It’s that time of year again…yard work, recycling and preparing for winter before the snow flies!

Here are a few maintenance tips to get clean-up and winter prep started:

• The fall always brings that beautiful golden hue, and this year some gorgeous fall weather here in Calgary, perhaps the last before winter sets in, and perfect for doing yard work once all those orange and golden leaves have fallen. Save yourself some time next spring, rake them up now and take advantage of our city’s Leaf & Pumpkin Composting Program which runs until November 8.

• Not only do your leaves cover your yard, but they can also end up in your eavestroughs. If you leave the leaves over the winter months they can decay and be an open invitation for ants, spiders and mosquitoes. And, clogged and overflowing troughs can be a risk for your home’s proper water drainage leading to potential foundation issues.

• Yard maintenance equipment such as mowers, trimmers and blowers should be emptied of unused fuel so that sediment doesn’t build up and clog the fuel lines. No one wants the surprise of having to re-invest in lawn equipment first thing in the spring!

• Don’t forget to disconnect garden hoses so that any residual water doesn’t freeze in them. It’s a good idea to store the hoses in your shed or garage until warm sunny spring days return to extend its service life.

• The heating and cooling systems in your house play vital roles when it comes to keeping your home comfortable. It’s important, to ensure that the equipment that keeps the temperature just right is maintained properly. Be sure to change your furnace’s air filter and keep extras on hand throughout the winter months. Filters should be changed every one to two months to keep it working optimally.

Check back again soon for more handy tips!

Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, call 403-253-5678.