Home Maintenance | Page #2

Home Maintenance

We are in the thick of summer when the air is humid and the temperatures are scorching. You know what that means: it's storm season. Storms are beautiful testaments to the power of Mother Nature, but can wreck havoc on your home. Here are some tips for keeping yourself and your home safe during stormy weather:

  • Have a plan! "Having a storm readiness plan in place saves valuable time if severe weather strikes. Take the opportunity now to choose the best shelter in your home, and make sure your family knows where it is. [Also] choose a meeting place to gather after the storm to ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for" (The Government of Canada).
  • Have supplies ready! "Maintain an emergency pack with a battery-powered flashlight, a radio…

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Calgary, it is HOT outside! As summer temperatures continue to soar, keeping your home cool without breaking the bank on energy bills becomes a top priority. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to maintain a comfortable temperature inside while minimizing energy consumption. Here are some 'cool' tips:

  1. Make the most out of your ceiling fan: Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to enhance your home’s cooling. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise in the summer, which creates a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
  2. Block out the sun: Solar heat gain through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Use blinds, curtains, or…

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As the temperatures rise, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a priority. Especially with prices so high on utilities in Canada. Fortunately, there are several energy-saving strategies you can implement to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while also reducing your carbon footprint. It's a win-win! Here are some tips:

  • Close the curtains! Direct sunlight can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest parts of the day to block out heat. Consider using blackout curtains or reflective window films for even greater insulation.
  • Use appliances sparingly! Appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and dryers generate a lot of heat. Try to use these appliances during…

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After a long winter in Calgary, Alberta, there's nothing quite like the sight of new growth and the promise of a vibrant garden. To make the most of the upcoming spring season, it's important to prepare your garden properly. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips from gardening experts will help you get your garden ready for spring:

  1. Be sure it is the right time to get started: "Research should be the first task on your list. Before you start digging in your garden, make sure that it's the appropriate time to do so based on your agricultural zone... If the ground is still frozen and there's still a threat of frost, you'll mostly be wasting your time" (Martha Stewart).
  2. Clear away the old to make way for the new:…

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As the flowers bloom and the weather warms, it's not just nature that's getting a fresh start—homebuyers are also on the lookout for new beginnings. Spring is an ideal time to sell your home, and a thorough spring cleaning can make your property even more appealing to potential buyers. You're going to want to clean it either way, so here are some tips to help give your home a fresh start:

  1. Declutter! Start by decluttering every room in your home. Remove any items that are not essential or that you no longer use. This includes old furniture, decorations, and personal items. Decluttering will not only make your home look more spacious and inviting to prospective buyers, but it will help you ensure you don't pack up and haul items you don't want in…

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Its been a very warm fall-to-winter transition here in Calgary, Alberta, but we all know that won't last forever...

The colder months bring unique challenges that require homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their homes from the harsh weather conditions. Here are essential tips for maintaining a safe and well-cared-for property during the winter season.

  1. Inspect and Maintain Heating Systems: Before winter sets in with full force, have your heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, and chimneys, professionally inspected and serviced. Also make sure to clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure optimal performance.
  2. Protect Pipes from Freezing: Prevent pipes from freezing by insulating them. Shut off exterior faucets and…

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When winter descends with its icy grip on Calgary, Alberta, it's essential to ensure your home is well-prepared to withstand the deep freeze. The bitter cold, snow, and freezing temperatures can take a toll on your property and your comfort. Well, Calgary: next week it's going to get cold!

To keep your home warm, safe, and functioning smoothly throughout the winter months, here are some important tips to consider.

  1. Service Your Heating System: Before winter arrives, have your heating system professionally serviced. This ensures that it's working efficiently and reduces the risk of breakdowns during the coldest months. Replace air filters regularly to maintain good indoor air quality.
  2. Draft Guards and Weatherstripping: Install draft guards…

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As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the warm and cozy tones of fall, your garden requires a thoughtful transition to align with the changing season. Transitioning your garden from summer to fall ensures that it remains a beautiful and inviting space as the weather cools down. Here are some essential tips to guide you through this seasonal shift.

  1. Clear Out Summer Annuals: Bid farewell to your summer annuals that may have started to fade. Remove these plants and replace them with cold-hardy options like chrysanthemums, pansies, and ornamental kale, which thrive in cooler temperatures.

  2. Prune and Trim: Give your garden a tidy appearance by pruning back any overgrown or dead foliage. This not only enhances the garden's aesthetics…

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Winterizing your home is important because by doing so you are protecting your greatest asset. There are many items to winterize before a deep freeze: you should clear out rain gutters, flush outside hoses, finish any paint touch ups, do a landfill run if necessary, and so much more. Again: this is all about making sure your home survives the extreme cold. Especially in a country like Canada, where such extreme weather is experienced, winterizing is key.

One major winterizing task people are quick to forget about is their outside doors. While it may seem simple enough—they close, they lock, you move on—these are crucial to prepare for winter.

First, you want to make sure that your door closes easily and the hinges are well greased. Stiff doors…

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Gardening season is upon us, and the secret to a great garden is great soil. What makes soil great? Compost!

Thanks to the City of Calgary, every home has a Green Compost Bin. You can regularly put compost waste in it for collection, or you can keep it inside your yard and do your own thing. If you choose to make your own compost, here is what you need to do:

Add Base: Food scraps are the base for your compost. You can basically compost any kind of food, except for meat & dairy products. This is because meat and dairy will attract rodents and maggots, but also compromises the nutrient balance of the compost. Have a mini compost container in your kitchen for easy access, then regularly dump it into your compost bin outside and clean it to reduce…

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