How to prepare for the colder months in Calgary

This is happening after a hot summer in Calgary.

The leaves are turning yellow, there's a hint of fall in the morning air, and pumpkin spice syrups are making a reappearance in coffee shops around town.

But such seasonal pleasures are tempered by the realization that at any moment the city can suddenly turn into solid ice—which can do much more than derail your barbecue plans.

Abandoned gardens, ditches and furnaces can also be sad and expensive in autumn and winter.

But, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth an ounce of cure. So CBC News asked a few fall experts for their advice on how to prepare for the coming months.

Neglected streams can become moldy and rot

Gutters serve an important purpose, keeping water away from the home, said Igor Chelin, owner of Water Purification on a Budget in Calgary.

Many people prefer to wait until all the leaves have fallen to clean their gutters in the fall.

“So they clean everything up at once and never think about it until next year,” he said.

If the temperature drops before you can get around it, the water in the pit can freeze when filled with debris like twigs and leaves and expand, damaging the drain.

But homeowners may not know it's a problem until the snow finally melts, and they welcome spring with the knowledge that their homes are vulnerable to water and structural damage, including rot and mold.

“People don't realize that the gutters are clogged because we never see them,” Chelin said. “(But it's possible) gutters could fall off your roof.”

His advice? Try to clean your gutters twice a year – before the snow falls, make it a priority.

“A lot of people don't think ahead, that's the biggest problem,” he said. “But remember that cleaning is cheaper than repairing.”

Ignore the furnace filter

Now is the time to turn on the furnace, and check for any strange sounds or smells — it may not have been running all summer, according to George Pinel, owner of Instant Plumbing and Heating.

It also needs regular maintenance to keep components such as the filter, safety parts, and gas controls and pressures in check.

That's because the metal expands and contracts over the years, Pinel said, and it can do so many times before a flaw or crack appears.

The result can be a stove that heats up less, costs more to run, has a greater environmental impact by burning more fuel, and emits higher levels of carbon monoxide.

And Pinel is the biggest mistake people make?

“They don't check furnace filters very often,” he said.

Pinel also recommends carbon monoxide testing of the home's incoming heating system to determine if there is a crack in the heat exchanger.

“A lot of people get flu-like symptoms in the winter, and honestly, it's not the flu,” he said. “They're getting mild carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Disconnect the tubes

Another fall fix Calgarians should keep in mind is to disconnect the hoses and turn off the water to the outdoor plumbing. Pinel said it can often be too late.

“(People think) 'Oh, it's not cold, it's going to be fine,'” he said.

But it only takes one night of freezing temperatures for your hose to become a real problem. According to Pinel, a “freeze-proof” hose doesn't provide as much insurance as people think.

“(People) leave the hose open and it freezes and splits in the winter,” Pinel said.

This can cause problems later when things melt and water runs everywhere and can cause damage to the house.

In mid-September, Pinel turned off the water.

Leave the leaves and remove the tomatoes

Green fingers put a lot of effort into planting and maintaining their gardens, and there are some preparations that must be in place in the fall in order to thrive.

“We've had a very dry fall and a long dry spell, so don't cut your plants right away – just leave them until the snow takes over,” said Kat Smith, horticulturist for the Calgary Horticultural Society.

Large trees and shrubs should be watered and cleaned, but not cut to the ground, Smith said, which is the biggest mistake people make.

“It's not good for your garden,” he said.

Smith also said the most important part of a healthy garden is the health of the soil.

Raking leaves into the soil—but not into the grass—is a good way to help keep it moist, and fresh compost helps feed it.

Meanwhile, Smith has frost cloths to protect his garden.

“All the plants I really appreciate have covers, but if you have plants you want to keep, it's time to bring them in,” she said.

“If you've got things you need to cut back, I'd do that and get your tomatoes – it's getting a little chilly at night.”

Winter tires for bicycles and cars

If you haven't replaced your car's tires yet, it's best to do it now and before the first snow falls.

If you wait, you're rushing at the same time as everyone else, said John Hay with Trail Tire in southeast Calgary.

“They can't wear out (now) … and when it snows, everybody wants to do it.” So the sooner you prepare, the better,” he said.

A thorough inspection is a good idea, Hay said, to make sure all fluids are ready for winter.

As for urban cyclists, Mark Fedoroshin of Bow Cycle says it's important to be mindful of what lubricant you're using for your chain.

Heavy lube won't wash away with road spray, and studded tires help make the ride smoother.

Don't forget to wash your bike in the fall and winter that people ignore.

“We clearly found that road salt is very, very corrosive to bicycles,” he said. “Take it to the car wash sometimes.”

Let us know in the comments if you have any fall tips we missed.