Seasonal Maintenance

Spring

• March

  • Clean furnace filter and HRV, replace filters as needed
  • Check attic space
  • Clean humidifier
  • Vacuum rear of refrigerator and freezer to improve operating efficiency
  • Clean drip pans
  • Remove snow and ice from roof overhangs / vents
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as required

• April

  • Check eaves troughs and downspouts for blockages of debris, etc.
  • Clean furnace filter and HRV, replace filters as required
  • Clean humidifier
  • Inspect basement and/or crawl spaces
  • Check roof for loose or cracked shingles
  • Check driveways and walkways for frost damage
  • Check water heater for leaks
  • Turn on exterior water supply
  • Plan landscaping to avoid soil settlement and water pooling
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as needed

• May

  • Inspect fences
  • Check caulking for air and water leaks
  • Lubricate weather stripping on doors
  • Check exterior finishes for detachment, displacement and damages
  • Check windows and screens are operating properly
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as needed

Summer

• June

  • Inspect air conditioning, close air supply vents to basement to direct cooler air to upper levels of your house
  • Adjust thermostat to summer mode if you have an air conditioner, temperature should be set at 23C or warmer when heat isn’t needed
  • Check roof for loose or damaged shingles
  • Check sheds and garages
  • Check sealing around windows and doors for air and water leaks
  • Fertilize lawn
  • Water lawn in the early morning and late evening
  • Only cut the tops of lawn to avoid burning your grass
  • Turn earth at trees, leave the area around the tree clear (do not plant any flowers or shrubs)
  • Pressure wash salt build up from garage
  • Check water heater for leaks
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as needed

• July

  • Air out damp basements on dry, sunny days
  • Clean air conditioner filter
  • Check exhaust fans for dust build up and operation, clean as required
  • Check water heater for leaks
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as required
  • Water lawn in the early morning and late evening
  • Only cut the tops of lawn to avoid burning your grass

• August

  • Clean air conditioner filter
  • Air out damp basements on dry, sunny days
  • Inspect driveways and walkways
  • Inspect doors and locks for functionality
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as needed
  • Water lawn in the early morning and late evening
  • Only cut the tops of lawn to avoid burning your grass

Fall

• September

  • Check exterior finishes for damages, displacement and detachment
  • Check garage overhead door for proper operation. Lubricate tracks, rollers and hinges.
  • Check caulking for air and water leaks
  • Plant new lawn as needed
  • Water lawn in the early morning and late evening
  • Only cut the tops of lawn to avoid burning your grass
  • Check fireplace and chimney, turn off pilot light for gas fireplace and clean glazing (see your fireplace manual for directions)
  • Check basement
  • Have humidifier, furnace and HRV serviced
  • Check clothes dryer vent for lint build up and remove as required
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as required

• October

  • Check windows and screens for operation and air and water leaks
  • Drain exterior hose bibs and shut off water supply
  • Check roof shingles, flashing and vents
  • Check weather stripping
  • Check sealing around windows and doors for air or water leaks
  • Winterize landscaping and remove leaves
  • Clean furnace filter and HRV, replace filter as needed
  • Clean water heater
  • Check eaves troughs and downspouts for blockages
  • Clean humidifier
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as needed

• November

  • Check attic space
  • Inspect floor drains to ensure trap is filled with water
  • Clean furnace filter and HRV, replace filters as required
  • Check for condensation and humidity throughout your home
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as required

Winter

• December

  • Check air ducts are clean and not blocked by dust, furnishings, drapes, etc.
  • Check for excessive snow on roof, remove as required at vents and over hang
  • Clean furnace filter and HRV, replace filters as needed
  • Clean humidifier
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as required
  • Remember to use only concrete friendly de-icers
  • Clear any water or slush accumulation at garage to avoid overhead doors sticking and ice from building up

• January

  • Clean furnace filter and heat recovery ventilator (HRV), clean or replace filters as required
  • Check furnace fan belt
  • Check water heater
  • Check exhaust fans for dust build up and operation
  • Clean humidifier
  • Remove snow and ice from roof overhangs / vents
  • Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, change batteries as required
  • Remember to use only concrete friendly de-icers
  • Clear any water or slush accumulation at garage to avoid overhead doors sticking and ice from building up

• February

  • Clean furnace filter and HRV, replace filters as needed
  • Check inside surfaces for water penetration
  • Remove snow and ice from roof overhangs / vents
  • Check and reset GFCI
  • Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for operation, replace batteries as required
  • Remember to use only concrete friendly de-icers
  • Clear any water or slush accumulation at garage to avoid overhead doors sticking and ice from building up