Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
Do a quick walk around and check your vents on exterior of home for any blockage. Clean your stove exhaust filters monthly.
Test your GFCI outlets on a monthly basis by pushing test button and resetting. Also test your AFCI outlets for bedrooms in Ontario where they are required for newer homes. Install safety devices on outlets if young children are in the home.
To extend life of furnace it is recommended that you have unit serviced by a qualified service technician. Change your furnace filter monthly or more often if required.
Check to see that the ductwork leading to and from the heat recovery ventilator is in good shape, the joints are tightly sealed (aluminum tape or mastic) and any duct insulation and plastic duct wrap is free of tears and holes.
If the heat recovery ventilator has been shut off for the summer, clean the filters and the core, and pour water down the condensate drain to test it.
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. Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close interior valve to outdoor hose connection and drain the hose bib (exterior faucet), unless your house has frost-proof hose bibs.
Check fire escape routes, door and window locks and hardware, and lighting around outside of house; ensure family has good security habits.
Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water; refill with water if necessary.
Check to see that bathroom exhaust fans and range hoods are operating properly. If possible, confirm that you are getting good airflow by observing the outside vent hood (the exterior damper should be held open by the airflow).
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.
Examine attic for frost accumulation. Check roof for ice dams or icicles. If there is excessive frost or staining of the underside of the roof, or ice dams on the roof surface. Call in a qualified home inspector or roofing consultant if you suspect you have ice damming problem.
If you have had a home inspection done recently, reviewing your report will give you a list of problems and maintenance issues that require your attention.
Learn more about theBarrie Home Inspector. Stop by Barrie Home Inspector’s site where you can find out all about Free Thermal Imaging and what it can do for you.
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