Tips and tricks for apartments, duplexes, rowhomes, detached homes, mobile homes and rural properties.

Calgary winters swing from sunny chinook days to deep freezes within a week, and those swings are hard on homes. This guide starts with the essentials that apply to every home, then breaks down what is different for each type of housing. The safety points (carbon monoxide, fire and frozen pipes) draw on City of Calgary and Calgary Fire Department guidance. Treat the rest as practical rules of thumb, and always follow your own landlord, condo board, utility or manufacturer instructions where they differ.

If you only do five things this week:

1. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace dead batteries.
2. Find and label your main water shut-off valve.
3. Book a furnace service if you haven't had one in the past year.
4. Seal obvious drafts around doors and windows.
5. Build or restock a basic emergency kit (see Part 5).

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Part 1: Essentials for Every Home

Carbon monoxide and fire safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is colourless, odourless and deadly, and Calgary fire crews see more calls when the weather turns cold and furnaces work harder.

• Install CO alarms on every level, including the basement, and especially in or near bedrooms. Test them monthly.
• Check expiry dates. Alarms wear out and commonly last about 10 years. The fire department has said most CO calls it attends turn out to be faulty detectors, often with a dead battery, so replacing batteries matters.
• If a CO alarm sounds or anyone has symptoms, leave the home immediately, call 911, and do not go back in until the fire department says it is safe.
• Keep vents clear. Heavy snow and ice can block furnace, water heater and dryer vents and fresh-air intakes. After every snowfall, check outdoor vents and clear them by hand.
• Get fuel-burning appliances serviced. Furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, gas ranges and wood stoves can all produce CO if they malfunction. A healthy gas flame should be mostly blue with occasional yellow tips.
• Never use a barbecue, camping heater, charcoal or gas stove, or generator indoors or in an attached garage. Use them only outside, away from windows and doors.
• Never warm up a vehicle in a closed garage, even briefly.

Space heaters and holiday fire safety

• Keep space heaters at least 1 metre (3 feet) from anything that can burn, plug them directly into the wall, and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Don't run space heaters from extension cords or power bars.
• Water your real Christmas tree daily, keep it away from heat sources, and use LED lights, which run cooler.
• Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and have an escape plan.

Frozen pipe prevention

The City of Calgary says homeowners are responsible for protecting the pipes, valve and water meter on their property from freezing, and frozen pipes can happen even in lower-risk homes.

• Keep the thermostat at 15 °C or higher at all times, even when no one is home.
• Know where your main shut-off valve is, and insulate it from cold concrete walls and floors. Label it so anyone in the household can find it.
• Look for cold drafts near pipes, especially along exterior walls, in garages, crawl spaces and unheated rooms. Insulate exposed pipes.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls on very cold nights to let warm air reach the pipes.
• Respond to a City letter. The City's Frozen Pipes Prevention Program identifies homes at risk and sends letters. If you get one, keep a tap running about the width of a pencil, and don't turn it off until the City tells you in writing it is safe, even if a chinook arrives.
• Signs of freezing: little or no water from taps, frost on interior pipes or the main shut-off, or flooding.
• If a pipe freezes: open the tap and try to thaw it gently with a hair dryer or hot towels, working from the tap toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame. A Calgary family nearly lost their home this way.
• If water is flooding your home, shut off the main valve and call 311.
• Going away? Keep the heat on (15 °C minimum), ask someone to check in, or have a plumber winterize the home.

Seal drafts and keep the heat in

• Add weatherstripping to doors and caulk gaps around window frames.
• Install door sweeps and use rolled towels or draft stoppers under problem doors.
• Apply clear window insulation film to leaky or single-pane windows (an inexpensive fix that works well for renters).
• Close curtains at night to hold heat, and open south-facing ones on sunny days.
• Seal around outlets on exterior walls with foam gaskets.
• Keep furnace filters clean. Check monthly and replace as directed, usually every one to three months.
• Don't block baseboard heaters, radiators or heat registers with furniture or drapes.
• Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise on low to push warm air down.

Humidity: dry air versus window condensation

Calgary air is already dry, and heating makes it drier. Too little humidity leads to dry skin, static and cracked wood, while too much leads to foggy windows, mould and damp walls.

• Aim for roughly 30 to 40 per cent indoors, and drop it lower during extreme cold if windows fog heavily.
• Use bathroom and kitchen fans when showering and cooking.
• A hygrometer (a few dollars) tells you where you are.

Chinook and freeze-thaw swings

A chinook can melt snow in hours and refreeze it by night.

• Clear storm drains near your home so meltwater doesn't pool at the foundation.
• Watch for black ice on driveways, steps and walkways, and use sand, salt or traction aids. The City offers free sand-salt for individual use on sidewalks; check calgary.ca for locations.
• Check for ice dams and icicles along the roof edge. They signal heat escaping through the attic and can force water under shingles.

Snow and ice removal: it's the law

Under Calgary's Street Bylaw (section 67):

• You must clear snow and ice down to the bare surface from the public sidewalk bordering your property within 24 hours after a snowfall ends.
• You must also clear at least 1.5 metres of any bordering public pathway to the bare surface within the same time.
• Don't shovel snow from your property onto the road, bike lane or sidewalk.
• After a warning, the City can send a contractor and bill the property owner, and fines have been in place since 2019.
• Renters: check your lease or ask your landlord who is responsible.
• If a neighbour can't shovel, offer a hand. Anyone can report an uncleared sidewalk to 311 after the 24 hours has passed.

Leaving for a trip

• Keep the thermostat at 15 °C or higher.
• Ask a neighbour to check the home and clear snow, since a buried walkway signals an empty house.
• Put lights on timers.
• Know where the main water shut-off is and tell your house-sitter.
• Consider a smart thermostat or a low-temperature alert that texts you if the house gets too cold.

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Part 2: Apartments and Condos

Whether you rent or own, you share walls, systems and rules with your neighbours.

• Report problems in writing right away. If heat fails, a pipe leaks, or a window won't seal, email your landlord or property manager and keep a copy. Fast reports prevent bigger damage.
• Know who to call. In a condo or townhome, the City says to contact your building owner or manager if pipes freeze or you have flooding, and to call 311.
• Find your suite's water shut-off and learn where the building's main shut-off is. Write the after-hours emergency number on your fridge.
• Exterior-wall units are the coldest. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps, and move beds and couches slightly away from cold walls.
• Draft-proof cheaply. Window insulation film, removable weatherstripping, door sweeps and thick curtains work well and are easy to remove when you move out.
• Use a humidifier carefully. Dry air is common in sealed apartments. Check the humidity so you don't cause condensation on windows.
• Don't block heaters. Keep baseboards and radiators clear of furniture and curtains, and don't hang laundry on them.
• Balcony care: bring in hoses, planters and anything that can crack. Don't store propane cylinders indoors, and follow your building's rules about storing barbecues on balconies.
• Parking: if your stall has a plug-in, use a block heater timer so the engine is warm without wasting power. Ask about plug-in rules and any electrical load limits.
• Hallway and stair ice: report slippery entrances to management. Wear boots with good traction and carry a small bag of salt or grit.
• Alarms: make sure your suite has working smoke and CO alarms, and ask your landlord to fix any that don't work.
• Renter's insurance is inexpensive and covers belongings, temporary housing and some water damage.
• High-rise note: warm air rising through stairwells and elevator shafts can pull cold air in at lower levels. Keep doors to the corridor and stairwell closed.

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Part 3: Duplexes, Rowhomes and Townhomes

Attached homes share heat with neighbours, which helps, but shared walls and shared responsibilities also create risks.

Duplexes

• Talk to your neighbour. If one side is vacant, unheated or the neighbour is away, shared-wall pipes and the common attic can get cold. Agree to keep both sides heated to at least 15 °C.
• Share contact details so you can reach each other (or the owner) in an emergency.
• Coordinate snow removal if you share a walkway or driveway, and agree who clears what.
• Check what is shared. Know whether you share a furnace, water line, roof drainage or fence, and who is responsible for each.
• Keep the party wall clear of anything flammable stored against it in a garage or basement.

Rowhomes and townhomes

• Check your condo documents. Exterior work such as roof snow, eavestroughs and common walkways is often handled by the condo corporation, while shovelling a private front step may fall to you.
• End units have more exposed wall and lose more heat. Seal drafts around windows and doors and consider extra insulation in the attic.
• Attached garages: keep the garage door closed in cold weather, especially if water lines run through the garage or ceiling. Seal gaps around the door and between the garage and house, and never warm up a vehicle in a closed garage.
• Shared parking and visitor stalls: follow condo rules for snow clearing days so plows can work.
• Know your water shut-off and who to call after hours. If you live in a condo or townhome, the City advises contacting your building owner or manager.
• Roof snow and ice: don't climb on the roof. Report ice dams or heavy accumulations to the board or property manager.

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Part 4: Detached Homes

Detached homeowners have the most control, and the most to maintain.

Before the deep cold

• Furnace service: book a professional inspection and tune-up, and keep spare filters on hand.
• Outdoor taps: disconnect hoses, shut off the interior valve to each outdoor tap, and drain the line.
• Sprinkler system: have it blown out if it hasn't been done. Water left in the lines will freeze and crack pipes.
• Eavestroughs and downspouts: clear debris, and make sure downspouts direct meltwater at least a couple of metres from the foundation.
• Attic insulation and ventilation: a well-insulated, well-ventilated attic prevents ice dams and cuts heating costs.
• Chimney and fireplace: have them inspected and cleaned, especially before heavy use.
• Sump pump: test it before spring melt.
• Windows and doors: check weatherstripping and caulking.
• Garage: insulate and seal the door, and keep water lines away from outside walls where possible.
• Trees and branches: trim branches that could break under snow and hit power lines or the roof.

During winter

• Shovel on time. Keep walks and the public sidewalk clear within 24 hours of snowfall ending.
• Keep vents and meters clear. Clear snow from furnace, water heater and dryer vents, gas meters and the area around your main water shut-off.
• Protect your water service. The City shares responsibility for the water service line and will try to thaw it if frozen, but you are responsible for the lines, valve and meter on your property. If you receive a Frozen Pipes Prevention Program letter, keep a tap running at pencil-width.
• Roof snow: don't climb on the roof. If a heavy load or ice dam worries you, call a professional.
• Basement suites: make sure the suite has its own working smoke and CO alarms and clear emergency exits, including window wells.
• Ice: use sand or salt on steps and walkways, and keep a shovel and ice scraper by the door.

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Part 5: Mobile and Manufactured Homes

Mobile and manufactured homes sit above the ground, which exposes pipes and floors to cold air. Specific requirements vary by model, park and local code, so check your owner's manual and ask your park manager or a qualified technician before making changes.

• Skirting: keep it intact and fully closed. Gaps let cold air and wind reach pipes and ductwork under the home, and chinook gusts can damage loose panels. Repair holes quickly.
• Water lines: underfloor and exposed lines are the most vulnerable. Ask a qualified technician about heat tape or other manufacturer-approved protection and follow the instructions exactly. Check heat tape and insulation every fall, because damaged or incorrectly installed heat tape is a fire risk.
• Underbelly: check that the belly wrap or insulation underneath isn't torn or sagging, and have rodents kept out.
• Keep the thermostat at 15 °C or higher even when you are away. Mobile homes lose heat quickly.
• Know your shut-offs: find your main water shut-off, and ask the park manager where the park's shut-offs are.
• Furnace and water heater: get fuel-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician. Install CO alarms and test them monthly.
• Space heaters: these are common in mobile homes, but they are also a leading winter fire risk. Use only CSA- or UL-listed units with automatic tip-over shutoff, plug them directly into the wall, and keep them well away from anything flammable.
• Don't overload circuits. Older mobile homes may have limited electrical capacity. Avoid running several high-wattage heaters on the same circuit.
• Roof snow: don't climb on the roof. Avoid letting heavy snow and ice pile up on the roof or skirting.
• Steps, decks and ramps: keep them clear and salted. Ice on stairs and ramps is a leading cause of falls.
• Vents: clear snow from furnace, dryer and exhaust vents, and from the area around the hot water tank.

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Part 6: Rural, Acreage and Farm Properties

On a rural property, you may be your own snowplow, water utility and backup power supply, and emergency responders can take longer to reach you.

Power outages and heating

• Plan for several days without power. Keep a backup heat source, extra blankets, a battery or crank radio and flashlights.
• Generators: run them outdoors only, well away from windows, doors and vents. Have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch rather than backfeeding the house through an outlet.
• Wood stoves and fireplaces: use dry, seasoned wood, have the chimney inspected and cleaned each year, and keep a metal ash bucket away from the house. Keep a CO alarm nearby.
• Propane and heating oil: book fills before the cold snap, keep tanks well above empty, and clear a path to tanks and regulators so you can reach them after a storm.
• Fuel-burning equipment: never run a barbecue or camp stove indoors.

Water, wells and cisterns

• Well pump house: insulate and heat it (with a thermostatically controlled, safely installed heater) to protect pumps and pressure tanks.
• Cisterns: keep them stocked, and check lines and fill hoses. Schedule deliveries early.
• Livestock water: use heated waterers or tank heaters rated for outdoor use, and check them daily.
• Septic systems: don't let snow get compacted over the tank and field, since snow cover actually insulates them. Avoid driving or parking over them.

Access, safety and travel

• Driveway and road access: arrange snow clearing early. Make sure your civic address sign is visible from the road so ambulances and fire crews can find you in poor visibility.
• Keep a 72-hour kit (see Part 7) and a vehicle kit with blankets, a shovel, traction aids, jumper cables, a candle and matches, and non-perishable food.
• Check road conditions on 511 Alberta before you drive, and tell someone your route and arrival time.
• Smoke and CO alarms are critical because fire department response times can be longer. Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen, garage and barn.
• Plug in your vehicle when temperatures drop below about −15 °C, using a timer to save electricity.
• Neighbours matter. Exchange phone numbers with neighbours and check on seniors and anyone living alone during storms and outages.

If you winter away from the property

For a cabin, second property or a home you leave for the season, have a plumber winterize it by shutting off and draining the water system, turning off the pump and heater, and adding non-toxic antifreeze to traps. Or keep it heated to at least 15 °C and arrange regular checks.

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Part 7: Emergency Prep and Quick Checklists

72-hour home emergency kit

• Water (about 4 litres per person per day) and non-perishable food
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights, headlamps and spare batteries
• Battery or hand-crank radio
• Phone chargers and a power bank
• Warm blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves and spare clothing
• First aid kit and any prescription medications
• Candles in sturdy holders and matches or a lighter (use carefully)
• Pet food and supplies
• Copies of important documents and some cash
• A battery-powered or crank CO alarm if you rely on fuel-burning heat

If your furnace fails or the power goes out

• Close off rooms and stay in one room to conserve heat, hang blankets over windows, and dress in layers.
• Open taps to a slow drip to protect pipes if the house is getting cold, and shut off the main if pipes burst.
• Never use a gas oven, barbecue or camp stove to heat your home.
• Check on neighbours who may be vulnerable.
• Call 911 for emergencies. For gas odours or suspected gas leaks, leave the home and call your gas utility's emergency line (ATCO Gas customers can check atco.com for the number).

Seasonal checklist

When	Do this
This week	Test smoke and CO alarms; book furnace service; find and label the main water shut-off; disconnect hoses; seal drafts
Before the first deep freeze	Insulate exposed pipes; stock the emergency kit; check vehicle block heater; clear eavestroughs
After every snowfall	Clear public sidewalks within 24 hours; clear vents and gas meters; salt steps
During a cold snap	Keep thermostat at 15 °C or higher; open cabinet doors on exterior walls; let a tap drip if advised; check on neighbours
Before a trip	Keep heat on; arrange a house check; know the shut-off; set a low-temperature alert
After a chinook	Clear storm drains; watch for refreezing ice on steps and driveways; check for roof leaks or ice dams

Who to call

• 911: fire, CO alarms sounding, medical emergencies
• 311: frozen water service, flooding that needs City help, uncleared sidewalks, snow and ice concerns
• Your landlord, property manager or condo board: heating, plumbing and building problems
• Your gas and electricity providers: outages and gas odours

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Saving Energy and Money This Winter

• Turn the thermostat down a few degrees at night or when you're away, but never below 15 °C, since frozen pipes cost far more than heat. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this easy.
• Seal first, upgrade later. Weatherstripping, caulk and door sweeps cost little and often have the best payback.
• Service your furnace and change filters regularly. A clean, tuned furnace runs more efficiently and more safely.
• Use LED holiday lights. They use far less power than older bulbs.
• Watch for rebates. Programs change often. Check Efficiency Alberta, your utility and the City of Calgary for current offers on insulation, heating equipment and home energy upgrades before you buy. As of early 2026, one source reported that the federal Canada Greener Homes Grant had closed, so verify before you rely on any program.
• Renters: ask your landlord about draft-proofing and fixing broken windows. Many low-cost fixes can be done by the landlord at little expense.

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Winter conditions and programs change. Confirm details with the City of Calgary (calgary.ca), the Calgary Fire Department, your utility providers and your landlord or condo board, and for any major work, hire a licensed professional.