The Easy Guide to Winterizing Your Windows
Winter in Ottawa doesn’t mess around—you can feel it creeping in through the tiniest gaps in your home. One day it’s just a cool breeze by the living room window, and the next, your heating bill is climbing faster than the snowbanks outside. The reality is, windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss, and if you don’t give them some attention before the deep freeze hits, you’ll pay for it all season long. That’s why folks here get ahead of it and start winterizing early. And while there are plenty of tricks you can do yourself, companies like M&T Glass have the know-how to handle the stubborn drafts you just can’t beat on your own.
Why Winterizing Really Matters
Think of your windows as the weak link in your home’s cozy armor. Poorly sealed windows can let out up to 30% of the heat you’re paying for. That’s not just money wasted—it’s also extra stress on your furnace, more condensation on your panes, and more cold spots in your favorite rooms. Winterizing fixes all of that, keeping the warmth inside and the chill where it belongs.
Step One: Find the Drafts
Before you start, you need to figure out exactly where the cold air is sneaking in. Try the hand test—on a windy day, slowly move your hand around the window frame and sill. If you feel a chill, that’s a draft. Or grab a candle and watch the flame flicker when air pushes through. It’s a quick way to spot problem areas before they get worse.
Step Two: Seal It Up
Once you’ve found the gaps, it’s time to seal them. A fresh bead of caulk works wonders for cracks and joints. Use latex inside for easy cleanup and silicone outside for weather resistance. For moving parts like sashes, weatherstripping is your best bet. Foam tape, V-strips, or felt—whatever fits the gap—can stop cold air in its tracks.
Step Three: Add an Insulating Layer
If your windows still feel chilly after sealing, it’s time for backup. Window insulation film is a popular go-to—it’s basically a clear shrink-wrap you apply over the glass with a hairdryer. Not only does it block drafts, but it also creates a small air pocket that adds insulation. It’s invisible once installed, so you keep the light without the cold.
Step Four: Dress Your Windows for the Season
Don’t underestimate the power of good curtains. Thermal drapes are thick, insulated, and designed to keep warm air inside. During the day, keep them open to let in sunlight—it’s free heat! At night, pull them shut and lock in the warmth. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
Step Five: Think Bigger for Long-Term Savings
If your windows are older and constantly giving you trouble, all the caulking and film in the world might not cut it. That’s when upgrading to energy-efficient windows pays off. Modern options have double or triple panes, Low-E coatings, and gas fills that keep your home snug without driving up the bills. It’s an investment, but one that lowers energy costs year after year.
Extra Tips for a Cozier Home
- Use draft stoppers at the bottom of doors and windows.
- Add rugs over bare floors to block heat loss.
- Keep furniture away from vents so the warm air circulates better.
- Don’t forget attic or basement windows—they leak just as much as the ones upstairs.
At the end of the day, winterizing your windows is about comfort, savings, and making your home ready for Ottawa’s long cold months. A little prep—whether it’s sealing gaps, adding insulation, or investing in new windows—goes a long way. And if you’d rather not fuss with it yourself, M&T Glass can help with everything from quick fixes to full upgrades. This winter, don’t let drafts win—seal up, stay cozy, and keep the cold where it belongs: outside.
