Winter Home Maintenance Tips Ottawa

Ottawa is a true 4 season city. That means embracing all the seasons, not just the warmer months. It also means taking care of your home in different ways depending on the weather. In the winter there are a few things you can do to ensure a well-maintained home. This blog will give you 5 quick and actionable tips to keep your home operating well until spring rolls in later this year.

1. Inspect and Seal Windows & Doors

The environment and your bank account will thank you for this one. Cold drafts can significantly increase heating costs. Check for gaps around windows and doors and use weather stripping or caulking to seal them. Weather stripping under a doorframe can make a big difference. Even for places you may not think about like a storage closet or the door to the garage which do not need to be having the heat from your house escaping into. Caulking around certain cracks in windows or door frames can also make a big difference as this prevents the warm air in your home from leaving. This is not just a fix for the colder months, it will also help you in the warmer months as you keep the air conditioning in and the warm air out! 

BONUS TIP: Consider using thermal curtains for extra insulation. These can be a little more costly but it can definitely make a difference for warmth and energy efficiency. 

2. Check Your Roof and Gutters
Heavy snow and ice can cause roof damage or ice dams. Keep an eye on your roof to see if action is needed to remove snow or ice. Best practice would be to ensure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris before winter.  If you notice significant icicles forming, it may be a sign of poor attic insulation. This can be topped up at a relatively low cost compared to other home improvements and it definitely makes a difference you can enjoy. 

3. Service Your Heating System
Ottawa winters require a reliable heating system. Have your furnace inspected and serviced before winter to ensure it runs efficiently. Replace filters regularly and consider a programmable thermostat to save on heating costs. Your furnace filter should be changed every 3 months. This will help keep your system in good shape and improve the air quality in the home. 

4. Prevent Frozen Pipes
Extreme cold can lead to frozen or burst pipes. Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements or garages. Keep your home’s temperature above 15°C, even when away. You may even want to allow faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold spells as this can help prevent a burst pipe. 

5. Stock Up on Winter Essentials
Ensure you have sufficient supplies of salt, sand, and shovels for clearing snow and ice. If you have a snowblower, check that it’s in working condition and that you have enough fuel ready to run it when that surprise dump of snow arrives. Keep emergency supplies like flashlights, blankets, and batteries around in case of a power outage. 

BONUS TIP: It never hurts to keep an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid handy in case you run out in the middle of freezing rain or other winter weather.

Taking these steps can help protect your home and keep it comfortable throughout the winter. Let us know if you’d like more detailed advice on any of these! We have great contacts in the Ottawa area who can help with larger jobs such as attic insulation or furnace maintenance and repair. We’re always ready to help!