When the temperature drops in Alberta, keeping your home warm isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protection. A cozy home starts with good insulation, proper ventilation, and regular maintenance. These small details can make all the difference in preventing damage and keeping your energy bills in check.

Check Your Insulation

Insulation is your first line of defense against the cold. When it’s uneven or too thin, your furnace has to work harder, which means higher heating costs and chilly rooms.

• Watch for signs: cold floors, drafts around windows or outlets, or rooms that never seem to warm up.

• Simple fix: add insulation in the attic, basement, or crawl space. If you’re unsure where to start, an energy audit can point out the weak spots and suggest the right materials.

Watch for Attic Rain

Attic rain is one of those hidden problems that often surprises homeowners. It happens when warm, moist air from inside the house escapes into a cold attic and freezes on the underside of the roof. When it warms up, that frost melts and drips down, looking just like a roof leak. The real issue isn’t the shingles—it’s poor insulation or ventilation.

Even worse, attic rain is often not covered by insurance. Some policies may cover a portion of the repairs, but many don’t include it at all. It’s worth checking your coverage before winter hits.

Prevention tip: improve attic insulation, seal up gaps around ceiling lights and vents, and make sure your attic has enough airflow to control moisture.

Seal Up Drafts

Tiny gaps can make a big difference in your home’s comfort. Check windows, doors, and vents for leaks. A quick bead of caulking, new weatherstripping, or a door sweep can stop the cold air and help lower your heating bill.

Maintain Your Heating System

Your furnace is the heart of your home in winter. Change filters often, schedule a tune-up before the cold sets in, and think about adding a programmable thermostat to keep temperatures steady and costs lower.

Protect Your Pipes

When the cold hits, frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks for homeowners. A burst pipe can cause major water damage, but it’s easy to prevent. Wrap exposed pipes, open cabinet doors on freezing nights to let warm air circulate, and don’t let your thermostat drop too low, even if you’re away. A few small steps now can save you from a major headache later.

Stay Warm and Stay Ahead

Cold-proofing your home doesn’t take much, but it pays off all winter long. You’ll protect your comfort, your investment, and your peace of mind.

If you’re getting your home ready for winter—or thinking about buying one—the Goodchild Realty team can help you understand what to look for and how to keep your property in great shape year-round.