Winnipeg winters are no joke. This guide is a practical checklist you can knock out in a weekend to keep heat in, water out, and bills under control. Use this Winnipeg winterization checklist to prep your home fast. It covers the big risks in our climate: drafts, frozen pipes, ice dams, and furnace hiccups. Bookmark it and revisit each fall.
Quick wins you can do today
• Replace furnace filter. Write the date on the frame.
• Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Add fresh batteries.
• Program your thermostat for wake, away, evening, and sleep.
• Flip ceiling fans to circulate warm air down.
• Pick up salt, sand, and a good shovel. Store near the door.
Stop the drafts
• Install door sweeps and fresh weatherstripping around exterior doors.
• Use clear window film kits on the draftiest windows.
• Caulk gaps where trim meets walls, and around cable or pipe penetrations.
• Close and lock windows to tighten the seal.
• Add insulated outlet gaskets on exterior walls.
Prevent frozen pipes
• Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs. Disconnect hoses and store inside.
• Insulate any exposed pipes in the garage, crawlspace, and along outside walls.
• Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks during extreme cold.
• Know your main water shut-off location and tag it.
• If you leave for a trip, keep heat at 16–18°C and ask a neighbour to check in.
Roof, gutters, and ice dam prevention
• Clean eavestroughs and downspouts so meltwater flows freely.
• Add downspout extensions to discharge at least 2–3 metres from the foundation.
• Rake excess roof snow after storms to reduce ice dams on low-slope edges.
• In the attic, check that soffit vents are clear and insulation isn’t blocking airflow.
• If ice dams persist, ask a roofer about air sealing the attic floor and adding baffles.
Furnace, fireplace, and ventilation
• Book a furnace tune-up and safety check before the first deep cold.
• Replace or clean humidifier pads. Aim for indoor humidity around 30–35% in deep winter.
• Clean HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) filters and set it to a balanced, low continuous rate.
• Wood-burning fireplace chimney swept and cap inspected.
• Gas fireplace Annual service and glass cleaned for better heat output.
Garage and entryway prep
• Check weatherstrip at the bottom and sides of the garage door.
• Mount hooks and trays for boots, coats, and dripping gear to keep floors dry.
• Store sand, traction mats, and a small shovel in the trunk for icy alleys.
Safety and power outages
• Make a simple blackout kit: flashlights, batteries, phone power bank, blankets, and non-perishables.
• Keep a small supply of bottled water.
• Know how to reset your GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and the furnace after a brief outage.
Printable Winnipeg winterization checklist
• Furnace filter changed
• Thermostat programmed
• CO and smoke alarms tested
• Door sweeps and weatherstripping installed
• Window film on drafty windows
• Exterior taps shut off and drained
• Pipe insulation added in cold zones
• Eaves cleaned, downspouts extended
• Attic airflow checked
• Furnace and fireplace serviced
• HRV cleaned and set
• Ice melt, sand, shovel stocked
• Blackout kit ready
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I winterize in Winnipeg?
Aim for late September to early November or before the first long cold snap.
What indoor temperature prevents frozen pipes?
Keep rooms with plumbing at 16–18°C or higher.
Do humidifiers help?
Yes. Proper humidity adds comfort and can reduce static while protecting wood trim and floors.
How do I reduce ice dams?
Keep gutters clear, improve attic ventilation, and air seal warm leaks into the attic.
