The clock’s moved ahead, the sun is hanging around longer, and the forecast predicts rain instead of snow… Spring Cleaning you say!

With less than two weeks till the official “First day of spring” there are many maintenance activities that you can do to your home that will help protect your investment and may even save you money.  Here are some Spring Maintenance tips that CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation) offers……

Spring

1.   After consulting your hot water tank owner’s manual, carefully test the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it is not stuck. Caution: This test may release hot water that can cause burns.

2.    Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation  system, for example heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months.

3.     Have fireplace or woodstove and chimney cleaned and serviced as needed.

4.    Shut down and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning.

5.      Check air conditioning system and have serviced every two or three years.

6.      Clean or replace air conditioning filter (if applicable).

7.      Check dehumidifier and clean if necessary.

8.      Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible.

9.      Have well water tested for quality. It is recommended that you test for bacteria every six months.

10.   Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms and replace batteries.

11.   Clean windows, screens and hardware, and replace storm windows with screens. Check screens first and repair or replace if needed.

12.  Open valve to outside hose connection after all danger of frost has passed.

13.  Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required. Repair and paint fences as necessary.

14.  Ensure sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in. Ensure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.

15.  Re-level any exterior steps or decks which moved due to frost or settling.

16.  Check eaves troughs and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clear any obstructions, and ensure water flows away from your foundation.

17.  Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris.

18.  Undertake spring landscape maintenance and, if necessary, fertilize young trees.