SUMMER MAINTENANCE

Follow these good maintenance practices and inspect your new home on a regular basis to protect your investment.

Indoors

  • Air Filters: Clean or replace air filters in HRV, furnace, hoodfan (do monthly or as needed).
  • Air Vents: Ensure indoor air vents (HRV, forced air furnace supplies, and returns) are clean and not blocked by dust, furnishings, drapes, etc.
  • Humidifier: Turn off and clean humidifier and close humidifier damper, if you have a humidifier.
  • Dehumidifier: A properly sized dehumidifier is essential. Install it in the basement to remove excess moisture. Ideally, relative humidity levels should be kept below 50%.
  • Thermostat: Switch it to summer mode. Set the fan to ‘on’ mode for better air circulation throughout the house. If you have an air conditioner, set temperature to 23°C or warmer to save on energy.
  • Air Conditioner: Avoid excessive temperature changes when programming your thermostat for summer. Unlike a furnace, air conditions may require several hours to reach the desired temperature. Air conditioners also work to keep relative humidity levels under control.
  • Window Coverings: Keeping blinds and curtains closed during daytime will help to keep the house cooler.
  • Doors: Whenever possible, leave bedroom doors open to allow for better air circulation.
  • HRV: HRV’s draw outside air into the house. On humid summer days, this is not desirable. The HRV control box is adjacent to the thermostat, where it can be switched off.
  • Hardwood Flooring: Natural wood products absorb excess moisture from the air. A high moisture content will damage your hardwood floor, leading to cupping, cracking, squeaks, and gaps. Summer is a critical time of year to closely monitor your indoor relative humidity with a suitable hygrometer.
  • Windows: Avoid opening windows on hot humid days. Excessive moisture may damage your hardwood floor and other wood components.

Outdoors

  • Attic Vents: Ensure roof louvers, vents and soffits are not blocked. Ventilation is a critical factor in roof durability – air must be able to move through the attic. Check for damaged areas, nests, trees or vines blocking openings, etc.
  • Wall Vents: Ensure outdoor air vents (exhausts, intakes, dryer, HRV, furnace, hot water, hood fan) are not blocked by debris, vegetation, nests, etc.
  • Meters: Ensure gas and hydro meters are not blocked by debris, vegetation, etc.
  • Window Wells: Remove debris, leaves, and garden hoses from window wells to allow for proper drainage.
  • Grading: Check for ground settling at foundation. You may need to build up with topsoil and sod to ensure rainwater flows away from your foundation wall in all areas.
  • Decks & Interlock: Check exterior steps and interlock paths. Readjust, if settled or unstable.
  • Grass: Apply lawn fertilizer and water regularly for a better looking yard with less weeds.
  • Caulking: Check for cracked or loose exterior caulking and repair as needed.
  • Electric Plug Outlets: GFCI plugs may trip. A reset button on one outside plug will reset all outside plugs.
  • Air Conditioner: Ensure that the AC is not blocked by debris, vegetation, nests, etc.
  • Windows: Clean windows, screens and hardware. Ensure windows operate smoothly.