A year round guide to caring for your home.

HVAC & Mechanical Systems

• Test the temperature and pressure relief valve on your hot water tank (refer to the manufacturer's instructions and exercise caution, as hot water may be released).
• Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during the heating season.
• Inspect HRV/ERV filters every two months and clean as required.
• Shut down, clean, and drain furnace humidifiers.
• Open humidifier dampers only as recommended.
• Turn on and test your air conditioning system. Service every 2–3 years.
• Clean or replace air conditioning filters.
• Check and clean dehumidifiers and drain lines.
• Turn off furnace and fireplace pilot lights where applicable.

Safety Checks

• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems.
• Replace batteries as needed.

Exterior & Foundation

• Inspect foundation walls for cracks, moisture, or leaks.
• Ensure sump pumps are operating properly before spring thaw.
• Verify sump pump discharge lines direct water away from the foundation.
• Inspect exterior cladding for openings that may allow pests to enter.
• Check eavestroughs and downspouts for blockages and proper drainage.
• Clear drainage ditches and culverts.
• Re level decks, steps, and walkways affected by frost movement.

Windows & Doors

• Clean windows, screens, and hardware.
• Replace storm windows with screens where applicable.
• Repair or replace damaged screens.

Landscaping

• Open outdoor hose bibs after frost danger has passed.
• Repair and paint fences as needed.
• Perform seasonal landscaping maintenance.
• Fertilize young trees and shrubs if required.

Water Systems

• Test well water quality and bacteria levels every six months.

HVAC & Ventilation

• Maintain indoor humidity below 60%.
• Clean or replace air conditioning filters.
• Clean HRV/ERV filters as needed.

Plumbing

• Inspect basement plumbing for condensation or leaks.
• Insulate cold water pipes if necessary.
• Check floor drains and ensure traps contain water.
• Run water periodically in seldom used fixtures.

Interior Maintenance

• Deep clean carpets and area rugs.
• Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grilles.
• Clean dryer ducts, vents, and surrounding areas.

Windows & Doors

• Inspect and lubricate windows, hinges, and door hardware.
• Repair damaged paint on windows and doors.
• Replace deteriorated caulking and weatherstripping.

Garage

• Lubricate garage door hardware and opener components.
• Test garage door auto reverse safety features.

Exterior & Roof

• Inspect siding, trim, and exterior finishes.
• Remove vegetation touching the home.
• Inspect roof shingles, flashing, and chimney components from ground level.
• Check chimney cap and surrounding caulking.
• Inspect electrical service entry points and overhead lines.

Walkways & Safety

• Repair damaged driveways, walkways, and steps.
• Inspect all handrails and guardrails for stability.

Heating Systems

• Service your furnace or heating system as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Inspect and clean furnace components.
• Lubricate circulating pumps where applicable.
• Bleed hot water radiators.
• Vacuum electric baseboard heaters.
• Clean air ducts and return grilles.
• Test furnace operation before cold weather arrives.
• Replace furnace filters regularly during heating season.

Ventilation Systems

• Inspect and clean HRV/ERV filters and cores.
• Check ductwork for leaks or damaged insulation.
• Test condensate drains.
• Verify bathroom fans and range hoods are functioning properly.

Safety Checks

• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems.
• Replace batteries as needed.

Windows & Doors

• Replace screens with storm windows.
• Inspect weatherstripping and repair as necessary.
• Ensure windows, skylights, and exterior doors close tightly.
• Check garage to house doors and self closing mechanisms.

Exterior Preparation

• Shut off and cover air conditioning units.
• Confirm grading slopes away from the foundation.
• Remove leaves from roofs, gutters, and downspouts.
• Drain and store garden hoses.
• Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs where applicable.

Water & Septic Systems

• Test well water quality every six months.
• Inspect septic systems and schedule pumping when required.

Landscaping

• Store outdoor furniture.
• Prepare gardens and landscaping for winter.
• Protect young trees and shrubs from winter damage.

Heating & Air Quality

• Inspect and replace furnace filters every 2–3 months.
• Check and clean HRV/ERV filters every two months.
• Replace humidifier evaporator pads annually.
• Watch for signs of excess indoor humidity and condensation.

Safety Checks

• Vacuum smoke and fire detectors monthly.
• Test fire extinguishers and inspect pressure gauges.
• Review family fire escape plans.
• Ensure exterior lighting is functioning properly.

Plumbing

• Drain sediment from the hot water tank as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check for dripping faucets and leaking fixtures.
• Run water periodically in seldom used plumbing fixtures.
• Test plumbing shut off valves.
• Clean drains throughout the home.
• Ensure floor drain traps contain water.

Interior Maintenance

• Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grilles.
• Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and drip trays.

Exterior & Roof Care

• Do not use salt on concrete porches, stairs, driveways, or garage floors. Use sand or concrete safe ice melters instead.
• Inspect windows and doors for drafts and ice buildup.
• Check attics for frost accumulation.
• Monitor roofs for ice dams and icicles.
• Remove snow from gas meters, appliance vents, exhaust vents, basement windows, decks, and flat roof areas.
• Consult qualified contractors if ice buildup becomes excessive.

Electrical Safety

• Inspect all indoor and outdoor cords, plugs, and outlets.
• Replace damaged electrical components immediately.