If you’ve lived in Saskatoon for even one winter, you already know — the cold doesn’t ease in, it arrives suddenly. That’s why preparing your home before the temperature drops isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Winterizing now can help you avoid frozen pipes, high heating bills, roof damage, and unexpected repair costs down the road.
This guide walks you through the key areas to focus on so you can confidently face the season ahead. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned Saskatonian, these practical steps will keep your home warm, efficient, and protected from the elements.
One of the easiest ways to lose heat (and money) is through gaps around windows and doors. Even small drafts can have a big impact during a -30°C cold snap.
Walk through your home on a windy day and feel around the edges. If you notice cool air creeping in, it’s time to seal things up. Weatherstripping, door sweeps, and caulking can make a dramatic difference. For older homes, adding plastic film insulation to windows is a quick, budget-friendly solution.
Frozen pipes are a common issue in Saskatoon winters. When temperatures plunge, any exposed or poorly insulated pipe especially those running through basements, garages, or exterior walls—is at risk. Focus on areas like:
Foam pipe covers are inexpensive and take minutes to install. Also remember to shut off and drain outdoor faucets to prevent cracks from expanding ice.
Your heating system works overtime in Saskatchewan’s winter. A quick tune-up now can ensure your furnace doesn’t fail when you need it most.
Clean or replace the furnace filter (this alone boosts efficiency), test your thermostat, and vacuum dust from vents or baseboard heaters. If you haven’t had your furnace inspected in over a year, consider booking a professional service to ensure everything’s running efficiently.
Small things like this help your system work smarter—not harder.
Not everything about winterizing is obvious. In fact, some of the most effective fixes are the ones people skip.
For example, reversing your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise helps push warm air back down into the room. It’s a subtle shift, but it keeps your home more evenly heated—especially in rooms with high ceilings.
Another overlooked area? Your attic. Make sure it’s properly insulated and ventilated. Poor airflow can lead to moisture buildup, ice dams, or even mold during the freeze-thaw cycles we get in Saskatchewan.
As fall winds down, your gutters fill with leaves and debris. If they’re not cleared before snow arrives, meltwater has nowhere to go—which can lead to ice dams, leaks, or foundation issues come spring.
Make sure downspouts extend away from the home, and that water can properly drain. If climbing ladders isn’t your thing, this is a great task to outsource to a local handyman before freeze-up.
Prepping the exterior of your home is just as important as the inside. Patio furniture, planters, and garden hoses should be stored away. Outdoor lighting should be tested and bulbs replaced—since Saskatoon days get dark early.
Walk around your property and look for trees or branches that hang close to the roof or power lines. Trimming them now reduces the risk of winter damage during a storm.
A bit of winter prep now can save you a ton of stress when the snow flies. Whether it’s sealing a drafty window, wrapping exposed pipes, or clearing out clogged gutters, these steps will protect your home and wallet all season long. And if the list feels a little overwhelming, All The Fixings is here to help with quick, reliable handyman services in Saskatoon. Let us take care of the heavy lifting—so you can enjoy a warm, worry-free winter.
