Home upkeep in Alberta
What a house here needs, how often, and why. Each task names where it comes from: the building code, a builder’s homeowner manual, or CMHC.
Appliances
Electrical
Envelope
Foundation
Heating and cooling
- Change the furnace filter
- Check the air vents are not blocked by leaves or debris
- Check the ventilation fan is running
- Clean the HRV core and filters
- Have the chimney cleaned and serviced
- Service the air conditioning
- Service the furnace before winter
- Service the humidifier for the season
- Vacuum the bathroom fan grille
- Wash the range hood filter
Materials
Plumbing
- Blow out the sprinkler lines
- Check and clean the backwater valve
- Clean the sump pit and catch basin
- Drain and refill the hot water tank
- Exercise the plumbing shut-off valves
- Have the septic tank pumped out
- Recaulk the tub and shower
- Run water in fixtures you rarely use
- Seal the tub and shower grout
- Shut off and drain the exterior hose bibs
- Test the sump pump
- Test the tank's temperature and pressure relief valve
- Test the well water for bacteria and chemicals
- Top up the floor drain traps