Spring Home Maintenance
Inspecting your home on a regular basis and following good maintenance practices is the best way to protect your investment in your home. A regular schedule of seasonal maintenance can put a stop to the most common and costly problems, before they occur.
If you do not feel comfortable performing some of the home maintenance tasks listed below, or have the necessary equipment, you may want to consider hiring a qualified handy person to help you. Team Andruff has a large network of people and would be happy to recommend someone to help you.Spring is the time to assess winter damage, start repairs and prepare for the warm summer months:
Ø 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.)Ø Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation system, for example heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months.
Ø Have fireplace or woodstove and chimney cleaned and serviced as needed.Ø Shut down and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning.
Ø Check air conditioning system and have serviced every two or three years.Ø Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible.
Ø Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms and replace batteries.Ø Clean windows, screens and hardware, and replace storm windows with screens. Check screens first and repair or replace if needed.
Ø Open valve to outside hose connection after all danger of frost has passed.Ø Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required. Repair and paint fences as necessary.
Ø 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.Ø Check eavestroughs and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clear any obstructions, and ensure water flows away from your foundation.
Ø Undertake spring landscape maintenance and, if necessary, fertilize young trees.
For more information visit www.cmhc.ca or call Team Andruff at 604-264-7444.