Shut off the water to your outside taps by closing the valves located in the basement ceiling to prevent water freezing and bursting pipes. (Just follow the pipe coming out of the wall where the taps are on the outside until you come to the shut off.) Open your taps outside to ensure that residual water drains out and that the water is off.

If you have a wood deck try to keep it clear of snow by sweeping as scraping ice off tends to pull paint with it. The winter weather will cause minor peeling of the paint and will probably require touch up every two years or so. (If you want a perfect match the best way is to take a paint chip with you to the store of your choice.)

Check/change furnace filter.

Clean humidifier and check pad - replace if necessary.

Check teleposts - if they are snug no adjustment is needed.

Check temperature setting on hot water tank (lower = longer life).

Re-start fireplace pilot light if turned off in summer.

Clean leaves and debris from eavestroughs to avoid overflow and blockage.

Minimize condensation and the fix ups that come with it by:

• Leaving blinds drawn up and curtains open as much as possible, taking out all window screens and opening interior doors to improve air movement through the home.
• If you have a drum humidifier turn it down as temperatures drop according to the chart on top of the humidistat.
• Turn on exhaust fans when cooking, bathing or showering and leave them on until all excess moisture is removed.
• Run the main exhaust fan by turning on the switch under the thermostat to replace moist interior air with dry, fresh exterior air.

Even with these precautions, living conditions affect moisture so be watchful of any wetness on your window sills and wipe it off right away to prevent any paint peeling or wood damage. The methods listed are some of the most effective in reducing condensation problems in your new home. We strongly encourage you to refer to the booklet "Information for the Care & Maintenance of your New Home" that was sent to you by Alberta New Home Warranty.

Turn water to outside taps back on.

Put downspout arms down to direct rain away from house.

Put window screens back in.

Check/change furnace filter.

If fireplace will not be used for extended period of time turn off the pilot light.

Touch up paint on exterior wood surfaces.

Check exterior caulking & maintain:

• where brick joins with exterior under window
• at rain collar around chimney
• where window glass meets metal clad

Turn up humidifier as per chart on top of humidistat.

Fill any settled ground around foundation to avoid water infiltration into the home.

Clean lint out of dryer vents.

Pour a few litres of water in floor drain to replace evaporated water in P-trap.