Inside
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working. Replace batteries in battery-powered units.
- Check and clean filters in HRV, furnace, hood fan, etc. (do monthly or as needed)
- Turn off air conditioner.
- Ensure air supply vents to basement are open (if closed while air conditioning on).
- Refer to furnace manual and carry out any required furnace maintenance. Run furnace fan throughout the year to provide ventilation for house.
- Open humidifier damper and turn on humidifier, if you have one.
- Adjust the thermostat to winter mode. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to set-back the temperature, if your home is not already equipped with one.
- Use a dehumidifier in basement (connect directly to drain) to remove excess moisture from new construction materials.
- Ensure indoor air vents (HRV & forced air furnace supplies & returns) are clean and not blocked by dust, furnishings, drapes, or other objects.
- Turn on pilot light for gas fireplace and clean glazing, if dirty. Follow instructions in fireplace manual.
- Know your plumbing. Learn how to shut off the water and where your pipes are located. Inspect for any signs of plumbing problems.
- Clean windows, screens and hardware. Ensure windows operate smoothly. Remove screens from interior face of windows to allow air to cross the face of windows and reduce potential for condensation.
- Vacuum rear of refrigerator and freezer to improve operating efficiency. Clean drip pans.
- Ensure sump pump (if you have one) is ready to operate when needed. Make sure discharge pipe is connected and directs water away from foundation.
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Outside
- Check exterior surfaces and fixtures (including roof and flashings) for any damaged items; repair as needed.
- Winterize outside hose connection (hose bib) before danger of frost. Close valve in the basement, then open outside valve. Go back in the basement and open small bleeder nut on the side of the valve. Leave both the outside valve and the inside bleeder nut in the “open” position all winter.
- Clean debris from eavestroughs. Check eavestroughs and downspout joints are secure. Ensure water flows away from foundation (at least one metre).
- Ensure roof louvers, vents and soffits are not blocked. Ventilation is a critical factor in roof durability – air must be able to move through the attic. Check for damaged areas, nests, trees or vines blocking openings, etc.
- Ensure gas meter is not blocked by debris or vegetation.
- Remove any debris from window wells.
- Check for ground settling at foundation. You may need to build up landscaping to ensure rainwater flows away from your foundation wall.
- Check exterior steps and readjust, if settled or unstable.
- Ensure outdoor air vents (exhausts, intakes, dryer, HRV, forced air furnace) are not blocked by debris, vegetation, etc.
- Clean outside air conditioning unit and install winter cover after turning unit off for season.
- Prepare your plants, shrubs, trees and gardens for winter. Cut and remove dead branches. Protect delicate items with protective shrouds.
- Apply lawn seed to bare patches.
- Cut grasses in swales and drainage ditches to facilitate run off.
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