So it would seem summer is upon us though spring was barely ever here! With very cold 
temperatures up until the last week many of us may not have yet conducted our Spring Maintenance. With this in mind and a long weekend upon us here is a great list of chores to ensure your home is ready for the heat of summer.
- Clean or replace furnace filter
- Check/clean heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace filter
- Clean the mechanisms of any humidifiers
- Check & reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) (e.g. exterior outlets, bathrooms or at main electrical panel)
- Check sump pump, float & discharge line & test overall operation
- Test smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors
- Check eavestroughs & downspouts & clean if needed
- Clean window wells, drainage swales or catch basins of leaves or build-up
- Inspect basement or crawl space for signs of seepage/ leakage & check for dampness or musty smells
- Check for missing, loose or cracked shingles
- Remove winter cover from air conditioning unit; inspect air conditioning unit; vacuum or brush the outdoor coil & wash; service as needed
- Check driveways & walks for frost damage & reinstate if required
- Plan landscaping to avoid soil settlement & water ponding. Keep soil at least 200mm (8in.) below the top of the foundation wall & ensure that the direction of the grading will allow water to flow away from the house
- Open outside hose connection & check for leaks
- Clean & check windows, screens & hardware
- Check air intakes & exhaust are clear of debris,nests, etc.
- Check exterior finishes (siding, trim) & eavestroughs to ensure they are secure
- Check caulking for soundness, cracking, detachment & signs of water or air penetration (remove & replace with appropriate type of caulking if necessary)
- Lubricate rubber or plastic weatherstripping around doors & operable windows (replace weatherstripping if damaged)
So there’s quite the honey-do list to keep your household busy. Remember even a new home is not maintenance free, this sort of preventative action will ensure you limit potential future problems.
