Over the last weeks much of Canada has experienced the first lovely days of Spring weather filled with sunshine and warmer temperatures. As we begin preparing for the arrival of warmer temperatures by setting up patio furniture and firing up the BBQ don’t overlook the mechanical appliances that worked hard to get you through the winter. Now is the perfect time to show them some love and ensure you’re prepared for the seasons ahead! We’ve assembled a comprehensive list of homeowner maintenance items to ensure you have a comfortable and healthier Spring this year!
To keep your home healthy and your systems running at peak efficiency, here are the essential steps to take this season:
Test Your Air Conditioner Early
You likely won’t need it consistently for a few more weeks, but making sure it’s ready for the summer heat now is a smart move. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you don’t run into issues:
- Clean your Air Conditioner: The small fins that wrap around your air conditioner are called its condenser coil. It’s important to ensure that they’re clear of any dirt or build up for unit to operate properly. It’s safe and easy to clean with your garden hose.
- Tidy around your AC or Heat Pump: Make sure there’s no debris or long grass that’s collected around the base of your unit.
- Give it a Professional Tune-Up: A licensed technician can do a much more thorough tune-up of your unit including reviewing electrical and refrigerant operations that aren’t safe for a homeowner to do themselves. Don’t wait for the first sweltering day to find out there’s an issue! Contact your local ClimateCare today to book an appointment at the front of the line!
- Prepare for Cooling Season: When you’re ready to turn off the heat and enjoy cooler temperatures indoors, remember to adjust your thermostat’s operation to cooling mode. If you have a multi-storey home, it’s advisable to close the basement vents as cool air drops. This forces more cool air into the hotter upstairs living and sleeping spaces.
Change Your Furnace Filter
This is critical for indoor air quality and essential to ensure your air conditioner has the required airflow to work properly when the time comes.
Set Your Humidifier To Summer Mode
If you have a central humidifier attached to your furnace, now is the time to switch it over to summer mode to avoid unnecessary moisture during the humid months.
Clean Your ERV/HRV Core & Filters
Fresh air is vital for your health. Ensure your ventilation system is running smoothly by clearing any accumulated dirt or debris from the outdoor intake and exhaust screens.
Check Your Smoke and Co Detectors
It could save your life! Ensure your home stays safe by testing every smoke and Carbon Monoxide detector and replacing batteries as needed.
Important Update!
In case you missed it, the fire code in Ontario changed on January 1st this year. While these changes have not been mandated in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia or PEI at this time, they are still considered good practice to follow. The key changes:
- Carbon Monoxide alarms are required on every storey of a home, even if there are no bedrooms or sleeping areas.
- The expanded rules apply both to homes with a fuel-burning appliance like a gas-fired furnace, water heater and/or fireplace, but also to homes with attached garages.
- Alarms can be hardwired, battery-operated, or plug-in. Hardwired or plug-in models must have a battery backup to remain functional during power outages.
- All alarms must meet Canadian safety standards, such as CSA-6.19 or UL 2034.
- Failure to comply with the Fire Code can lead to fines, and non-compliance may negatively affect insurance claims related to CO incidents
For more information about the Ontario Fire Code changes and safety practices, you can visit:
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management’s website. Look for technical bulletins or the “Fire safety for your home” section to find the latest regulation updates.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) website. While they focus on gas appliances, they often publish warnings and safety news regarding CO alarm requirements.
You can also visit the Government of Ontario website which outlines the changes to the code.
For more information about the fire code and safety practices in Maritime Provinces, you can visit:
- The Government of Nova Scotia: Carbon Monoxide Safety.
- The Government of New Brunswick: Fire Marshal.
- The PEI Legislative Assembly: Fire Safety Act.
You can also visit Health Canada’s page about Fire Safety in Your Home.
If you’re curious, feel free to book an appointment with one of our Comfort Advisors to answer whatever questions you’ve got!
