Are you ready for an Ottawa winter?

Some last-minute tips from the Lagois team

Here we go again. We can feel it; we can see it. Winter has returned to Ottawa. But before the deep-freeze really hits, here are reminders from the Lagois team about the things you can do to make sure your home is winter-ready.  

Give your heating system some TLC

Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or boiler to ensure peak efficiency and safety. Replace filters, test thermostats, and consider upgrading to a smart system for more consistent comfort. If you have radiant in-floor heating, now’s the time to test it.

Protect your plumbing

Drain outdoor faucets and irrigation lines, and insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas. If you travel during the winter, install smart leak detectors for extra peace of mind. Disconnect hoses. Hoses left connected do not allow frost free hose bibs to work properly and can cause pipes to burst due to freezing.

Seal drafts and boost insulation

If you don’t have new windows, check for air leaks around them and around doors, too. New weatherstripping makes a big difference. Examine attic insulation. Hire a registered energy advisor to do a thermal imaging audit that will identify hidden energy losses.

Inspect roof and eavestroughs

Clear away leaves and debris so melting snow can drain freely. Check shingles and flashing for damage, and ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Preventing ice dams now saves big headaches later.

Check skylights

In our climate they are often problematic because of ice damming. Arrange for a professional (if you are not comfortable on a roof, especially in the winter) to clear snow away from skylight. This is often necessary and a good solution to ice damming.

Reverse ceiling fans

Set blades to run clockwise on low speed to push warm air down.

Humidity control

Use humidifiers to maintain 30–50% humidity. 

Test sump pump and backup

Even in winter, snow melting can cause basement flooding.Have professionals:

• Test/check battery backup systems

• Inspect discharge lines for freezing risk

Foundation drainage system

It’s a good idea to be proactive with this in preparation for spring. 

Have professionals check:

• Exterior foundation drains (French drains)

• Window wells and drain tiles

• Grading that may have shifted through summer

  • Clogged window well drains that can cause basement flooding during rapid thaws.

Test safety systems

Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Have your fireplace and chimney cleaned, and confirm your backup generator is in working order.

Protect outdoor structures and finishes

If you haven’t already done this, drain and store garden hoses. Cover outdoor kitchens and water features, and seal decks or railings.

Look after lawn equipment

Clean mower decks, change oil, add a gas preservative, and sharpen blades. Get broken equipment serviced and ready for spring.  (Do not store batteries directly on concrete; use trickle chargers for vehicles/lawn equipment to help maintain battery life.

Check windows and doors

If you still have older windows and doors, clean the glass, inspect for condensation or cracked seals, and make sure hinges and locks operate smoothly.

Care for your garden

• If you haven’t gotten to it yet, there’s still time in early December to plant tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and other spring bulbs.

• Add a layer of mulch or shredded leaves around perennials, shrubs, and young trees to protect roots from temperature swings.

• Burlap-wrap evergreens and shrubs exposed to winter winds or road salt.

• Empty soil from pots, sharpen pruners, and store garden tools indoors.

• Apply compost to gardens to enrich the soil for spring.

  
  

Plan for storms and power outages

Keep flashlights and batteries handy and consider a whole-home surge protector to protect your electronics. Check that your sump pump and drainage systems are in good working order.

Think ahead to spring

This might be the perfect time to start thinking about a home (and lifestyle) transformation next year. Your Lagois design team is here to discuss your vision for Perfecting the Art of Living!