HVAC Winter Prep Ottawa: 12-Step Checklist
Ottawa winters are tough. Use this 12-step checklist to get your furnace or cold-climate heat pump ready before the first deep freeze—with practical tips, trusted resources, and brand examples that help you choose the right gear.12-Step HVAC Winter Prep for Ottawa Homes
- Replace the air filter (MERV 8–11): Install a fresh pleated filter sized for your return (e.g., 16×25×1). Reliable options include Filtrete (3M), Honeywell Home, or Aprilaire. Clean filters improve airflow, efficiency, and comfort.
- Set an efficient thermostat schedule: Program setbacks for nights and work hours. Smart options like ecobee (made in Canada) or Google Nest can save energy and help maintain steady temps.
- Test heat early (10–15 minutes): Switch to Heat now to catch issues before the first cold snap. Watch for unusual smells, noises, or error codes (note the model/brand on the cabinet if you call us).
- Open and clear vents/returns: Ensure supply and return grilles are open and unblocked by furniture or rugs. Balanced airflow prevents cold rooms and short cycling.
- Seal obvious drafts: Weatherstrip doors and windows and caulk gaps. This reduces heat loss and helps your system run less. See the NRCan home efficiency guidance for sealing tips.
- Test CO & smoke alarms: Replace batteries and expired sensors. Health Canada’s guidance on carbon monoxide safety is a quick read and worth bookmarking.
- Inspect furnace flame & venting: Flames should be steady blue (not yellow/flickering). Keep exterior intake/exhaust pipes clear of debris and snow. See Ontario’s TSSA for combustion safety reminders.
- Clean condensate trap & drain: Clear the trap/line and confirm the condensate pump (if present) runs. Standing water triggers shutdowns in high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps.
- Service the humidifier: Replace the pad, set 30–40% RH to avoid window condensation and dry air. Many whole-home units (e.g., Aprilaire/Generalaire) have simple annual pad swaps.
- Heat pump outdoor unit (if applicable): Uncover the cabinet, clear leaves within ~60 cm, ensure drainage, and confirm the unit sits level. Brief defrost cycles are normal in winter. Learn how cold-climate units work from NRCan’s heat pump overview.
- Touch up accessible ductwork: Seal visible leaks with mastic or UL-181 foil tape (not cloth duct tape) and insulate cold-space runs. ENERGY STAR has a simple guide to sealing & insulating.
- Book a professional tune-up: A licensed tech checks ignition/burners, heat exchanger, blower wheel, capacitors, refrigerant/charge (for heat pumps), and static pressure. This prevents mid-January breakdowns and keeps efficiency high.
Pro tip: When installing a new filter, note the airflow arrow direction (toward the furnace/air handler) and write the install date on the frame.
How to Change a Home Air Filter (Video)
Tutorial by LRN2DIY (YouTube).
Why These Steps Matter
This checklist lowers winter energy costs, reduces emergency calls, and improves indoor air quality. If your system is older or struggling to heat evenly, ask us about cold-climate heat pumps—they provide steady, efficient heating for Ottawa winters. Schedule Your Winter Tune-Up • Prefer DIY estimates? Try our Heat Pump CalculatorHarry’s Home Comfort is BBB-accredited and serves Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata, and Orléans.