Maintaining Your Home
Home maintenance is easy to forget or put off. But following a preventive maintenance routine extends the life of your home, helps avoid costly repairs later and can mean a better price when you eventually sell. In many cases, we even explain how to do a task.
February
Check those hoses
Avoid indoor flooding by inspecting hoses on the washer, dehumidifier, dishwasher and other appliances. Don’t forget the flexible hoses that feed water into your toilet tanks. If you spot leaks, cracking or brittleness, replace the hose immediately.
Range hood
Now’s the time to clean or replace your range hood filter to keep your home fresh and safe. Here’s why it’s important.
Electrical outlet safety
Check all your electrical outlets to ensure any not being used are fitted with safety plugs.
Vent safety
Check all the air intake and exhaust vents on the outside of your home for snow or ice blockage.
Hazard check
Do a home walk-through, watching for and correcting indoor and outdoor dangers like loose handrails, toxic chemicals stored where children can get them and so on.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Plumbing traps
If you have a sink or tub that’s rarely used, turn on the tap for a couple of minutes. That will replenish the water in the trap, which has likely evaporated, and reduce the likelihood of sewer gases entering the space.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
March
Foundation
If you haven’t yet cleared the snow away from your foundation, now’s the time to do it to reduce the risk of water pooling around your home and seeping into your basement.
Sump pump check
If you have a sump pump, check the pump, float & discharge line and test that it’s working. You don’t want to discover there’s a problem after water has started coming in.
Furnace and HRV filters
Check and clean/replace as necessary. Your owner’s manual will tell you how. More information here.
Clean your appliances
Do you know how frequently your appliances should be cleaned? Find out here.
Water safety
Locate the main water shut-off valve and ensure it’s working smoothly to prevent flooding if a pipe breaks.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Exhaust fans
Check and clean your exhaust fans. Often, giving them a quick vacuum is enough. If your exhaust fan does not have enough power to hold a tissue in place, it needs cleaning.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
April
Range hood
Now’s the time to clean or replace your range hood filter to keep your home fresh and safe. Here’s why it’s important.
Flowing smoothly
Clean faucet aerators and check under all sinks to ensure there are no leaking pipes. How to clean aerators.
Home inventory
Update the inventory of all the items in your home you’d need to report in case of a fire or burglary. If you don’t have an inventory, here’s what you need to know.
Garage cleanup
This is the month to tidy up your garage. Neither too hot nor too cold to work out there, spring is perfect for making your home safer and more functional by turning that neglected space from scary to welcoming. Some tips on doing it.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Refrigerator coils
Vacuum condenser coils to keep your fridge operating efficiently. Not sure how? The video in this article shows what to do.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Plumbing traps
If you have a sink or tub that’s rarely used, turn on the tap for a couple of minutes. That will replenish the water in the trap, which has likely evaporated, and reduce the likelihood of sewer gases entering the space.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
May
Gutter time
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris and in good repair. At the same time, check the grading around your foundation to ensure water flows away from your home. Gutter cleaning tips.
Caulking
Inspect caulking around windows and doors, replacing if necessary. Here’s how to caulk like a pro.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Window cleaning
Clear off winter’s grime. Some tips on best practices.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
June
Hot water heater
To lengthen its life, drain sediment from the bottom of your tank. Check your owner’s manual (it should also be available online) for instructions. More info.
Medicine cabinet
Regularly purging your medicine cabinet of expired products keeps your family safe. Dispose of medications properly.
Air conditioner
Clear debris from around the unit and change filters or perform other maintenance as necessary. More info.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Plumbing traps
If you have a sink or tub that’s rarely used, turn on the tap for a couple of minutes. That will replenish the water in the trap, which has likely evaporated, and reduce the likelihood of sewer gases entering the space.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
July
Foundation
Prevent water infiltration by checking for cracks or bulges. Do the same for brick or stone work.
Siding inspection
Check vinyl siding for gaps, cracks and holes that could allow water penetration and damage. Tips on cleaning and replacing.
Trees and shrubs
Check for anything growing too close to your home that could damage your roof or other areas. Call a professional if trees need trimming.
Purging the pantry
You’d be surprised at what’s been forgotten (and has expired) in your cupboards. Here’s how to keep on top of the situation.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
Washing pillows
Washing your pillows twice a year helps keep them hygienic and fresh. Learn how.
August
Decks and porches
Inspect thoroughly for rot or weak members. August is a good time to refinish outdoor wooden surfaces.
Hazard check
Do a home walk-through, watching for and correcting indoor and outdoor dangers like loose handrails, toxic chemicals stored where children can get them and so on.
Range hood
Now’s the time to clean or replace your range hood filter to keep your home fresh and safe. Here’s why it’s important.
Basement airing and check-up
You’ve likely kept your basement windows closed during the hot, humid summer. Now is the time to give it an airing. Wait for a sunny, dry day, then open the windows for several hours. While you’re airing out the space, check it over for unusual dampness that could indicate a water leak or moisture penetrating from outside. If you notice anything unusual, investigate it and call a plumber or foundation professional if necessary — ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.
Heating system
It might seem early, but to beat the fall rush book your annual furnace cleaning and inspection now. Here’s why it’s important.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Check those hoses
Avoid indoor flooding by inspecting hoses on the washer, dehumidifier, dishwasher and other appliances. Don’t forget the flexible hoses that feed water into your toilet tanks. If you spot leaks, cracking or brittleness, replace the hose immediately.
Plumbing traps
If you have a sink or tub that’s rarely used, turn on the tap for a couple of minutes. That will replenish the water in the trap, which has likely evaporated, and reduce the likelihood of sewer gases entering the space.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
September
Exterior paint
If you have peeling or blistered exterior surfaces, now is the time to scrape and repaint them.
Garage door
Make sure your garage door is working properly. Lubricate moving parts, check safety features like the auto reverse, tighten bolts and other parts, and ensure weatherstripping is intact. More information.
Furnace and HRV filters
Check and clean/replace as necessary. Your owner’s manual will tell you how. More information here.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Window cleaning
Before winter hits, clean your windows to remove the summer’s accumulation of dust and grime. Some tips on best practices.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Clean your appliances
Do you know how frequently your appliances should be cleaned? Find out here.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
October
Outdoor faucets
Drain outdoor water lines before they freeze and put away hoses. Here’s what to do.
Gutter time
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris and in good repair before winter to reduce the chances of snow and ice buildup. Gutter cleaning tips.
Caulking
Inspect caulking around windows and doors, replacing if necessary. Here’s how to caulk like a pro.
Air conditioner
A little TLC now means you’ll have plenty of cool air when next summer’s first heat wave rolls in. More info.
Fire extinguishers
Check for expiration date and have extinguishers tested if necessary. More info.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Plumbing traps
If you have a sink or tub that’s rarely used, turn on the tap for a couple of minutes. That will replenish the water in the trap, which has likely evaporated, and reduce the likelihood of sewer gases entering the space.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
November
Gutter time
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris and in good repair before winter to reduce the chances of snow and ice buildup. Gutter cleaning tips.
Range hood
Now’s the time to clean or replace your range hood filter to keep your home fresh and safe. Here’s why it’s important.
Refrigerator coils
Vacuum condenser coils to keep your fridge operating efficiently. Not sure how? The video in this article shows what to do.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
December
Medicine cabinet
Regularly purging your medicine cabinet of expired products keeps your family safe. Dispose of medications properly.
Vent safety
Check all the air intake and exhaust vents on the outside of your home for snow or ice blockage.
Furnace and HRV filters
Check and clean/replace as necessary. Your owner’s manual will tell you how. More information here.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Condensation
Cold weather can bring condensation problems on windows and skylights, leading to mould growth and other issues. Check these handy hints for warding off condensation and dealing with mould if it occurs.
Plumbing traps
If you have a sink or tub that’s rarely used, turn on the tap for a couple of minutes. That will replenish the water in the trap, which has likely evaporated, and reduce the likelihood of sewer gases entering the space.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
January
Vent safety
Check all the air intake and exhaust vents on the outside of your home for snow or ice blockage.
Roof check
Snow and ice can build up quickly at this time of year and damage your roof. Find out how to protect your roof in winter.
Purging the pantry
You’d be surprised at what’s been forgotten (and has expired) in your cupboards. Here’s how to keep on top of the situation.
Exhaust fans
If you haven’t done it lately, clean your exhaust fans. Often, a quick vacuuming will do the trick. How to clean a bathroom exhaust fan properly.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer t0 prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are used in the bathroom, outside and other areas where water could cause a severe, even fatal, electric shock. They should be checked once a month. Find out more.
Heating ducts
Make sure heat is going where it’s supposed to go by checking your ductwork for holes, leaks and other problems. More info.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
Washing pillows
Washing your pillows twice a year helps keep them hygienic and fresh. Learn how.
Caring for houseplants
Here’s how to keep your houseplants in tip-top condition all winter.
