Maintenance Tips for home owners

Monthly

Smoke detectors: make sure these are working in case of the unexpected event of a fire.

Carbon monoxide detectors: make sure these are working in case of an appliance malfunction.

Ground fault circuit interrupters: test to make certain these work in the event of an electrical problem.

Filters/air cleaners on heating/air conditioning: clean these for improved comfort, protection, and to cut down on heating costs.

Mechanism for garage door openers: for safety reasons, make sure these are safe so nobody gets injured.

Range hood filters: cleaning these will reduce energy costs, maintain efficiency, and minimize the risk of fires.

Central vacuum system: empty and clean filter so system will work properly.

Quarterly

Bathroom fan: clean grill to ensure proper air flow.

Sliding doors and windows: clean tracks and make sure the drain holes are open to prevent risk of water damage.

Heat recovery ventilator: clean and/or replace filter for optimal savings and efficiency.

Floor drains: check for water in traps to prevent sewer odours.

Spring

Gutters: clean to extend gutter life.

Air-conditioning systems: to protect the equipment, have it serviced (before turning it on).

Furnace humidifier: turn and keep off the water to prevent humidity in the summer.

Humidifiers and central air: close the damper on humidifier to avoid short-circuiting the air-conditioning system.

Well water: to ensure water is potable, get it tested by a laboratory.

Sump pump: to avoid flooding, test to make sure it works.

Chimneys: inspect and sweep to reduce risk of chimney fire.

Fall

Gutters: clean to extend gutter life.

Heating system: service before turning on to protect the system.

Gas fireplace: service with other gas appliances.

Outdoor hose bibs: shut off to prevent freezing damage to pipes.

Hot water heating systems: bleed radiators to remove air, to ensure a warm house. Lubricate the circulating pump to extend life of system.

Humidifier connected to furnace: turn on and open the water supply to ensure the humidifier will work in the winter.

Humidifiers and central air-conditioners:  open the damper on the humidifier bypass, to ensure system will work in the colder months.

Electric baseboard heaters: vacuum dust to increase efficiency and prevent fires.

Well water: have tested by lab to make sure water is potable.

Sump pump: test to make sure if will operate properly and to avoid flooding.

Catch basins: clean and test to make sure system is working properly.

Exterior vents: ensure vents close properly to reduce loss of heat. Also to prevent insect/pest entry.

Annual

Trees and bushes: trim back at least 3 ft from air-conditioning to allow a/c to work to greatest potential. Trim back from roof and walls to prevent branch damage and for pest/insect control.

Vines: cut away from wood components of home

Roofing: perform inspection and maintenance to maximize the life of your roof.

Bathtub and shower enclosures: to prevent water damage, check caulking and grout.

Attic: check for water damage and pest invasion.

Exterior: inspect for weather tightness at siding, trim, doors, windows, etc to prevent water damage.

Exterior paint/stain: check around wood areas for rot. Pay close attention to wood lower to the ground.

Exterior grade: make sure it slopes down away from the home to drain water away, rather than towards the foundation.

Refrigerators/freezers: vacuum coils to improve efficiency and to reduce costs.

Fire extinguisher: check gauges to make sure they are operational.

Garage door hardware: lubricate to ensure door moves freely.

Garage door operator: make sure system is lubricated to minimize load on electric motor.

Semi-Annual

Exterior air intakes: make sure intakes are clean and clear from debris. If not properly taken care of, debris can block air from entering mechanical equipment.

Ongoing maintenance

Septic systems: regular maintenance and inspection is recommended from your service provider. Tanks are usually pumped out every 3 years.