When living in chilly Calgary, January is a time to settle down in the warm indoors and plan for the months ahead. It’s also a good time to keep up on general home maintenance. Here are 9 to dos for the month of January.

Maintain your furnace

January is cold, so it makes sense that you would want to protect the object in your home that keeps you warm. Check your furnace and replace any filters according to manufacturer recommendations.

Keep the cold out

Check the weather stripping around doors and windows. Replace any that have deteriorated or come loose. Caulking around doors and windows can also help stop cold air from getting into your home.

Check the attic

Look around for penetrations in your shingles such as vents, chimneys, and dormers. These locations are more likely to develop a leak. You can find evidence of leaks in the attic by looking for water stains, black marks, and mold. While you’re up there, check for insulation deterioration. Replace or add any if needed.

Clear exhaust ducts

Make sure snow is not blocking your exhaust vents. Blocked vents can cause your furnace to shut off, leaving your home cold. It could also create a backup of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide gasses in your home. This may cause sickness or fatalities in high enough doses.

Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms

Heaters and fireplaces are used most often in the winter. Doors and windows are kept closed. This can cause a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home. Winter is the most common season for house fires. Make sure batteries are working by clicking on the test button. Replace batteries if needed.

Plan ahead for big home projects

Now is a great time to get that to do list going. Gather ideas, research costs, and find reputable contractors. Want a complete home makeover? Alair Homes Calgary offers remodeling services. For those who are more DIY savvy, painting, refinishing cabinets, and decorating can make a dramatic change to your homes appearance.

Do post-holiday cleaning

Have you taken down your holiday decorations yet? Is your refrigerator packed with leftovers of holidays past? Take down those holiday decorations and reclaim your home.

Sort, toss, and donate

December is undeniably the season of giving. That doesn’t mean January can’t be, too. Organize your closet. Pick out clothing you don’t wear anymore, and get it ready for donation pick-up day. Clothing, books, blankets, and children’s toys are often in demand. Give your home a thorough once-over. Remember, if you haven’t used it all year, you likely won’t in the future.

Don’t forget the outdoors

Snow and ice can be damaging to the outside of your home. Houzz offers helpful suggestions on outdoor home maintenance, such as protecting pipes and ice dam prevention.