Four-Season Home Maintenance Tips for a Healthy and Efficient Home
| Scott C
Home maintenance is important to keep your home in top condition and ensure the safety and comfort of your family. In Canada and in the norther United states, we're so lucky to experience all four seasons with varying extremes of weather. With that when the weather conditions vary, proper home maintenance is crucial to ensure your home is energy-efficient, and safe to live in. Here is a basic home maintenance checklist for four-season households:
Furnace maintenance: In many southern US locations, a furnace doesn't exist as part of the HVAC system. However, the furnace is one of the most important appliances in a Canadian and northern-US household, and it's crucial to maintain it properly to ensure it's running efficiently and safely. Greater than 50% of American households have one, and majority of Canadian. One way to ensure your furnace is running efficiently is to use a washable furnace air filter instead of a disposable one. A washable filter can be cleaned and reused, which not only saves money in the long run, but also reduces waste, and can help your furnace run more efficiently. A sustainable option like Cycle Air's filters made with 100% recycled materials In addition, it's important to have a professional inspect and clean your furnace at least once a year.
Roof and gutters: Regularly check and clean the roof and gutters to ensure they are free of debris and that water is draining properly. This can help prevent leaks and water damage to your home. Ice damming in the winter with the freeze-thaw cycle can cause some major leaks and damage, and can be exacerbated by a poorly insulated attic.
Windows and doors: Check the weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed to prevent drafts and energy loss.
Plumbing: Regularly check for leaks and drips in faucets and pipes. Ensure that the water pressure is appropriate and that the water heater is working properly. In the winter, ensure you turn off exterior faucets to prevent pipe freezing and a costly accident.
Insulation: Check the insulation in the attic, walls and floors to ensure that it's in good condition and that it's providing enough insulation for your home.
Smoke and CO detectors: Test the batteries in smoke and CO detectors, and replace them as needed.
Lawn and Garden: Regularly check for pests and weeds in the lawn and garden. In addition, check that the sprinkler system is working properly.
Painting and Decorating: Check for any signs of deterioration or damage to the paintwork, and carry out repairs as needed. Flaking or bubbling paint can sometimes be a sign of moisture.
By following this basic home maintenance checklist, you can help ensure that your home is running efficiently, safely, and comfortably. Remember that preventing problems from happening is always cheaper than fixing them after they occur, and it'll also ensure your home and your family is safe. Do regular inspections, and if something looks amiss, address it as soon as possible, don't let it sit.
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