Homeowners and landlords, here’s how to protect your property during Winnipeg’s Arctic winters. Winter Home Maintenance Checklist.
Winter in Winnipeg has been hitting hard this season, with temperatures dropping to a bone-chilling -45°C and wind chills hovering near -39°C. While the recent blizzard may have passed, the Arctic freeze is here to stay, bringing frostbite risks and freezing conditions that can challenge even the most prepared homeowners and landlords. These extreme temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preparing your property for the winter months.
Whether you’re a homeowner trying to keep your family warm or a landlord ensuring your tenants’ safety, Winnipeg’s winter weather leaves no room for oversight. From frozen pipes to snow-covered roofs and heat-leaking drafts, a winter home maintenance checklist is vital to avoid costly repairs and make sure your property can withstand the freeze.
At Canopy Mgmt, we understand the unique demands of Winnipeg weather and the stress it can place on your home or rental property. Our team is here to help you prepare, protect, and maintain your property through this challenging season. With our guidance, you can tackle winter with confidence—and keep your property safe, efficient, and resilient against whatever nature throws your way.
Let’s explore how to get your property winter-ready with a comprehensive winter home maintenance checklist tailored to Winnipeg’s Arctic conditions.
How to prepare for Winnipeg’s weather
1. Inspect and maintain your heating system
When Winnipeg temperatures dip below -40°C, your heating system becomes your home’s lifeline. Scheduling an annual inspection is important to make sure your furnace or boiler is operating efficiently and safely. Clean or replace HVAC filters monthly, since clogged filters can reduce heating performance. For landlords, proactive heating system maintenance can prevent tenant complaints and costly emergency repairs.
Our tip: Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can help you optimize heating while keeping energy bills in check—a win-win for both homeowners and landlords.
2. Prevent frozen pipes
Frozen pipes are a common winter nightmare, especially during extreme cold snaps like Winnipeg’s recent weather. Pipes along exterior walls or unheated areas are particularly vulnerable. Insulate these pipes with foam or heat tape, and remember to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. For landlords, take steps to winter-proof your rental properties and minimise tenant disruptions.
Our tip: Keep a trickle of water running from faucets during severe cold to reduce pressure and prevent freezing.
3. Seal drafts and insulate properly
Drafty windows and poorly insulated homes can let the frigid air creep in and your heating bill skyrocket. Walk through your property and check for cracks or gaps around windows and doors. Use caulk, weather stripping, or door sweeps to seal them up.
For attics, double-check that your insulation is good enough to prevent heat from escaping through the roof. If you’re a landlord, upgrading your property’s insulation can also make the space more energy-efficient and appealing to tenants.
Did you know? A well-insulated home helps avoid problems like ice dams on the roof. These occur when heat escapes through the roof, which can cause uneven snow melting and refreezing at the edges, leading to ice buildup.
4. Clear gutters and maintain your roof
Snow and ice buildup during Winnipeg’s long winters can lead to extremely dangerous ice dams and water damage. Clean gutters to allow proper drainage. Also, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof for weak spots or loose shingles that could worsen under heavy snow loads.
Landlords should consider hiring professionals to clear gutters and inspect roofs on their rental properties to avoid liability issues and costly repairs.
Canopy Mgmt tip: We offer gutter cleaning and roof inspection services to take the stress off your plate.
5. Prepare outdoor spaces
Even outdoor areas need attention during Winnipeg’s extreme winter weather. Store patio furniture safely away, drain garden hoses, and shut off outdoor water valves to prevent freezing. Keep driveways, pathways, and entrances clear of all snow and ice to prevent any accidents from your family or tenants.
If you’re a landlord, hiring reliable snow removal services keeps your property accessible and reduces the risk of accidents.
Our tip: Mark the edges of driveways with stakes to facilitate snow clearing during heavy storms.
6. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Safety devices like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are critical during winter when heating systems run constantly, and fireplaces are in use. Be sure to check all detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.
For landlords, testing these devices is a legal requirement in many areas, and guaranteeing that they work properly protects both your tenants and your investment.
Important reminder: Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Always check that there is proper ventilation for gas-powered appliances and heating systems.
7. Reverse ceiling fans and check humidifiers
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer, you know. Reversing the motor on your ceiling fan during cold spells pushes warm air downward, improving the efficiency of your heating system. Humidifiers, meanwhile, help maintain a comfortable indoor environment by countering winter’s dryness.
For landlords, this is a small yet impactful way to enhance tenant comfort during Winnipeg’s harsh winters.
Simple fix: Many ceiling fans have a small switch on the base to reverse the direction—make sure it’s set to clockwise for winter.
8. Emergency preparedness
Winnipeg’s extreme weather highs and lows can lead to unexpected emergencies, such as power outages or burst pipes. Preparing for these scenarios is truly important as a homeowner. Stock up on emergency supplies like space heaters, blankets, and a basic tool kit. For landlords, having a clear emergency plan and a list of reliable service providers can make all the difference in handling tenant issues quickly.
We can help landlords with regular maintenance to avoid emergencies and provide additional guidance on winter-proofing rental properties.
How Canopy Mgmt can help you
At Canopy Mgmt, we take the stress out of property maintenance during Winnipeg’s unforgiving winters. No matter if it’s making sure that your heating system is in tip-top shape, inspecting your roof, or sealing drafts, our team of experts is here to keep your property safe and efficient. We love serving Winnipeg’s vibrant community, and we’re proud to help homeowners and landlords protect their investments during the toughest months of the year.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply want a professional touch, get in touch with Canopy Mgmt today.
