Winter in Greater Toronto Area lasts from 11 to 3 of the next year, with cold temperatures below -20°C. Most winter problems stem from not checking before winter: Furnaces failing overnight, frozen outdoor faucets, ice dams on eaves causing leaks... all fixable in a weekend in 10 or 11.

The following 12 tasks, most you can do yourself; we also note which require professional help.

1. Heating and ventilation

1. Furnace Replacement filters

When the filter is dirty, Furnaces has to work harder to push out warm air, wasting gas and causing overheating shutdown.

  • Standard 1-inch thin filters: change every 1–3 months; check monthly in winter due to heavier use.
  • Filters 4–5 inches thick: usually replaced every 6–12 months.
  • Before buying a filter, check the size printed on the old one, and install with the arrow pointing toward Furnaces (airflow direction).

2. Hire a professional for Furnaces maintenance.

Furnaces should be serviced annually, ideally before winter sets in. Technicians clean burners, check flame sensors and igniters, and test for carbon monoxide. Emergency repairs in winter are costly and may have long waits, so early maintenance is more economical. See pricing details. Furnace / AC Maintenance cost。

3. Check outdoor heating exhaust pipes

Efficient Furnaces units (the kind with two white plastic pipes sticking out of the wall) have outdoor air intake and exhaust vents. If heavy snow blocks these vents, Furnaces will shut down automatically. Before winter, make sure vents aren’t obstructed, and clear snow around vents after any big snowfall.

4. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Press the test button and replace batteries. Ontario law requires working smoke alarms on every floor; if the home has gas Furnaces, fireplaces, gas Water Heaters, or a garage attached to the house, also install carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms. Replace any alarms past their service life.

2. Prevent water pipes from freezing

5. Turn off the outdoor faucet.

One of the most common and costly winter problems: outdoor faucet pipes freeze and crack, and when thawed in spring, water seeps into walls and basements.

  1. Locate the indoor valve for the outdoor faucet (usually in the basement, on the wall where the faucet is) and shut it off.
  2. Open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water from pipes.
  3. Remove garden hoses and store them.

Even frost-free “Frost-proof faucet” garden hoses can freeze and crack over winter, so hoses must be removed.

6. Insulate pipes prone to freezing.

Water pipes in the garage, unfinished basement, or cabinets against exterior walls are most prone to freezing. Hardware stores sell foam insulation sleeves—just cut and slip on.

7. Know where the main water valve is

If a pipe bursts, first shut off the main water valve. This is usually in the basement near where pipes enter the house, close to the water meter. Find it now and test if it turns, and tell everyone in the household where it is.

More details at How to prevent winter water pipe freeze-ups。

3. Roofing and eaves

8. Clean the eavestroughs

Clean gutters and eavestroughs after leaf fall. Blocked gutters cause rain and snow to pool, leading to ice buildup in winter, which can damage gutters and create ice dams forcing water back into Roofing. Ladder work is risky; if unsure, hire a professional—see pricing details. Eavestrough Replacement cost。

9. Extend downspouts away from the house.

Rainwater downspouts should direct water at least 1-2 meters away from foundations to prevent meltwater from seeping into the basement. Cities like Toronto require downspouts not to connect directly to sewers—follow local regulations.

10. A quick glance at Roofing from a distance

Stand on the street and inspect Roofing: check for lifted or missing shingles, and loosened metal flashing around chimneys and dormers. Do not climb on the Roofing. Have a professional fix issues before the weather gets worse; pricing info at Roof Repair & Leaks cost。

4. Doors, windows, and Other

11. Seal door and window drafts

Light an incense stick or bring the back of your hand close to door and window edges; if you feel drafts, replace the weatherstripping and recaulk. Also replace any damaged door sweep at the bottom of doors. This is a low-cost fix that can save a lot on heating bills.

12. Prepare Snow Removal tools and ice melt salt.

雪铲、融雪盐（宠物友好型的更好）在第一场雪前买，下雪后常常断货。不想自己铲雪的，可以早点找铲雪服务签整季合同。

FAQ

How often to service Furnaces?

Generally recommended once a year, ideally before winter. Filters need more frequent changes: thin filters 1–3 months.

What temperature should the heat be set when away on a trip for several days?

Do not turn off the heating. Keep indoor temperature above 13°C, turn off the main water valve, and have a friend or neighbor check the house every day or two.

Which of these tasks should be done by professionals?

Changing filters, shutting off outdoor faucets, insulating pipes, and replacing door/window seals you can do yourself; Furnaces maintenance, gutter cleaning with ladder, and Roofing inspections are best left to professionals. Post a job request on LingGong to get free quotes from nearby service providers.