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.