Ottawa Home Maintenance Calendar & Schedule
Seasonal home maintenance schedule for Ottawa homeowners. Month-by-month checklist to protect your home from harsh Canadian winters and keep systems running efficiently.
Ottawa Seasonal Home Maintenance Guide
Ottawa's dramatic seasonal changes—from -30°C winters to +30°C summers—put unique demands on your home. This maintenance calendar helps you stay ahead of problems and avoid costly emergency repairs.
Spring (March - May)
As the snow melts and temperatures rise, focus on assessing winter damage and preparing for warmer months.
March: Post-Winter Assessment
Exterior Inspection
- Walk around home looking for winter damage
- Check foundation for new cracks
- Inspect roof from ground (missing shingles, damage)
- Look for ice dam damage on soffits and fascia
- Check window and door frames for gaps
- Examine deck and porch for heaving or damage
Interior Tasks
- Test all smoke and CO detectors
- Check basement for water intrusion signs
- Inspect attic for moisture, ice dam damage
- Test sump pump operation
April: Systems & Cleanup
HVAC & Mechanical
- Schedule AC maintenance/tune-up
- Replace furnace filter
- Clean humidifier, prepare for shutdown
- Check bathroom exhaust fans
- Test all GFI outlets
Exterior Cleanup
- Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly
- Ensure downspouts direct water away from foundation
- Remove debris from window wells
- Rake lawn to remove thatch
- Prune dead branches from trees
May: Prepare for Summer
Outdoor Systems
- Turn on and test outdoor faucets
- Connect and test sprinkler system
- Check outdoor electrical outlets
- Service lawn mower
- Clean and inspect BBQ
Exterior Maintenance
- Power wash siding, deck, and driveway
- Inspect and repair deck boards
- Seal deck if needed
- Check driveway for cracks to seal
- Inspect and repair fence
Summer (June - August)
Focus on outdoor maintenance and preparing for next winter while weather permits.
June: Exterior Focus
Landscaping & Drainage
- Ensure proper grading away from foundation
- Trim shrubs away from house (12" clearance)
- Mulch garden beds (not against siding)
- Check for standing water after rain
- Clean and inspect patio stones
Home Exterior
- Touch up exterior paint where needed
- Check caulking around windows and doors
- Inspect roof flashing and vents
- Clean window screens
- Check attic ventilation effectiveness
July: Mid-Summer Checks
Cooling Systems
- Clean/replace AC filter monthly
- Check AC condensate drain
- Clean outdoor AC unit (remove debris)
- Check for cool air in all rooms
- Verify thermostat accuracy
Safety & Maintenance
- Test garage door auto-reverse
- Lubricate garage door parts
- Check fire extinguisher charge
- Clean dryer vent thoroughly
- Inspect water heater for leaks
August: Pre-Fall Preparation
Planning Ahead
- Schedule furnace maintenance for fall
- Order furnace filters for winter
- Inspect weather stripping on doors
- Check insulation in attic
- Plan any fall renovation projects
Exterior Prep
- Inspect and repair mortar on chimney
- Check for wasp nests and address
- Trim trees away from roof (6' clearance)
- Test exterior lighting
Fall (September - November)
Critical preparation time for Ottawa's harsh winter. Don't skip these items!
September: Winterization Begins
HVAC Preparation
- Professional furnace maintenance/inspection
- Replace furnace filter
- Test heating system early
- Clean or replace humidifier pad
- Bleed air from radiators (if applicable)
Exterior Tasks
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses
- Shut off exterior faucets (inside valve)
- Drain sprinkler system
- Store outdoor furniture or cover
- Clean and store BBQ
October: Seal & Protect
Weatherproofing
- Install storm windows if applicable
- Check and replace weather stripping
- Caulk gaps around windows and doors
- Seal gaps where utilities enter home
- Check attic insulation and add if needed
- Insulate exposed pipes in cold areas
Heating Prep
- Reverse ceiling fan direction (clockwise)
- Have chimney cleaned and inspected
- Stock up on furnace filters
- Check fireplace damper operation
- Inspect wood stove gaskets
November: Final Winter Prep
Gutter & Roof
- Clean gutters after leaves fall (critical!)
- Install gutter guards if not present
- Check roof from ground after winds
- Ensure attic hatch is well-sealed
- Verify soffit vents are clear
Final Preparations
- Test sump pump backup system
- Check battery backup if equipped
- Prepare emergency kit (flashlight, batteries)
- Know location of water shut-off
- Service snow blower
Winter (December - February)
Monitor your home systems and address issues before they become emergencies.
December: Active Monitoring
Heating System
- Replace furnace filter (monthly in winter)
- Check furnace operation daily
- Monitor for unusual sounds or smells
- Keep vents clear of furniture/curtains
- Check thermostat batteries
Ice Dam Prevention
- Check attic temperature (should be cold)
- Look for ice dams forming
- Keep gutters clear of ice if safe
- Monitor for icicles (sign of problems)
- Check for attic frost
January: Mid-Winter Checks
Interior Maintenance
- Check for frozen pipes during cold snaps
- Monitor humidity levels (30-40% ideal)
- Test smoke and CO detectors
- Check caulking around tubs/showers
- Look for moisture on windows (humidity issue)
Exterior Monitoring
- Keep walkways clear (prevent ice damage)
- Monitor roof snow load
- Check for icicles and address
- Clear snow from foundation vents
- Keep dryer vent clear of snow
February: Late Winter
Planning Ahead
- Research spring projects
- Get contractor quotes for spring work
- Order materials for spring projects
- Review home insurance policy
- Check for tax incentives for upgrades
Continued Maintenance
- Replace furnace filter
- Check for drafts on cold days
- Monitor basement for moisture
- Keep an eye on ice dams
- Check roof after heavy snow
Monthly Tasks (Year-Round)
Regardless of season, complete these monthly:
- Test smoke and CO detectors
- Check furnace/AC filter (replace if dirty)
- Run water in unused fixtures (prevents trap dry-out)
- Check for plumbing leaks under sinks
- Clean range hood filter
- Inspect fire extinguisher
- Check water softener salt level
- Look for signs of pests
Annual Professional Inspections
Schedule these with qualified Ottawa professionals:
| Service | Recommended Timing | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace Tune-up | September-October | $100-150 |
| AC Maintenance | April-May | $100-150 |
| Chimney Cleaning | September-October | $150-250 |
| Roof Inspection | Spring & Fall | $150-300 |
| Plumbing Inspection | Annually | $100-200 |
| Electrical Inspection | Every 5-10 years | $200-400 |
| HVAC Duct Cleaning | Every 3-5 years | $300-500 |
Emergency Preparedness
Keep these items accessible for Ottawa winters:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Battery/hand-crank radio
- Water shut-off tool
- Gas shut-off wrench (if applicable)
- Emergency contact numbers
- First aid kit
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Warm blankets
- Phone charger (battery backup)
Stay on top of maintenance to protect your investment and avoid costly emergency repairs. Many Ottawa contractors offer annual maintenance packages—ask about them!
Maintenance guide tailored for Ottawa, Ontario climate conditions.
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