Winter in Winnipeg isn't subtle. If your home has weak spots, you'll feel them by December — and your heating bill will prove it by January. Here's a no-nonsense checklist to get ahead of it.
Doors and windows
- Check weatherstripping on all exterior doors. If you can see daylight or feel air, it's time to replace it.
- Test window locks. A locked window seals tighter than an unlocked one.
- Look for cracked or missing caulk around window frames, inside and out.
Attic and roof
- Inspect the attic hatch. This is one of the most overlooked heat loss points. If it's just a piece of drywall sitting in a frame, add weatherstripping and insulation.
- Check insulation depth. You want at least R-50 in the attic for our climate. If you can see the joists, you're short.
- Look for frost or moisture on the underside of the roof sheathing — that's a sign of air leaking up from below.
Basement and foundation
- Inspect rim joists. These are the areas where the foundation meets the framing. They're almost always under-insulated and easy to improve.
- Seal any visible gaps around pipes, wires, or vents that pass through exterior walls.
- Check basement windows for drafts and broken seals.
Heating system
- Replace your furnace filter. A dirty filter makes your system work harder and costs more.
- Test your thermostat. Make sure it's reading accurately and programmed for the season.
- Bleed radiators if you have hot water heating — trapped air reduces efficiency.
Quick wins
Most of this is straightforward and a lot of it you can do yourself. But if you want someone to walk through the whole house and tell you what matters most, that's exactly what a home tune-up is for.
Not sure where to start? Book a home check and I'll prioritize the list for you.