Winterizing Your Ottawa Home: Essential Maintenance Tips

Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

As winter approaches, it's crucial to inspect your home's windows and doors for any drafts. These can significantly impact your heating bill as warm air escapes and cold air seeps in. Start by checking the caulking and weather stripping around all windows and doors. If you notice any cracks or gaps, it's time to reseal them. This small task can lead to substantial savings on your energy bill.

Consider using draft stoppers at the base of doors to prevent cold air from entering. These inexpensive tools can make a big difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Additionally, using heavy curtains can add an extra layer of insulation.

Prepare Your Heating System

Your home's heating system is essential for surviving Ottawa's frigid winters. Before the temperatures drop too low, have a professional inspect and service your furnace. This ensures it operates efficiently and safely throughout the season. Regular maintenance can also help prolong the lifespan of your heating system.

It's also a good time to replace your furnace filters. A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently by improving airflow and air quality. Depending on your system and usage, consider changing the filter every one to three months.

Protect Your Plumbing

Frozen pipes are a common issue during Ottawa's harsh winters. To prevent this, insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as basements or crawl spaces. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and can save you from costly repairs and water damage.

Another preventative measure is to keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Also, consider letting faucets drip slightly during extremely cold spells to prevent pressure buildup, which can lead to bursts.

Inspect the Roof and Gutters

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against snow and ice. Before winter sets in, inspect it for any missing or damaged shingles and repair them immediately. This prevents leaks and other damage caused by melting snow.

Cleaning your gutters is equally important. Clogged gutters can trap water, which can freeze and cause ice dams. These dams can lead to significant roof damage, so ensure that gutters are clear of leaves and debris.

Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces

Don't forget about your outdoor spaces when winterizing your home. Store patio furniture in a dry place, or cover it with weather-resistant covers to protect it from snow and ice damage. Additionally, drain and store garden hoses indoors to prevent freezing and cracking.

If you have trees or shrubs near your home, consider trimming them back. Heavy snow and ice accumulation on branches can cause them to break, potentially damaging your home or power lines.

Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter often means spending more time indoors with heaters running, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly by testing them regularly and replacing batteries if needed.

Having a working carbon monoxide detector is crucial for early detection of this odorless gas, providing peace of mind during the colder months when homes are sealed tightly against the cold.