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Seasonal Checklists

The following checklists are derived from those suggested by TARION and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Regular Maintenance protects your investment in your home.

General Year Round Maintenance
  • Make sure air vents indoors and outdoors (intake, exhaust and forced air) are not blocked by snow or debris
  • Check and clean range hood filters on a monthly basis
  • Test the ground fault circuit interrupter(s) monthly by pushing the test button, which should then cause the rest button to pop up
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries when needed
  • Check & clean furnace filter and HRV

Fall (September, October, November)

  • Have furnace or heating system serviced by a qualified service company every two years

  • Open furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning and clean humidifier
  • Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season.
  • Remove the grills on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts
  • Remove screens from the inside of casement windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass
  • Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly, and check other doors for ease of use. Renew door weather-stripping if required.
  • If there is a door between your house and the garage, check the adjustment of the self-closing device to ensure it closes the door completely.
  • Ensure windows and skylights close tightly
  • Cover outside of air conditioning units
  • Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall, so that water does not drain into your basement
  • Clean leaves from eaves troughs and roof, and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof
  • Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close valve to outdoor hose connection and drain the hose bib (exterior faucet), unless your house has frost proof hose bibs.
  • Check exterior finishes. Sand, prime and paint any peeling paint due to weathering.
  • Check movement of garage doors and lubricate moving parts as needed
  • Check caulking around doors and windows for air and water leaks
  • Inspect roof (including shingles, flashing and vents)
  • Inspect attic for insulation blow back. Spread out insulation evenly if required.
  • Check water heater for leaks
  • Inspect floor drains to ensure trap is filled with water. Refill if necessary.

 

Winter (December, January, February)
  • Clean humidifier two or three times during the winter season
  • Clean furnace filter and HRV
  • Vacuum bathroom fan grille
  • Vacuum fire and smoke detectors, as dust or spider webs can prevent them from functioning
  • Monitor your home for excessive moisture levels, for example, condensation on your windows, which can cause significant damage over time and pose serious health problems.
  • Check all faucets for signs of dripping and change washers as needed. Faucets requiring frequent replacement of washers may be in need of repair.
  • If you have a plumbing fixture that is not used frequently, such as a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower, run some water briefly to keep water in the trap.
  • Clean drains in dishwasher, sinks, bathtubs and shower stalls
  • Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working and to prevent them from seizing
  • Examine windows and doors for ice accumulation or cold air leaks. If found, make a note to repair or replace in the spring.
  • Examine attic for frost accumulation. Check roof for ice dams, icicles, or excessive snow. Carefully remove snow and ice from roof overhang/vents as required.
  • Test exhaust fans

 

Spring (March, April, May)
  • Have fireplace serviced as needed
  • Shut down and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning.
  • Check air conditioning system and have serviced every two or three years
  • Clean or replace air conditioning filter (if applicable)
  • Check dehumidifier and clean if necessary
  • Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible
  • Clean windows, screens and hardware.
  • Open valve to outside hose connection after all danger of frost has passed.
  • Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required.
  • Re-level any exterior steps or decks which moved due to frost or settling.
  • Check eaves troughs and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clean any obstructions, and ensure water flows away form your foundation.
  • Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris
  • Check roof for loose or cracked shingles
  • Check driveways and walks for frost damage
  • Check caulking for air and water leaks
  • Lubricate weather-stripping
  • Check exterior finishes. Sand, prime and paint any peeling paint due to weathering.

 

Summer (June, July, August)
  • Monitor basement humidity and avoid relative humidity levels above 60 percent. Use a dehumidifier to maintain safe relative humidity. Clean or replace air conditioning filter, and wash or replace ventilation system filters if necessary Air out damp basement or dry, sunny days
  • Check basement pipes for condensation or dripping, and take corrective action, for example, reduce humidity and or insulate cold water pipes.
  • Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water. Refill with water if necessary.
  • If you have a plumbing fixture that is not used frequently, such as a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower, run some water briefly to keep water in the trap.
  • Deep clean carpets and rugs.
  • Vacuum bathroom fan grill
  • Disconnect the duct connected to the dryer and vacuum lint from duct, the areas surrounding your clothes dryer and your dryer’s vent hood outside.
  • Check security of all guardrails and handrails
  • Check smooth functioning of all windows and lubricate as required
  • Inspect window putty on outside of glass panes and replace if needed
  • Lubricate door hinges and tighten screws as needed
  • Lubricate garage door hardware and ensure it is operating properly
  • Lubricate automatic garage door opener motor, chain, etc. and ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is properly adjusted.
  • Check and replace damaged caulking and weather-stripping around windows and doors, including the door between the garage and house
  • Check exterior wood siding and trim for signs of deterioration; clean, replace or refinish as needed
  • Check for and seal off any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small pests, such as bats, mice, birds or squirrels
  • Remove any plants that contact, or roots that penetrate the siding or brick.
  • Climb up on your roof, or use binoculars, to check its general condition, and note any sagging that could indicate structural problems requiring further investigation from inside the attic. Note the condition of all shingles form possible repair or replacement, and examine all roof flashings, such as at chimney and roof joints, for any signs of cracking or leakage.
  • Repair driveway and walkways as needed
  • Repair any damaged steps that present a safety problem.
  • Inspect air conditioning and clean filters