10 Winter Prep Tasks Edmonton Condo Owners Should Always Do
Although this winter seems to be taking it’s sweet, sweet time coming - when it does it’ll hit hard and fast. While condo living does come with fewer outdoor concerns for owners (such as snow removal and ice melt), there are many things owners can do to protect their own unit, avoid damage, and keep their bills from skyrocketing (as much as is in their control).
Here’s the essential winter checklist condo owners should tackle before Edmonton’s winter comes barrelling through.
1. Check and Clean Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan
A dusty, old fan leads to moisture buildup, window condensation, and even mold. Run it for 20–30 minutes after each shower during winter.
2. Test Your Kitchen Range Hood Fan
If it’s vented outside, make sure it’s actually pulling air.
Poor ventilation = high humidity = icy windows.
3. Check All Window Seals and Weatherstripping
Even tiny gaps leak huge amounts of heat. Run your hand along the edges — if you feel a draft, request maintenance or install temporary winter strips.
4. Make Sure Your Thermostat Is Above 18°C
Low indoor temps = frozen pipes, especially in perimeter units or older condos. Even if you leave for vacation, make sure your thermostat is set above 18! There may even be a rule for this minimum temperature.
5. Open Interior Doors and Keep Air Moving
Closed doors means cold pockets which means potential freeze issues. Heat needs to circulate, especially to:
bathrooms
entry closets
corner rooms
exterior walls
6. Clear Your Dryer Vent Trap Thoroughly
Dryer vents accumulate lint faster in winter because of heavier clothing!
A clean vent prevents fires, reduces drying time, and lowers your power bill.
7. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Set fans to clockwise on low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling and distributes heat more evenly.
8. Inspect and Clean Your Furnace Filter (for Townhouse-Style Condos)
A clogged filter forces your furnace to work harder, which spikes your energy bill. It also reduces heat output, which will cause you to be cold in your home! In the winter, it’s recommended to replace the filter every 1-2 months.
9. Prepare for a Power Outage
It really can happen to you, and if it does, you should be prepared. Power outages can mean no water, heat, or (obviously) electricity, which in Edmonton’s cold winter can have extremely bad consequences. Prepare a kit with:
flashlights
small power bank for your phone
candles
warm blankets
bottled water
a simple battery radio
If you have animals, have a plan for how to manage them incase of a power outage as well.
10. Know What Maintenance Is YOUR Responsibility vs. The Condo Corporation’s
Owners often assume everything is “the condo board’s problem,” but winter exposes these gaps. Double check your condo papers (if you need a doc review, we recommend going here) for what owner responsibilities include. Generally though, it’s everything inside your unit including:
inside unit plumbing
thermostats
interior humidity control
window care
dryer vents
As you can see, a bit of prep work for the upcoming winter can really make a difference! It can prepare you for surprise repairs, avoiding frozen pipes, moisture damage, high heating bills, and insurance headaches. Stay safe and warm!
