Spring Maintenance Tips for Every Home

No home comes maintenance free. Even a brand new house requires regular upkeep to ensure its internal environment stays healthy. If you live in a house that is less than seven years old, home maintenance is also essential for preserving your warranty rights if you live in Ontario.
Here are some tips to ensure your home remains in good shape:

• Check for drips and run infrequently used taps (laundry tub, spare bathroom, etc) briefly to keep water in the trap. (monthly)
• Make sure air vents indoors and outdoors (intake, exhaust and forced air) are not blocked by snow or debris. (monthly)
• Check and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. (monthly)
• Examine windows and doors for ice accumulation or cold air leaks. If found, repair or replace in the spring. (monthly during winter)
• Monitor your home for excessive moisture levels–for example, condensation on your windows. (monthly during winter)
• Examine attic for frost accumulation. Check roof for excessive ice dams or icicles. (monthly during winter)
• Check and clean range hood filters. (bi-monthly)
• Test the ground fault circuit interrupters by pushing the test button which should cause the reset button to pop up. (bi-monthly)
• Clean Central Vacuum Unit (bi-monthly)
• Check gauge on fire extinguisher and recharge or replace if necessary.  (bi-monthly)
• Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water. Refill with water if necessary. (bi-monthly)
• Check fire escape routes, door and window locks, and lighting around outside of house; ensure family has good security habits. (quarterly)
• Remove the grilles on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts.  (quarterly)
• Take down Christmas lights (yearly)

By following an annual maintenance routine, you can keep your new home in top shape. Ongoing maintenance helps to ensure that your home stays healthy.