Are you prepped for what Old Man Winter dishes out this year? Take our True/False quiz to find out.
1) Since wind chill doesn’t affect inanimate objects, it has no impact on whether or not your pipes will freeze in the winter. So, pfft—you don’t need to pay attention to that part of the weather forecast. True or False?
False. But not because your plumbing is sentient. Wind chill can cause the water in pipes exposed to cold wind to chill at a faster rate.
2) Road salt starts losing its ability to melt surface ice and snow at temperatures around -10°C. True or False?
True. Below that temperature, the salt is largely just adding traction. Our experts recommend using something gentler on the environment (fireplace ash, sand) instead.
3) You can use bubble wrap as winter insulation. Well, as long as you don’t pop the bubbles. (Resist! Impulse!) True or False?
True. At least, it’s true when it comes to single-pane windows. When applied to the inside —use a mist of water to adhere the bubbles to the glass—it can double the windows’ R-value. (Psst: this trick is Cottage Life tested-and-approved.)
4) In the event of a power outage (thanks for that, ice storm), a freezer that’s half-full will stay cold for longer than one that’s packed with food. True or False?
False. A full freezer with a closed door will hold its temperature for about 48 hours, which is twice as long as a freezer that’s roughly half full. It’s the mass of the frozen food that helps to keep the space cold.
5) Reversing a ceiling fan’s rotation direction in the winter will help heat the cottage (and reduce your energy bill). True or False?
True. In winter, a ceiling fan rotating clockwise—instead of counterclockwise in summer—will create an updraft and circulate warm air through the room. Keep it on a low setting, or the fan could generate enough breeze to make you feel cold. Which…is what you’re trying to avoid.
This article was originally published in the Winter 2025 issue of Cottage Life.
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