Calgary’s climate is known for its extreme temperature fluctuations—dropping to -30°C one week, then warming up to melting conditions the next. That constant freeze/thaw cycle can stress building materials, plumbing systems, and heating systems.
Effective winterization helps:
- Prevent frozen or burst pipes
- Reduce heating bills
- Maintain indoor air quality
- Prevent pests from seeking warmth inside
- Avoid hazards like slippery walkways or ice dams
- Protect your safety and your landlord’s property investment
For property owners and property management professionals, winterization isn’t optional. It’s a critical part of preserving the value of a home and avoiding major insurance claims.
Winterizing for Apartment Tenants
Calgary apartment buildings are generally more insulated and protected from severe exposure compared to detached homes, but tenants still play a key role in preventing cold-weather issues.
1. Keep the Heat At a Safe Minimum
Even if you’re away for a few days, ensure your thermostat never drops below 18°C. This prevents freezing in shared plumbing systems that run through individual units.
Risk if skipped:
Low indoor temperatures can cause pipes behind walls to freeze and burst, affecting multiple units, and tenants can be liable if the thermostat was turned down too low.
2. Check Windows and Balcony Doors for Drafts
Older buildings may have drafts around window frames. Use removable weather-stripping or draft snakes to keep cold air out and retain heat. If the window seal is visibly damaged or leaking, notify property management immediately. Drafts cause higher heating bills and increase condensation, leading to mould growth on sills and frames.
3. Keep Vents and Radiators Clear
Avoid blocking baseboard heaters or furnace vents with furniture, curtains, or boxes. Heating systems need airflow to operate safely and efficiently. It might seem like an obvious one, but a blocked airflow can reduce heating performance or, in some cases, become a fire hazard.
4. Monitor Humidity Levels
Winter indoor humidity should stay between 30 and 40%. Too little humidity leads to dry skin, static electricity, and cracking in wood floors. Too much humidity causes condensation on windows and mould growth.
Simple fixes include using a humidifier, running bathroom fans after showers, and keeping kitchen exhaust fans clear.
5. Balcony Safety
Most Calgary apartment balconies are not designed for heavy snow accumulation.
Tenants should:
- Shovel snow buildup
- Avoid storing items that can freeze and crack
- Never use heaters or open flames on balconies
Don’t skip on this one; otherwise, you’ll have wood rot, concrete stress, ice dams, and falling ice hazards on your list of things to contend with.
Winterizing for Detached Home Tenants
Detached homes require more tenant involvement in winterization because they have exterior plumbing, exposed pipes, private walkways, and larger heating systems.
1. Outdoor Hose & Tap Management
Disconnect all hoses and ensure the outdoor tap is shut off and drained. Failure to do this is one of the top causes of winter water damage. You’ll be re-creating “Frozen” in your home with icy outdoor taps that can burst inside the wall.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces often have vulnerable pipes. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape where appropriate. Notify Unison Property Management if you’re unsure which pipes need protection. Don’t skip this; uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst, causing extensive water damage.
3. Clear Snow and Ice Regularly
Tenants in detached homes are typically responsible for:
- Shovelling walkways and driveways
- Applying ice melt
- Keeping vents and furnace intakes clear
Blocked furnace exhaust vents can cause furnaces to shut down or create dangerous carbon monoxide backups. Don’t skip on this one; Slips and falls, CO poisoning, and municipal fines for uncleared sidewalks aren’t something you want to worry about.
4. Furnace Maintenance
Replace furnace filters every 1–3 months during winter. A clogged filter forces the furnace to work harder, increasing your heating bill. If your furnace is making unusual noises or failing to maintain temperature, report it immediately. You might be looking at Increased energy costs, furnace breakdowns, or complete system failure during extreme temperatures.
5. Seal Windows & Doors
Detached homes lose heat faster than apartments. Use removable caulking, window film kits, or weather-stripping to reduce drafts. A quick little test: hold a lit candle near the window edges—if the flame flickers, you have a draft. Say hello to higher heating bills and cold rooms that can trigger frozen pipes in adjacent wall cavities.
6. Roof and Gutter Awareness
During chinook cycles, melting snow can refreeze overnight, forming ice dams along the roof. Tenants should notify property management if they see the following red flags:
- Water pooling along eaves
- Large icicles
- Leaks inside near the ceiling
The Consequences of Your Actions if you Don’t Winterize
To really drive it home, let’s run through the risks of failing to winterize one more time, shall we?
- Burst pipes and flooding
- Mould growth and poor air quality
- Higher heating bills
- Property damage from ice, condensation, or leaks
- Furnace failure during dangerously cold temperatures
- Personal liability if negligence contributed to the damage
For property owners, these risks translate into expensive repairs, insurance claims, tenant complaints, and reduced property value. For tenants, they can mean safety hazards, damaged belongings, and potential costs if lease responsibilities are not met.
Final Thoughts: Winterization Protects Everyone
Winterizing your Calgary rental property is essential for safety, comfort, and long-term preservation. Apartment tenants and detached home tenants each have unique responsibilities, but the goal is the same: to protect the property and prevent costly cold-weather issues.
At Unison Property Management, we’re committed to keeping our properties—and our tenants—safe all winter long. If you ever have questions about winter maintenance, furnace performance, drafts, or plumbing, our team is here to help.
Unison Property Management also coordinates routine upkeep such as snow removal and seasonal checks (like furnace servicing). We also work with a network of trusted Calgary contractors for repairs, ensuring quality work at fair prices. Regular inspections are another key step. They let us catch pesky small problems before they turn into costly repairs. Plus, our team offers 24/7 emergency response, giving you peace of mind knowing your property is always taken care of.
For any questions or inquiries, please contact us:
Phone: (403) 219-3000
Email: [email protected]
Website: unisonrealty.com