How I’m Getting My Home Ready for Winter (and How You Can Too)

Oct 15

Every fall, like clockwork, there’s a day when I wake up and realize that summer really is over. The mornings feel colder, the light fades faster, and my dog gives me that “are we really doing this walk?” look. That’s usually my cue to start prepping my home for winter — before the real chill sets in.

This weekend, I did just that, and it reminded me how a few simple steps now can make the next few months feel a lot cozier and less stressful. So while the leaves are still crunching underfoot, here’s how I get my Ottawa home ready for winter and how you can do the same.

Start with your heating system
There’s nothing worse than turning on your furnace in November and realizing it doesn’t work. I like to schedule a quick furnace check every fall, especially since Ottawa winters can be long and intense. If your furnace is older, a yearly or even monthly inspection can make a big difference in both comfort and efficiency. A well-tuned system means lower energy bills and fewer surprise breakdowns when you need heat most.

Seal out the cold
Next, I do what I call the “draft hunt.” I walk around the house with a hand near the windows and doors, feeling for cold air sneaking in. Even a small draft can drive up your heating bill, so I seal what I can with weatherstripping or caulk. If you have older windows, thick curtains or window film can help keep things warm without replacing them entirely.

Tackle the roof and gutters
Ottawa’s freeze-thaw cycle can be tough on roofs. I climb up (carefully) or hire someone to clear out the gutters and check for missing shingles. Leaves and debris can trap water that turns into ice dams, and that’s a headache you don’t want mid-winter. Clean gutters now, dry basement later.

Prep the outdoors before it freezes
Before temperatures dip below zero, I turn off and drain all outdoor faucets and bring the hoses inside. If you have sprinklers, winterize them too. It takes less than an hour but can save hundreds of dollars in pipe repairs. I also stash away garden tools, patio furniture, and anything else that shouldn’t face an Ottawa blizzard.

Be ready for anything
Winter storms are part of life here, so I keep a small emergency kit in the house — batteries, candles, salt, blankets, and a backup supply of pet food. It’s also the time to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They’re easy to forget until you really need them.

Make space in the garage
Once the first frost hits, I always regret not clearing the garage earlier. So I do it now. Having a warm place to park saves time scraping ice and helps protect your car’s paint and battery. Plus, it feels oddly satisfying to have everything organized before the chaos of the holidays.

Shut down your air conditioning
When you’re done using the AC for the year, switch off the breaker and cover the outdoor unit. It’ll keep it clean and ready for next spring without rust or debris building up.

Winter in Ottawa doesn’t have to mean drafty rooms and endless shovelling. A few hours of preparation now can keep your home warm, efficient, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way.

If you want tailored advice for your home or you’re thinking about buying or selling before the snow arrives, I’m always happy to chat. Sometimes the best way to beat the winter blues is by planning ahead — and that goes for real estate too.