Ottawa's winters are legendary — months of sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, ice storms, and wind chills that can reach -40°C. Proper winter preparation isn't just about comfort; it's about protecting your home from thousands of dollars in potential damage. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to do before winter hits.
Your heating system is your home's lifeline during Ottawa winters: Furnace service: Schedule a professional tune-up in September or October ($100-$200). The technician checks the heat exchanger for cracks (carbon monoxide risk), cleans burners, tests ignition and safety controls, and verifies gas pressure. Filter replacement: Install a fresh filter before the heating season. Check and replace monthly during heavy-use winter months. Thermostat programming: Set your programmable or smart thermo...
Frozen pipes are one of Ottawa's most common — and expensive — winter emergencies: Outdoor faucets: Disconnect all garden hoses. Close the interior shut-off valve for outdoor faucets and open the outdoor faucet to drain. If you don't have interior shut-offs, install frost-free hose bibs ($150-$300 each). Exposed pipes: Insulate pipes in unheated areas (garage, crawl space, exterior walls) with pipe insulation ($1-$3 per linear foot). This is one of the cheapest and most effective winter prepar...
Your sump pump works year-round in Ottawa. Before winter: test it by pouring water into the pit, verify the discharge pipe isn't blocked by ice or debris, ensure the discharge directs water away from the foundation, and consider a battery backup ($500-$1,500) for power outages during ice storms.
Prepare your home's exterior before the first snowfall: Roof inspection: Address any damaged or missing shingles before snow season. Ensure attic ventilation is adequate to prevent ice dams — warm attics melt snow on the roof, which refreezes at the eaves and causes water backup. Gutter cleaning: Final clean after all leaves have fallen (late November). Ensure gutters are firmly attached and downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Weatherstripping: Check all doors and windows for ai...
Before heating season, check your insulation levels. Ottawa homes should have R-60 in the attic, R-20+ in walls, and R-30+ in basement headers. Adding attic insulation ($500-$2,000) is often the highest-ROI energy improvement you can make. Check for air leaks around electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and attic hatches — these small gaps collectively waste enormous energy.
Every Ottawa home should have a winter emergency kit: flashlights and batteries, battery-powered radio, bottled water (3 days supply), non-perishable food, extra blankets and warm clothing, first aid kit, fully charged portable power bank, cash (ATMs may be down during power outages), and a plan for where to go if your home loses heat for an extended period.
Start in September with heating system service. Complete exterior work (gutters, caulking, weatherstripping) by late October. Winterize plumbing and outdoor faucets before the first hard freeze, typically in November.
Proper attic insulation (R-60) and ventilation are key. A cold attic prevents snow from melting on the roof and refreezing at the eaves. Also keep gutters clean and ensure soffit vents aren't blocked by insulation.
20-21°C when home, 17-18°C when sleeping or away. Never set below 16°C even when away for extended periods to prevent frozen pipes. If leaving for vacation, have someone check your home daily.
Basic preparation (furnace tune-up, weatherstripping, pipe insulation, gutter cleaning) costs $400-$800. This prevents thousands in potential damage from frozen pipes, ice dams, and heating failures.