Inside
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working. Replace batteries in battery-powered units.
- Clean or replace filters in HRV, furnace, hoodfan, etc. (do monthly or as needed)
- Turn off and clean humidifier and close humidifier damper, if you have a humidifier.
- Ensure air conditioner is ready for use. Close air supply vents to basement to direct cooler air to upper levels of house.
- Adjust thermostat to summer mode, if you have an air conditioner. Set temperature to 23°C or warmer when heat is no longer needed.
- Keep furnace fan on if you do not have an air conditioner (set temperature to 15°C to keep it from heating during the summer). Run the fan at all times to provide ventilation to the house.
- 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, etc.
- Turn off pilot light for gas fireplace and clean glazing. 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.
- 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.
- Lubricate garage overhead door track, rollers and hinges. Inspect to ensure operating correctly.
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Outside
- Check exterior surfaces of home (including roof and flashings) for items damaged or loosened by winter weather or animals; repair as needed.
- Clear debris from swales, drainage ditches and culverts; ensure melting snow can run off property.
- Clean winter debris from eavestrough. Check that eavestrough and downspout joints are secure and 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.
- Inspect exterior fixtures, such as lights and satellite dishes, to ensure securely anchored.
- Ensure gas meter is not blocked by debris, vegetation, snow, etc.
- 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, snow, etc.
- Remove winter cover from outside air conditioning unit and clean debris from coils.
- Close bleeder nut and open valve to outside hose connection (hose bib) after danger of last frost.
- Fertilize young trees and begin spring landscape maintenance.
- Remove protective shrouds from delicate plants and shrubs.
- Apply lawn seed to bare patches.
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