Seal all granite countertops

Granite is highly resistant to chips and scratches but is porous and should be treated every six months with a sealer to prevent staining.

Clean humidifier

Over time, the repeated evaporation of water will leave mineral deposits in the humidifier along with dust and other debris. Anti-scale products can simplify the cleaning process.

Apply grout sealer to all grout in home

All grout is porous and can stain. Sealing grout and maintaining the seal will greatly reduce discoloration. Ensure you choose a sealer compatible with your tile and know how to properly apply. Sealant should be applied once a year.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system. They remove odors and improve air quality. Clean and/or replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Check garage door hinges, springs, rollers and cables for signs of wear or rust

Tighten hinges and lubricate parts as instructed by the manufacturer. Have the tension adjusted by a certified technician if needed.

Inspect dryer ducts and ensure they are not clogged

Ensure exterior HRV hoods and vents are not blocked by debris, snow or frost

Check for cracks or separations and mildrew in caulking around sinks, bathtubs, toilets, faucets, countertops and backsplashes, ceramic walls, resilient and ceramic floor, window sills etc.

Clean and recaulk as necessary.

Clean out faucet aerators, spray nozzles and drains.

Flush all toilets and fun water through all sinks, especially in bathrooms that are not used on a regular basis.

Check the roof for ice dams

Regions that experience snow with above freezing temperatures during the day and below freezing at night are prone to what is called “ice dams” or “ice damming”. As the ice accumulates, it will act as a dam, preventing water from flowing and may cause leaks in your home. To avoid ice dams, be sure to clear snow off of your roof, especially around vents

Pour a bucket of water into the floor drain

To prevent sewer gas from entering your home through floor drains in your basement, make sure water is always present in the drains by occasionally pouring a bucket of clean water down the drain to re-establish the water seal.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system to remove odors and improve air quality. Clean and replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Ensure exterior HRV hoods and vents are not blocked by debris, snow or frost

Check cabinet drawers and hinges for proper alignment.

Tighten and adjust as necessary.

Flush all toilets and fun water through all sinks, especially in bathrooms that are not used on a regular basis.

Clean humidifier

Over time, the repeated evaporation of water will leavle mineral deposits in the humidifier, along with dust and other debris. Anti-scale products can simplify the cleaning process.

Check sump pump

Make sure you are prepared to manage water if it does enter the basement. Check your sump pit and pump to ensure the pump is operational, the power cord is in good shape, the pipes are connected, and the pump turns on when the float is lifted.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system. They remove odors and improve air quality. Clean and/or replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Check connection between dryer and exhaust vent

Repair as needed.

Clean debris from gutters and check that water is exiting to an appropriate drainage location away from the structure.

Ensure exterior HRV hoods and vents are not blocked by debris, snow or frost.

Check hot water heater for leaks.

Clean debris from gutters and check that water is exiting to an appropriate drainage location away from the structure.

Drain and flush to remove sediment following manufacturer’s instructions.

Flush all toilets and fun water through all sinks, especially in bathrooms that are not used on a regular basis.

Change humidity

Adjust the home’s humidity level to around 40% when warmer weather arrives. Each home is different – adjust accordingly.

Check eavestroughs, downspouts and shingles

Efficient rooftop drainage will help keep your basement dry, as they move water away from your home. Remove all debris and repair any damage to protect your home.

Check for soil settlement

Fill settled areas with compacted clay. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining drainage systems/strategies that move water away from their homes.

Inspect driveways and walkways for cracks

Seasonal temperatures and varying precipitation may cause cracking in your sidewalks and driveway. Seal your concrete annually to increase its longevity.

Clean filters on HRV

A Heat Recovery Ventilation system, or HRV, is one of the best ways to remove excess indoor humidity in your home while also improving your air quality. A simple way to keep your HRV running smoothly and efficiently is by regularly cleaning the filters.

Clean intake vent screens

With a forced-air heating system (furnace with ducting), fresh air is brought into the home from an intake vent located near the ground at one side of the home. Ensure this vent is clear from debris.

Inspect basement for water issues

Moving surface water away from your foundation is the best way to protect your home from water penetration.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system. They remove odors and improve air quality. Clean and/or replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Inspect dryer ducts and ensure they are not clogged.

Inspect, clean and lubricate all exterior vents.

Make sure air flows freely and that each has an operable damper to prevent back flow of outside air and to keep small animals from entering your home.

Check that attic vents are not blocked and redistribute insulation if there are voids on the attic floor.

Inspect fences & decks

Even with seasonal care, deterioration happens to fences and decks, especially wooden ones. Inspect the integrity of your decks and fences, including any steps and handrails, and repair or replace any components that are not firmly fastened.

Clean humidifier (if applicable)

Over time, the repeated evaporation of water will leave mineral deposits in the humidifier, along with dust and other debris. Anti-scale products can simplify the cleaning process.

Check caulking & weatherstripping

Weatherstripping provides a flexible seal around windows to prevent unwanted air from moving in or out of your home. If your weatherstripping has lost its resiliency, it will not provide an effective seal and should be replaced.

Check windows & screens

Check the seal and weatherstripping of your exterior windows, as well as the integrity of your screens, and fix or replace if needed. Maintain as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check adjustable steel posts in basement

Adjustable posts are used to support main beams in the basement and transfer loads to the foundation. Homeowners should regularly check that the supporting post is truly supporting the beam, as uneven pressure can cause issues down the road.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean intake vent screens

With a forced-air heating system (furnace with ducting), fresh air is brought into the home from an intake vent located near the ground at one side of the home. Ensure this vent is clear from debris.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system to remove odors and improve air quality. Clean and replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Ensure exterior HRV hoods and vents are not blocked by debris, snow or frost.

Fertilize the lawn

Fertilizing for weed control helps protect your lawn. Consult your local garden center for product recommendations and techniques.

Clean intake vent screens

With a forced-air heating system (furnace with ducting), fresh air is brought into the home from an intake vent located near the ground at one side of the home. Ensure this vent is clear from debris.

Check for soil settlement

Fill settled areas with compacted clay. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining drainage systems/strategies that move water away from their homes.

Seal all granite countertops

Granite is highly resistant to chips and scratches but is porous and should be treated every six months with a sealer to prevent staining.

Inspect air conditioning system

Dirt or debris on the heat exchanged for the cooling unit can limit the efficiency of a cooling system. Refer to your manual for cleaning instructions specific to your unit.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system to remove odors and improve air quality. Clean and replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Ensure exterior HRV hoods and vents are not blocked by debris, snow or frost.

Clean intake vent screens

With a forced-air heating system (furnace with ducting), fresh air is brought into the home from an intake vent located near the ground at one side of the home. Ensure this vent is clear from dust and debris.

Inspect condensate line of air conditioner

Dirt, dust and the occasional ice crystal can plug your homes condensate line — inspect and clean the drain on a regular basis.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system. They remove odors and improve indoor air quality. Clean and/or replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Inspect dryer ducts and ensure they are not clogged.

Fill divots and adjust grade as required.

Check pipes and drains for water leakage.

Clean drains to avoid backups.

Check sealants & caulking

With cleaning, and the natural expansion and contraction of the materials bonded with the sealant, sealant may crack or separate from the joint. Sealant joints should be repaired immediately if deteriorating.

Clean intake vent screens

With a forced-air heating system (furnace with ducting), fresh air is brought into the home from an intake vent located near the ground at one side of the home. Ensure this vent is clear from debris.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system to remove odors and improve air quality. Clean and replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Ensure exterior HRV hoods and vents are not blocked by debris, snow or frost.

Check weatherstripping

Weatherstripping provides a flexible seal around windows to prevent unwanted air from moving in or out of your home. If your weatherstripping has lost its resiliency, it will not provide an effective seal and should be replaced.

Clean and service humidifier (if applicable)

Over time, the repeated evaporation of water will leave mineral deposits in the humidifier, along with dust and other debris. Anti-scale products can simplify the cleaning process.

Drain exterior lines

To Prepare your outdoor hose connections for winter, turn off the shut-off valve and drain the water.

Drain hot water tank

Sediment that accumulates at the bottom of the tank can cause the heaters to operate longer than necessary, which increases your energy consumption. Flush your tank regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.

Check for soil settlement

Fill settled areas with compacted clay. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining drainage systems/strategies that move water away from their homes.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system to remove odors and improve air quality. Clean and replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Adjust humidity settings

During the winter, humidity levels should be lowered to 20% (each home is different – adjust accordingly). If ice or excessive condensation appears on your windows, reduce the humidity levels even more.

Check furnace & ventilation system filters

A dirty or plugged air filter can limit air flow from the furnace to the ducts. Inspect and clean/replace the filters are the beginning of the heating season and on a regular basis throughout the winter.

Water trees & shrubs

Trees and shrubs should be watered thoroughly in the early fall to ensure there is adequate moisture at the root zone during the winter.

Inspect floor drains

Floor drains are usually located next to the furnace. To prevent sewer gas from entering your home, ensure water is always present in the drains.

Inspect eavestroughs & downspouts

Efficient rooftop drainage will help keep your basement dry by moving water away from your home. Surface particles often settle in the eavestroughs, reducing their efficiency. Cleaning out your eavestroughs at least once a year helps to prevent this.

Check adjustable steel posts in the basement

Adjustable posts are used to support main beams in the basement and transfer loads to the foundation. Homeowners should regularly check that the supporting post is truly supporting the beam, as uneven pressure can cause issues down the road.

Check and test carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system to remove odours and improve air quality. Clean and replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Clean humidifier (if applicable)

Over time, the repeated evaporation of water will leave mineral deposits in the humidifier, along with dust and other debris. Clean these deposits and debris out with anti-scale products.

Check for condensation and humidity

If ice or excessive condensation appears on your windows, reduce the humidity in your home.

Check and test the carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries:

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters:

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system to remove odours and improve air quality. Clean and replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Clean humidifier (if applicable)

Over time, the repeated evaporation of water will leave mineral deposits in the humidifier, along with dust and other debris. Clean these deposits and debris out with anti-scale products.

Check for condensation and humidity

If ice or excessive condensation appears on your windows, reduce the humidity in your home.

Check and test the carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries:

Make sure you read the owner’s manual for both your CO and smoke detectors. Experts recommend having both battery-powered and wired-in models for an added level of protection.

Clean range hood filters:

Kitchen range hoods are an important part of your home’s ventilation system to remove odours and improve air quality. Clean and replace filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.