdoor items until the first snowfall, but getting ahead of the weather can make your fall home maintenance much easier.

Consider storing:

Patio cushions
Outdoor furniture
Garden hoses
Lawn equipment
Gardening tools
Summer decorations
Pool or hot tub accessories

The City also recommends emptying rain barrels before freezing weather to help prevent cracking.

8. Take Care of Those Small Repairs You've Been Putting Off

You know the ones.

The loose handrail. The dripping faucet. The sticking door. The cracked caulking. The light that needs replacing.

Fall is a good time to walk through your home and make a list of those smaller repairs before winter arrives.

If you're planning a larger renovation or home improvement project, check the City of Medicine Hat's home improvement resources first. Certain projects may require permits or inspections.

Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

A Little Fall Maintenance Can Go a Long Way

Winter in Southern Alberta can arrive quickly, and preparing your home doesn't have to mean tackling everything in one weekend.

Start with the items that could cause the biggest problems if they're overlooked, particularly heating, water lines, drainage and potential moisture issues. Then work your way through the smaller jobs.

For Medicine Hat homeowners, fall is an ideal time to give your home a little attention before the colder months settle in.

The Medicine Hat Homeowner’s Fall Checklist: What to Do Before Winter