Inspecting and maintaining your home is one of the best ways to protect the money you’ve invested in it and now that it’s spring it’s a great time to start thinking about what should be done post-winter. Most home maintenance activities can actually be divided into seasonal chores; fall is the time to get ready for winter, spring is the time to assess and fix winter damage, summer is the time to do things like outdoor painting, repairing walkways and fixing the roof. Establishing a solid maintenance schedule, based on season, that incorporates these and many other activities can help to make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the important things you should be doing to your home.
Here is a checklist put together by the CMHC, of springtime chores for your home.
Spring:
| After consulting your hot water tank owner’s manual, carefully test the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it is not stuck. Caution: This test may release hot water that can cause burns. | |
| Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation system, such as heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months. | |
| Have fireplace or wood stove and chimney cleaned and serviced as needed. | |
| Shut down, drain and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning. | |
| Switch on power to air conditioning and check system. Have it serviced every two or three years. | |
| Clean or replace air-conditioning filter, if applicable. | |
| Check dehumidifier and drain — clean if necessary. | |
| Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible. | |
| Have well water tested for quality. It is recommended that you test for bacteria every six months. | |
| Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries. | |
| Clean windows, screens and hardware, and replace storm windows with screens. Check screens first and repair or replace if needed. | |
| 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. | |
| Ensure sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in. Ensure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation. | |
| Re-level any exterior steps or decks that moved as a result of frost or settling. | |
| Check for and seal off any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small pests, such as bats and squirrels. | |
| Check eaves troughs and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clear any obstructions, and ensure water flows away from your foundation. | |
| Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris. | |
| Repair and paint fences as necessary — allow wood fences to dry adequately before tackling this task. | |
| Undertake spring landscape maintenance and, if necessary, fertilize young trees. |