How to Winterproof Your Home: A Guide For Brutal Ottawa Winters
Ottawa winters are known being harsh, with frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ice storms that can last from November well into March. They can be scary. Whether you’re strolling down ByWard Market during Winterlude or ice skating on the Rideau Canal, the cold can be embraced as long as your home is prepared to keep you warm, safe, and comfortable.
Here’s a guide on how to get your home in Ottawa ready for winter, with local tips and recommendations to make sure you’re fully prepared for the colder months ahead. TLDR: Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.
1. Seal Windows and Doors
In Ottawa’s brutal winter temperatures, especially in neighborhoods like The Glebe or Centretown, every crack and gap in your home can let cold air seep in, driving up your heating costs. Weatherstripping and caulking are simple but essential tasks to prevent drafts and keep the heat inside.
- Tip: Use window insulation kits for older homes along streets like Preston or Bronson Avenue, where drafty windows are common. These kits are an easy, temporary solution to improve insulation without costly window replacements.
- Local Supplier: Home Depot on Bank Street in South Keys or Canadian Tire in Kanata offer all the supplies you’ll need for weatherproofing.
2. Check Your Furnace and Heating System
As temperatures drop well below zero, your furnace becomes your best friend. Don’t wait until the first snowfall on Sussex Drive to discover that your heating system isn’t working properly.
- Book a Furnace Inspection: Have your furnace inspected by a professional in October to ensure it’s running efficiently. A dirty or malfunctioning furnace can lead to higher energy bills or even breakdowns during the coldest days of the season. Local services in Orleans or Nepean offer affordable maintenance packages.
- Replace Furnace Filters: This should be done every three months to improve airflow and efficiency. If you live in older neighborhoods like Sandy Hill or Old Ottawa South, pay extra attention to this as older homes can have more dust in their vents.
As you can imagine, every home wants to stay warm. “The key to the best price and making sure you are all set for winter is not waiting until the last minute to schedule any maintenance on your furnace or water heater,” shares Parent heating & Cooling, an HVAC company that services all around Ontario.
3. Insulate Your Pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs. Homes in areas like Manotick or Barrhaven, where temperatures tend to dip lower due to open spaces, are particularly at risk.
- Wrap Exposed Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation on any exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, garages, or attics.
- Drain Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect garden hoses and drain any exterior water lines to avoid freezing and bursting. Every homeowner wants to protect their pipes during the winter months. To prevent freezing and potential bursts, use foam pipe insulation or wrap them with towels and tape, especially in unheated areas,’ advises Arrow Plumbing, a reliable plumbing service. Taking these steps now can save you from costly repairs later.
4. Prepare for Power Outages
Ice storms are not uncommon in Ottawa winters. Major streets like Carling Avenue or Merivale Road can be impacted by sudden storms, leaving some neighborhoods without power. Make sure you’re ready in case of an outage.
- Stock Up on Essentials: Keep flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and bottled water on hand in case of power outages. You might also want to consider investing in a generator if you live in rural areas like Carp or Stittsville.
- Backup Heat Source: If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood. For those with wood-burning stoves, it’s an excellent alternative heating source if the electricity goes out.
5. Roof and Gutter Maintenance
With heavy snowfall expected, particularly during events like Ottawa’s Snowflake Kingdom, ensuring your roof can handle the load is crucial to preventing damage.
- Check for Ice Dams: Ice dams can form along your roof’s edge and cause water to back up, potentially leading to leaks. Clear your gutters of leaves and debris to prevent this from happening.
- Inspect Your Roof: Check for any loose or damaged shingles and replace them before the snow starts piling up. Hiring a local contractor from areas like Alta Vista or Westboro is a good option if you’re unsure of what to look for.
6. Prepare for Snow Removal
With streets like Elgin or Wellington often blanketed in snow by early December, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to tackle the snow before it becomes overwhelming.
- Invest in a Snowblower or Shovel: Ottawa residents are no strangers to heavy snowfall. For those living in suburban areas like Barrhaven or Kanata, where driveways tend to be longer, a snowblower can save time and energy. For smaller homes in downtown areas like New Edinburgh, a sturdy shovel and ice scraper will do the job.
- Keep Salt and Sand Handy: Slippery sidewalks are a common hazard. Keep a stockpile of salt or sand to ensure that your walkways stay safe for you and your visitors.
7. Get Cozy Indoors
While Winterlude and skating on the Rideau Canal are highlights of the season, staying indoors during a cold snap can be equally comforting. Make sure your home is ready to be a cozy retreat.
- Switch to Winter Bedding: Swap out your lighter sheets and comforters for something warmer. Homes in neighborhoods like Rockcliffe Park, which can feel colder due to large properties and open spaces, may benefit from heavier blankets or even heated bedding.
- Draft Stoppers for Doors: These are an easy way to block out cold air from sneaking in under doors, especially in older homes that might not be as well insulated.
8. Get Ready for the Holidays
Ottawa’s winter also means getting ready for local holiday events like Christmas Lights Across Canada and the ByWard Market Holiday Market. Prepare your home to be part of the festive cheer.
- Decorate Smartly: If you’re putting up lights outside, make sure to use energy-efficient LED lights. Homes in communities like Orleans or Hunt Club, which see a lot of foot traffic during the holidays, will want to make sure their holiday displays are both beautiful and safe.
- Holiday Safety: Make sure your outdoor decorations are secure and not at risk of being damaged by the wind or snow. Also, check that extension cords are rated for outdoor use to prevent electrical hazards.
9. Stay Safe on Ottawa’s Streets
Winter driving in Ottawa can be treacherous, particularly on streets like Queen Elizabeth Driveway or Colonel By Drive, which often get icy. While prepping your home, don’t forget about your car.
- Winter Tires: Install winter tires by early November to navigate Ottawa’s often icy roads safely.
- Emergency Car Kit: Pack a winter survival kit for your car, including blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks, and a shovel in case you get stranded during a snowstorm.
Stay Warm
Preparing your home in Ottawa for winter is not just about staying warm—it’s about ensuring your home and family are safe, comfortable, and ready to embrace the winter season. Whether you’re enjoying Winterlude, taking part in local holiday events, or simply relaxing at home, getting everything in order before the snow hits will make winter more enjoyable. With some proactive steps, you’ll be ready to face Ottawa’s long, cold winter with confidence!