November 12, 2026
Erin
House and Home
Before the first big snowfall, take a look around your home. Is cold air coming through the front door? Are garden hoses still connected? Can water drain away from your foundation? These details are easy to overlook, but Ontario's freezing temperatures can make small problems expensive to fix.
The good news is that preparing for winter doesn't require a major renovation. In this guide, I'll share nine easy, practical DIY jobs to help protect your home, improve comfort and get ready for snow and ice. I'll also cover what to consider if you're buying or selling during the winter months.
What Are the Easiest DIY Ways to Winterize Your Home?
Start indoors with a few inexpensive supplies.
1. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
- Find air leaks: On a windy day, feel around closed window frames and exterior doors for cold air.
- Replace weather-stripping: Clean and dry the frame, measure the gap, cut new weather-stripping to size and press it into place.
- Install a door sweep: If cold air enters beneath a door, fit a sweep without preventing the door from closing. Never block vents or window drainage openings.
2. Check Heating and Safety Equipment
- Inspect the furnace filter: Check its size and airflow direction, then replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Test safety alarms: Press the test buttons, check replacement dates and confirm carbon monoxide alarms are installed in all locations required by Ontario rules.
- Schedule heating maintenance: Have fuel-burning heating systems inspected by a qualified professional before winter.
What Outdoor Winter Maintenance Can You Do Yourself?
These small tasks can help protect your home's exterior.
3. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
- Remove garden hoses: Disconnect hoses from outdoor taps to help prevent water from freezing inside.
- Drain and store hoses: Empty any remaining water and store hoses indoors until spring.
- Prepare outdoor taps: If your plumbing has an indoor shut-off for outdoor taps, close it and drain the line according to your setup.
4. Clear Drainage and Walkways
- Clear drainage areas: Remove leaves and debris from accessible ground-level drains and downspout outlets so water can drain away from your foundation.
- Check gutters and the roof: Look for visible debris or damage from the ground. Hire a professional for any work requiring a ladder.
- Prepare outdoor spaces: Store loose patio items and keep a shovel and ice-control material near your entrance.
How Can You Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter?
Plumbing in cold basements, garages and crawl spaces needs special attention.
5. Insulate Exposed Pipes
- Identify vulnerable pipes: Check accessible plumbing in colder areas, including basements, garages and crawl spaces.
- Install foam pipe insulation: Measure the pipe diameter, choose correctly sized foam sleeves, cut them to length and fit them securely over exposed pipes.
- Follow safety precautions: Keep insulation away from hot surfaces and follow product instructions. Call a plumber if a pipe is already frozen or leaking.
6. Prepare Your Plumbing Before Travelling
- Locate your water shut-off valve: Find the main water shut-off and learn how to operate it in case of an emergency.
- Maintain indoor heating: Keep your heat on while you're away to help protect pipes from freezing.
- Arrange home checks: Ask someone to check your property regularly and review your home insurance policy for specific winter vacancy requirements.
What Else Should Be on Your Winter Home Checklist?
7. Check Outdoor Exhaust Vents
- Locate exterior vents: Identify accessible furnace and dryer exhaust vents around your home.
- Clear snow buildup: After snowfall, carefully remove snow from around these vents to maintain proper airflow.
- Keep vents unobstructed: Check for ice or debris that could block ventilation. Blocked exhaust vents can create serious safety hazards.
8. Assemble a Winter Storm Kit
- Gather emergency essentials: Keep flashlights, extra batteries, blankets and basic supplies together in one accessible location.
- Prepare backup power: Charge a portable power bank so you can keep your phone powered during an outage.
- Check your supplies: Make sure everything is working and replace any missing or expired items before winter storms arrive.
9. Prepare Your Entryway
- Add a washable mat: Place a durable mat near the entrance to catch snow, salt and moisture from winter boots.
- Keep walkways clear: Remove clutter around entrances and make sure there's room for winter footwear.
- Check exterior lighting: Test outdoor lights and replace bulbs as needed to improve visibility during darker winter evenings.
Buying or Selling a Home This Winter? Here's What to Know
Winter brings unique considerations to both sides of a real estate move.
- Selling your home? Clear snow and ice before showings, remove salt marks and brighten rooms with good lighting. As an Accredited Professional Home Stager, I can help highlight your home's best features. Home staging is included when you list with me.
- Buying a home? Look for drafts, window condensation or moisture stains, and ask about heating-system maintenance. A professional home inspection can help you evaluate issues that may be harder to spot in winter.
Thinking About Buying or Selling This Winter?
If you're planning a move in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton or the surrounding area, I can help you prepare your home for the market or find a property that fits your needs.
Wondering what your home may be worth? Try my Free Home Evaluation Request.
Contact Laurence Mongeau Today
A little preparation now can make your home more comfortable all winter, whether you're staying or planning your next move.
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