Preparing Your Home for the Autumn Season
Practical tips to get your home ready for colder weather and save on costs
As temperatures dip, a little fall prep can make your home more comfortable, help prevent seasonal damage, and keep energy bills in check. Use this simple checklist to get winter-ready without spending a fortune.
1) Seal drafts fast
Heat escapes through tiny gaps around windows, doors, baseboards, and attic hatches. Spend an afternoon with weatherstripping, caulking, and door sweeps to close common leak points. You’ll feel fewer drafts and your furnace won’t work as hard.
2) Service the furnace and swap the filter
A tuned furnace runs safer and uses less energy. Book a yearly inspection and replace 1–2" filters every 1–3 months (more often with pets, renos, or heavy use). Good airflow reduces gas or electricity use and improves indoor air quality—especially once windows stay closed. Set a calendar reminder to change filters at the start of each season.
3) Use a smart or programmable thermostat
Automated temperature setbacks when you’re asleep or away can trim winter heating costs without sacrificing comfort. Program weekday and weekend schedules now so you’re not constantly fiddling when it’s cold. Aim for 20–21°C when you’re home and 17–18°C overnight or when you’re out.
4) Clean gutters and manage drainage
Clogged eavestroughs overflow, soak siding, and can feed ice dams. Clear leaves, flush downspouts, and make sure water discharges at least two metres away from your foundation. Check that soil slopes away from the house so snowmelt doesn’t pool against the wall. Add downspout extensions to move water farther from the foundation.
5) Shut off and drain exterior water lines
Before hard frost, disconnect hoses, shut the interior valve to outdoor taps (if equipped), and open exterior faucets to drain remaining water. This prevents burst pipes, which are far more expensive than a few minutes of prep. Drain and store garden hoses in a warm space so they last longer.
6) Schedule a chimney inspection (wood-burning homes)
Creosote buildup is a fire risk. Book an annual inspection and cleaning if needed, ideally before peak season. Also check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries. Keep a metal ash bucket outdoors, away from siding or decks.
7) Tackle windows and doors before big upgrades
If windows are older, start with low-cost fixes: new weatherstripping, fresh exterior caulk, and door sweeps. If you’re considering replacements, research ENERGY STAR® certified models for colder Canadian zones and compare payback with other upgrades like attic insulation. Add insulating film kits to the draftiest windows for a cheap, seasonal fix.
8) Plan bigger efficiency projects (smart financing)
If you’re eyeing insulation, high-efficiency windows, or a heat pump, explore interest-free or low-cost financing and provincial programs. Prioritize projects with the best return: sealing air leaks, then insulating the attic and rim joists, typically deliver strong value in cold climates.
Weekend action plan
Saturday morning: Walk the house, list draft points, check gutters and grading.
Saturday afternoon: Replace furnace filter, install door sweeps, caulk gaps, disconnect hoses and drain exterior lines.
Sunday: Program your thermostat, book furnace/chimney service, and shortlist any bigger upgrades to price out.
A few fall maintenance tasks can cut drafts, prevent damage, and lower heating costs while making your home feel warmer. If you’re weighing larger upgrades or wondering how these changes affect your budget and borrowing power, reach out today. We’ll help you compare options and align your mortgage strategy with a cozier, more efficient home this winter.