The Ultimate Canadian Home Maintenance Checklist: A Season-by-Season Guide
The Ultimate Canadian Home Maintenance Checklist
Owning a home in Canada is different. Our weather swings from -40°C to +35°C, and that puts unique stress on your property. This isn’t just a cleaning list; it’s an asset protection schedule. Neglecting these small tasks can cost you tens of thousands in repairs. Here is your definitive schedule for protecting your home, month by month.
❄️ Winter (December – February): The “Protection” Phase
Focus: Keeping the heat in and the water out.
Check Roof for Ice Dams: Look for icicles hanging from gutters. This means heat is escaping your attic and melting snow, which then refreezes.
- Action: Use a roof rake to clear snow from the first 3 feet of the roofline.
Monitor Humidity: In Canadian winters, indoor air gets dry.
- Action: Keep humidity between 30-40% to prevent hardwood floors from cracking, but don’t go higher or you risk window condensation and mold.
Furnace Filters: Change them monthly during winter. Your furnace is working its hardest right now; don’t choke it with dust.
Check Vents: Ensure snow drifts haven’t blocked your intake/exhaust vents (usually white pipes on the side of your house). Blocked vents can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
🌷 Spring (March – May): The “Thaw” Phase
Focus: Managing water flow.
The Sump Pump Test: As snow melts, your sump pump is your basement’s best friend.
- Action: Pour a bucket of water into the pit to ensure the pump triggers and ejects water away from the foundation.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts: Winter debris can clog drains.
- Action: Ensure downspouts extend at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from your foundation.
Check Grading: The ground often settles after a freeze-thaw cycle.
- Action: Walk around your perimeter. Soil should slope away from your house. If it slopes toward the wall, add topsoil immediately.
Inspect Roof Shingles: Look for shingles that curled or blew off during winter storms.
☀️ Summer (June – August): The “Exterior” Phase
Focus: Repairs and efficiency.
Air Conditioner Maintenance:
- Action: Rinse the outdoor condenser unit with a hose (gently) to remove cottonwood fluff and dust. Replace the indoor filter.
Driveway Sealing: The hot sun is the perfect time to seal asphalt driveways to prevent winter cracks.
Window Wells: Clear out leaves and debris. If a summer storm hits, a clogged window well is the fastest way to flood a basement.
Deck Inspection: Check for loose boards or protruding nails. Reseal wood decks if water no longer beads on the surface.
🍂 Fall (September – November): The “Winterize” Phase
Focus: Sealing up before the freeze.
Shut Off Outdoor Water: This is the #1 mistake homeowners make.
- Action: Locate the indoor shut-off valve for your outdoor hose bibs. Turn it off, then open the outdoor tap to drain the remaining water. If you don’t do this, the pipe will burst.
Chimney Sweep: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, get it cleaned to prevent creosote fires.
Seal Gaps: Mice look for warm homes in October.
- Action: Inspect foundation penetrations (where pipes enter the house) and seal gaps with steel wool and expanding foam.
Test Smoke & CO Detectors: Replace batteries. You will be keeping windows closed for the next 6 months, so these alarms are vital.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Maintaining a home is a marathon, not a sprint. By following this Canadian schedule, you protect your equity and avoid the panic of emergency repairs
Home Maintenance FAQs
Planning to sell your well-maintained home? Contact us here.
How much should I budget for home maintenance in Canada?
A general rule is to budget 1% to 3% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repairs.
What is the most important fall maintenance task?
Shutting off and draining outdoor faucets to prevent frozen pipes is the single most critical task before winter.
How much should I budget for home maintenance per year?
The “1% Rule” is the gold standard in real estate. You should budget 1% of your home’s value annually for maintenance and repairs.
Example: On a $450,000 Edmonton home, you should set aside $4,500/year (or $375/month). Some years you will spend less, but this fund covers the eventual big-ticket items like a new roof or furnace.
How long does a furnace last in Alberta?
The average lifespan of a forced-air gas furnace is 15 to 20 years.
Efficiency Math: If your furnace is over 15 years old, it is likely running at 60–70% efficiency. Upgrading to a modern 96% high-efficiency model can save you 15–25% on your monthly heating bill, often paying for itself over time.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
It depends on the filter thickness:
1-inch filters: Change every 1 to 3 months.
4-inch media filters: Change every 6 to 12 months.
Note: If you have pets or major renovations, check them monthly. A dirty filter increases your energy bill by up to 15%.
