• Surviving the Deep Freeze – A February Home Check-Up

    Sun, 02/01/2026 - 16:26

    In Ottawa, February is when our homes are put to the ultimate test. With temperatures frequently dropping into the double digits below zero, your home's heating, insulation, and plumbing systems are working at maximum capacity.

    At Atlas Peak Inspections, we want to make sure your home remains a sanctuary, not a source of stress. Here are the 4 critical things we recommend checking during the coldest month of the year:

    1. The Furnace "Intake" Clear-Out

    Most modern high-efficiency furnaces vent through the side of the house via white PVC pipes. During an Ottawa snowstorm or high-wind event, snow and ice can block these vents.

    • The Risk: If the intake is blocked, your furnace will shut down as a safety precaution, leaving you without heat in the middle of the night.

    • The Fix: Always clear a path to these pipes after a snowfall. Ensure no ice is "shingling" over the opening.

    2. Humidity Control & "Window Sweating"

    When it is extremely cold outside, the temptation is to keep the house humid to stay comfortable. However, high indoor humidity hitting freezing glass leads to heavy condensation and ice at the bottom of your windows.

    • The Tip: Keep your humidity levels between 25% and 30% during a deep freeze. This prevents water from rotting your window sills and keeps the "weeping" to a minimum.

    3. Monitoring for "Ghost Pipes" (Frozen Plumbing)

    If you have a kitchen or bathroom sink located on an exterior wall, the pipes inside those cabinets are vulnerable when the wind chill hits.

    • The Check: If a faucet feels "sluggish" or the water pressure drops suddenly, the pipe may be starting to slush over.

    • The Fix: Open your vanity doors to let the room's warm air reach the plumbing. It’s a simple trick that prevents a multi-thousand-dollar pipe burst.

    4. Attic Frost Check

    In February, if you have a small air leak into your attic (bypass), it creates "attic frost." This looks like a beautiful layer of white crystals on the underside of your roof deck.

    • The Warning: While it looks harmless now, that frost becomes "attic rain" the moment we get a warm spell.

    • The Strategy: If you can safely peek into your attic hatch, look for frost. If you see it, it's a sign that we need to look at your insulation and vapour barrier.

     

    Your Safety is Our Priority

    We know the Ottawa market doesn't stop just because the temperature drops. If you are viewing homes this month, you need an inspection team that knows how to spot "cold weather" red flags.

    We offer thorough inspections with 7:00 AM, 6:00 PM, and Weekend availability to fit your schedule—even in the middle of a cold snap.

    Download our Full Home Maintenance Checklist Here

    Your Home, Your Future—Inspected with Confidence.