Late Summer is a great time to fix issues and check for problems before the inconvenience of cold weather and snow. Ideally, we always want you to catch small problems before they become big problems.
A great time to check this might be during a rainstorm to observe where the water is flowing. Water needs to be directed away from the foundation. Check for loose downspout connections and leaks that could direct water to pool near the foundation.
3. Is Your Sump Pump Ready for Another Season?
A sump pump can sit quietly for months, but when you need it, you need it to work.
Before fall arrives, test your sump pump to make sure it is operating properly. Check that the discharge pipe is clear and that water is being directed away from your home's foundation.
If your home has a backup sump pump or battery backup system, test that as well.
The worst time to discover your sump pump isn't working is during a rainstorm or fast snowmelt.
4. Is Your Furnace Ready for the First Cold Night?
You may not have been giving much thought to your furnace, but it's a good time to think about your furnace before you need it.
- Change the batteries on your thermostat
- Change the furnace filter
- Clean around the furnace, ensuring there is proper airflow
- Check the furnace humidifier for hard water buildup
We often are overloaded with calls after an extreme weather event. Ideally, you want to get your furnace serviced before cold weather to prepare for the months ahead. In Calgary and Edmonton, your furnace works harder than any other system in your home.
Do everything you can to maintain it. Consider the following:
- When was the last time the furnace was professionally maintained?
- Is the furnace making unusual noises?
- Have you noticed inconsistent heating?
- Does the furnace cycle on and off more frequently than usual?
- Is the filter dirty?
- Is your furnace getting older?
5. How Is Your AC Performing?
Your furnace filter is still important to your air conditioning system.
Your central air conditioner uses the same forced-air system and ductwork to circulate air throughout your home. (In Calgary and Edmonton, most AC units use the same forced-air system. On rare occasions, homeowners may have a mini-split AC unit that operates independently.)
A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make it more difficult for your air conditioning system to work.
Check your filter regularly and replace it monthly or more often if needed. This is one of the easiest things to do and makes a huge difference.
6. Is Your Home Humidity Optimized for Changing Weather?
Indoor humidity is really important, and most homeowners do not understand why.
In Calgary and Edmonton, where we have dry winters, it's important to add moisture to the air. The moisture in the air helps hold heat. This means that the furnace doesn't have to work as hard. (The humidity can also prevent cracks in hardwood and wood furniture.)
In the summer and spring, the humidity can be adjusted lower to account for the added moisture in the air. As we get closer to fall, it's important to prepare to adjust the humidity higher again.
Too much indoor humidity during colder weather can contribute to condensation on the windows and moisture problems, while air that is too dry can make your home uncomfortable.
| Season |
Outdoor Temperature |
Recommended Humidity (RH) |
Why It Matters |
| Winter |
0°C to -10°C |
35–40% |
Comfortable warmth without window condensation |
| Winter |
-10°C to -20°C |
30–35% |
Reduces frost and moisture buildup |
| Winter |
Below -20°C |
25–30% |
Prevents window damage and hidden moisture issues |
| Summer |
Any typical summer temp |
40–50% |
Improves comfort, reduces mold, helps A/C efficiency |
Pro Tip
If you notice condensation on windows in winter, your indoor humidity is set too high.
7. Have You Checked for Small Plumbing Leaks?
Any time is a great time to check for plumbing leaks.
We recommend checking underneath sinks and around toilets, appliances and exposed plumbing.
Check for
- Drips
- Water stains
- Corrosion
- Damp cabinets
- Musty smells
- Slow drains
- Toilets that seem to run frequently
Often, small leaks go undetected for a while. Signs could include a stain, smell or gradual deterioration around a plumbing connection. Finding these now can save money later.
A toilet can have a slow, continuous leak that isn't immediately obvious. Water will continually fill from the toilet tank into your toilet bowl.
Pro Tip
An easy way to check for this is by dropping a couple of drops of food colouring into the tank and seeing if the colour migrates to the toilet bowl. If so, we recommend replacing your toilet. (There are small fixes that can be done, but in most cases it is just a band-aid fix, and you are better off investing in a new toilet.)
8. Have You Started Preparing Your Outdoor Plumbing for Cooler Weather?
The end of summer is a good time to start thinking about outdoor water lines.
Disconnect garden hoses and inspect your exterior faucets for leaks.
As freezing temperatures approach, make sure your outdoor plumbing is properly shut off.
Pro Tip
We highly recommend installing a frost-free hose bib to protect your outdoor plumbing and prevent water from freezing in the line. (These are common in most new home builds.)
9. Do You Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is?
If the answer is no, you are not alone.
Many homeowners do not know where the main water shutoff is.
If a pipe were to burst suddenly, would you know where to shut off all the water in the house?
Make sure you know where it is and familiarize everyone in your household.
Older homes may have an older shutoff valve, often a gate valve. Gate valves often stick or break over time.
We recommend replacing it with a ball valve, which has internal components that are less prone to mineral buildup, making it less sticky and less likely to break, requiring only a 90-degree turn.
What Did Your Home Tell You This Summer?
Summer can reveal problems that are less obvious the rest of the year.
Was one room always hotter than the others? Did your AC struggle to keep up? Did you notice water pooling after a storm near the foundation? Are your downspouts connected to your eaves? Is a toilet always running?
Notice and fix these problems now to prevent bigger problems later.