Winter in Ottawa — it’s a season of stunning snowscapes, cosy nights by the fire and bone-chilling cold.

While we can’t control the weather, we can certainly control how warm our homes are during these frigid months. From insulating your attic to weatherstripping, here are 10 winter-proofing tips for enjoying a toasty winter in the comfort of your home.

• 1. Attic insulation: Properly insulating your attic is a crucial step in retaining heat and reducing heating costs. Consider using blown-in insulation or fiberglass batts. Don’t forget to seal gaps and insulate attic doors and hatches to maximize effectiveness.
• 2. Weatherstripping: As a go-to solution for sealing gaps around doors and windows, weatherstripping prevents cold drafts from sneaking in. Invest in high-quality weatherstrips and make sure they fit snug. Regularly check for wear and tear.
• 3. Snowmelt systems: Using radiant heat to melt snow and ice, snowmelt systems will help keep your driveway and walkways safe and clear all winter long. Although it may be a bigger investment for your home, it can be worth it.
• 4. Caulking: Check for gaps and cracks around windows, doors and other openings, using caulk (before it gets too cold!) to seal them. Pay close attention to areas around pipes, wires and vents. Sealing these areas can block cold air from infiltrating your home.
• 5. Heat cables: Installing heat cables on your roof and gutters can help prevent the formation of ice dams. These cables help keep snow and ice from accumulating and causing water or shingle damage.
• 6. Insulated curtains and drapes: Swap out your regular everyday curtains for insulated fabrics to help keep the cold air out and the warmth in. Is the sun shining? Open your curtains to let the natural light and warmth inside.
• 7. Programmable thermostat: Adjust the temperature to automatically change, based on your schedule, with a programmable thermostat. Lower the temperature while you’re away or asleep to conserve energy and raise it when you’re home and active throughout the day. 
• 8. Draft stoppers: Purchase draft stoppers for the bottom of any exterior doors to block cold drafts from entering your home. Feel like a DIY? Grab a fabric tube and fill it with rice or sand — think festive fabrics and a new decor piece for your mudroom.
• 9. Winter-ready landscaping: Trim tree branches near your home to reduce the risk of falling limbs under heavy snow loads. Just be sure that you’re not trimming a plant at the wrong time of year for it.
• 10. Snow removal services: Need help with the snow load? Hire professional snow removal services to ensure timely and efficient snow clearing. While this is helpful for larger properties with extensive walkways or driveways, even shorter ones can benefit from the convenience. 

Get ready to be well-prepared and enjoy an energy-efficient and warm home this winter in Ottawa. These 10 steps will help ensure your home and family are safe, comfortable, and well-protected this snowy season!