Customer Care
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Follow these Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips to care for your new home and protect your investment.
Click here to download a printable PDF.
WINTER
• Clean or replace your furnace filter
• Clean heat recovery ventilator (HRV)
• Clean humidifier
• Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter
• Check that all vents (intake exhaust and forced air) are not blocked by snow and/or debris
• Check attic insulation to ensure it is evenly placed
• Remove interior insect screens to allow better airflow and reduce window condensation
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check and/or recharge your fire extinguisher
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Maintain indoor relative humidity between 35 to 50% to prevent hardwood from shrinking and to ensure a healthy home environment
• Examine windows and doors for ice accumulation and make sure weather-stripping is intact
• Use an eco-friendly ice melt to control ice on walkways (avoid salt as it may damage concrete and pavers, as well as plants)
SPRING
• Change furnace filter
• Clean heat recovery ventilator (HRV) filter
• Check attic insulation
• Check sump pump operation (if installed)
• Clean humidifier (if installed)
• Check/reset exterior ground fault circuit interrupter
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check eavestroughs and downspouts for debris
• Check driveway and walks for frost damage
• Sweep sand over the driveway to fill any cracks between stones
• Check water heater for proper operation
• Turn on exterior water supply
• Check caulking for air and/or water leaks
• Check weather stripping, ensuring proper contact with windows and doors, and lubricate as required (avoid WD-40 as it causes oil residue that attracts dirt)
• Check exterior finishes
• Ensure that windows are operating properly and screens are intact
SUMMER
• Inspect air conditioner to ensure proper operation
• Check and repair caulking around windows and doors, ensure locks are secure, and wash and repair screens
• Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter
• Sound test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector
• Air out basements on a dry, sunny day
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Clean exhaust fans and vents in kitchen and bathrooms
• Change furnace filter and clean HRV filter
• Clean out eavestroughs and downspouts
• Check all recreational equipment and make sure it is in good repair, especially swimming pools
• Provide proper amounts of fertilizer and water to encourage a healthy lawn environment that will be more resistant to weed and insect pest pressures
FALL
• Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is intact to prevent water penetration
• Have humidifier, furnace and HRV serviced and filters cleaned or replaced
• Clean exhaust fans and vents in bathrooms and kitchen
• Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Clean and lubricate garage door hinges, rollers, and tracks and be sure screws are tight
• Check exterior finishes for signs of damage
• Drain and shut off exterior water lines
• Clean gutters and drain pipes to ensure they are free of debris, and be sure they drain away from the house
• Clean and properly store tools, toys, and outdoor furniture to protect them from weather damage
• Review your fire escape plan with your family
• September is a great time to apply a fall fertilizer for energy storage for the long winters nap
• Remove basement window screens to avoid potential damage from small animals during the coming months