Maintaining Your Home
Home maintenance is easy to forget or put off. But following a preventive home maintenance schedule 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.
December
Christmas trees
There’s an art to choosing and caring for a real Christmas tree, but following some basic steps makes it easy to do.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
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.
DIY early winter maintenance
Ten easy DIY tasks to keep your home operating smoothly and safely this winter.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Furnace and HRV filters
Check and clean/replace as necessary. Your owner’s manual will tell you how. More information here.
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.
Maintenance tips for the holidays
Three easy tips to get your home ready for the holidays.
Medicine cabinet
Regularly purging your medicine cabinet of expired products keeps your family safe. Dispose of medications properly.
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.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Vent safety
Check all the air intake and exhaust vents on the outside of your home for snow or ice blockage.
January
Caring for houseplants
Here’s how to keep your houseplants in tip-top condition all winter.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Dry indoor air
Winter can mean low humidity in your home, making it uncomfortable, causing dry skin and even damaging wood furniture. How to solve the problem.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer t0 prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
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.
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.
January maintenance
Five maintenance tips to help keep your home running smoothly and comfortably through the cold month of January.
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.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
Reusing your Christmas tree
Instead of just trashing your real Christmas tree, check out these environmentally friendly alternatives.
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.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Vent safety
Check all the air intake and exhaust vents on the outside of your home for snow or ice blockage.
Washing pillows
Washing your pillows twice a year helps keep them hygienic and fresh. Learn how.
Window condensation
Cold weather can bring window condensation. Find out how to reduce the problem.
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.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Electrical outlet safety
Check all your electrical outlets to ensure any not being used are fitted with safety plugs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Vent safety
Check all the air intake and exhaust vents on the outside of your home for snow or ice blockage.
March
Clean your appliances
Do you know how frequently your appliances should be cleaned? Find out here.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
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.
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.
Furnace and HRV filters
Check and clean/replace as necessary. Your owner’s manual will tell you how. More information here.
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.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
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.
Water safety
Locate the main water shut-off valve and ensure it’s working smoothly to prevent flooding if a pipe breaks.
April
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Emergency kit
Whether it’s a protracted power outage or a destructive storm, an emergency kit will help you get your family through the incident safely.
Flowing smoothly
Clean faucet aerators and check under all sinks to ensure there are no leaking pipes. How to clean aerators.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
May
Caulking
Inspect caulking around windows and doors, replacing if necessary. Here’s how to caulk like a pro.
Ceiling fans
Switching fan direction is a twice-yearly task. Learn more.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Fireplace maintenance
Maintenance now means a problem-free fireplace in the fall. What you need to know.
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.
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.
Lawn mower prep
Tune up your lawn mower now for trouble-free operation all summer. What you need to do.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
Roof inspection
A semi-annual roof inspection helps your home watertight and repair costs down. Here’s how to do it.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Springtime maintenance routine
Barbecue care and other top maintenance tips for May. Find out more.
Window cleaning
Clear off winter’s grime. Some tips on best practices.
June
Air conditioner
Clear debris from around the unit and change filters or perform other maintenance as necessary. More info.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Early summer maintenance tasks
These easy home maintenance tasks will help keep your home in tip-top shape so you can relax this summer. Find out more.
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 in this fall round-up.
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.
Musty carpet smell
Summer weather can lead to stinky carpets. Here is what to do about it.
Outdoor watering systems
Optimal operation of automatic sprinkler and drip irrigation systems depends on regular maintenance. Here’s how to do it.
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.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
July
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Driveway sealing
A freshly sealed driveway not only looks great, it may also protect the surface. Discover how to do it.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Foundation
Prevent water infiltration by checking for cracks or bulges. Do the same for brick or stone work.
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.
Gutter guards
Gutter guards are meant to prevent leaves and other debris from blocking your gutters and allowing rain to overflow, potentially damaging your home. How do they work and are they worth the investment? Find out here.
Mid-summer maintenance tasks
Humidity control, window well checks and more. Nine DIY mid-summer tasks.
Porch lights and more
Cleaning porch lights, early-summer safety check of decks and other wooden structures, water conservation, and more. Here’s what you need to know.
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.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
Siding inspection
Check vinyl siding for gaps, cracks and holes that could allow water penetration and damage. Tips on cleaning and replacing.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Storm damage
Do you know what to check around your home and property after a severe storm? Find out here.
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.
Washing pillows
Washing your pillows twice a year helps keep them hygienic and fresh. Learn how.
August
7 mid-August tips
From cleaning patio stones to getting the mudroom ready for the return to school, here are 7 easy mid-August to-dos.
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.
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.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Decks and porches
Inspect thoroughly for rot or weak members. August is a good time to refinish outdoor wooden surfaces.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Easy maintenance tasks for a long weekend
Get these five DIY tasks done and you can still relax over the long weekend.
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.
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.
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.
Home insurance claims
Insurance claims are a misery to file and can lead to higher premiums. Here’s how to minimize those claims.
Plumbing system check-up
Keep drains running smoothly, catch leaks before they get worse and other must-do maintenance for your home’s plumbing system.
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.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
September
Clean your appliances
Do you know how frequently your appliances should be cleaned? Find out here.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
Early fall maintenance
Three DIY tasks to get you started on your fall maintenance routine.
Exterior paint
If you have peeling or blistered exterior surfaces, now is the time to scrape and repaint them.
Furnace and HRV filters
Check and clean/replace as necessary. Your owner’s manual will tell you how. More information here.
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.
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.
Mouse control
How to keep mice out of your home and how to deal with them if they’re already inside.
Oven gasket
Checking your oven gasket now will help ensure your stove is in tip-top shape for that Thanksgiving dinner.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
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.
October
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.
Caulking
Inspect caulking around windows and doors, replacing if necessary. Here’s how to caulk like a pro.
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Fall maintenance
From cleaning up the yard to testing for radon, here are 10 essential fall maintenance tasks.
Fire extinguishers
Check for expiration date and have extinguishers tested if necessary. More info.
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.
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.
Indoor air quality
Winter means we spend more time in our homes, where everything from cooking to pets can reduce air quality. Here’s how to ensure good inside air this winter.
Organizing your home
Just 20 minutes a day can clear clutter and help get your home organized. Find out how.
Outdoor faucets
Drain outdoor water lines before they freeze and put away hoses. Here’s what to do.
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.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Wood furniture TLC
Find out how to clean, protect and repair your wood furniture.
November
Coffee maker
You need to clean it regularly. Here’s how.
Dryer check
Clean lint from your dryer to prevent build-up and a potential fire. Learn how here.
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.
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.
Household energy efficiency
Winter’s creeping up, which means household energy efficiency will become more important than ever. Here are 7 energy-saving tips.
Paint & other flammables
Keep your family and home safe by storing paint and other flammables properly.
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.
Reusable grocery bags
It’s important to properly clean them at least once a month. Here’s why and how.
Smoke detectors
A monthly test keeps your home and family safe. Learn more.
Vampire power
You could be adding five to 10 per cent to your annual electricity bill by not controlling “standby” power. Learn how.