Our summer maintenance guide includes a breakdown of items for inspection so that you can be sure your home is always running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Inspect air conditioning to ensure it’s properly functioning; schedule a tune-up if necessary.
Summer’s heat means that your air conditioning unit has to work hard to cool your home, and if not maintained properly, it can cause your electricity bills to rise. To ensure your unit is running as efficiently as possible, replace your air filters regularly and if need be, contact a professional contractor to clean the coils, check the fans for damage and remove any debris.
Remove debris from overhang and vents, and check the roof for wear and tear or damages.
Remove leaves and other debris caused by spring blooms and inspect roof shingles for damages. Shingles that are cracked, buckled, loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. To prevent injury, consult with a professional to clean debris from your home’s overhang and vents.
Check sealing around windows and doors for air and water leaks.
To help increase your home’s energy efficiency, recaulk seals on doors and windows. Weather stripping will wear out over time and should be replaced as part of regular homeowner maintenance.
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
GFCI outlets help prevent you from electrical shock, as they are specially designed to cut power from the outlet when an imbalance or power surge flows through them. To test, locate the two rectangular buttons between the cord slots. Press the test button with your finger; you will hear a snap that trips the outlet and cuts off the power to the two plug connections. Once confirmed that the safety function is working properly, press the reset button to restore power to the outlet.
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working correctly. Cachet homes feature dual function smoke alarms (hard wired with battery backup) that should be replaced only when the unit’s lifespan has been exhausted, approximately every 10 years. Check your fire extinguishers to ensure there are no leaks and that the pin is in place.
Check garage and garage door tracks for deterioration and lubricate bearings.
With the garage door closed, check your garage door panels from the inside, ensuring there are no loose pieces, cracks, separations or damage. If necessary, lubricate bearings.
Air out damp basement on a dry, sunny day.
Airing out your basement cleans and freshens the air throughout your whole home, and can help reduce mold growth, as it eliminates any moisture in the air. We strongly encourage you purchase a stand-alone dehumidifier and run it in your basement to alleviate excess moisture. This unit should be kept running throughout the warmer months and can also be used on damp winter days.
Check or clean exhaust fans.
Turn the fan off at the switch or circuit breaker, then remove the cover. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a bristle brush attachment to clean the cover and grill thoroughly, then reinstall the cover.
Check water heater for leaks.
For gas heaters, if rust is present without signs of a leak, condensation may be forming inside the tank. Call Enercare for any servicing matters.
Inspect doors and locks for proper closure.
Check that exterior doors are opening and closing smoothly, and do not bind or drag when in use. Ensure that weather stripping is installed and replace if need be. For locks, the dead bolts should fully extend into their respective jambs, and keys should smoothly lock and unlock the deadbolt.
Clean or replace furnace filter, humidifier and heat recovery ventilator (HRV).
Furnace filter: A clogged furnace filter will impact air flow throughout the house; be sure to replace it every three months.
Humidifier: Ensure the equipment is turned off during the summer months and before servicing (consult user manual).
HRV: Ensure the equipment is off before servicing (consult user manual). Gently clean and dry HRV filter before reinstalling. A light vacuuming of the HRV unit may be required, as some dust and debris from the exterior can make its way in.
Turn on hose bibs.
Turn on both your garage and rear yard hose bibs. For homeowners receiving sod this season, ensure you have garden hoses in place.
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