We all know that winter in Canada can be tough on our homes. Now that it’s fall, besides raking leaves around your home in the coming weeks, there are many home maintenance tasks to tackle as temperatures cool.
To help you, we’ve compiled a fall home maintenance checklist for Canadians that you can complete in an afternoon between carving pumpkins and enjoying a warm drink.
Often overlooked, these tasks primarily focus on your electrical systems to help keep you, your home, and your family safe. We’ve included both indoor and outdoor items to check off, so you can rest assured that everything is taken care of.
You can download a printable version of this checklist here.
Indoor Fall Home Maintenance Checklist:
- Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if needed. Ensure they are functioning correctly. If any are dysfunctional, replace them immediately.
- Inspect Electrical Outlets and Switches: Look for loose outlets or switches and tighten them if necessary. Check for any signs of discoloration, burning, or sparking around outlets and switches.
- Inspect Cords and Extension Cables: Examine cords and extension cables for damage or fraying. Replace damaged cords to prevent electrical hazards.
- Heating System Maintenance: Clean and inspect your heating system, including furnaces and baseboard heaters. Vacuuming dust and changing filters make a difference. For any more significant issues, consider scheduling a professional HVAC inspection.
- Check Electrical Panel: If you use space heaters or other devices that consume more energy, you want to ensure your electrical system is in working order. Ensure your electrical panel is labelled correctly. If you experience frequent tripped circuit breakers, consult an electrician.
- Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Press the “Test” button on GFCI outlets to ensure they trip correctly. After testing, reset them.
- Inspect Lighting: Replace any burnt-out lightbulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. Clean fixtures and replace damaged ones.
Outdoor Fall Home Maintenance Checklist:
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water from reaching outdoor electrical outlets.
- Secure Loose Electrical Boxes: Check for loose or wobbly electrical boxes on the exterior of your home and tighten them. It is also wise to check your roof and ensure your electrical service stack is intact.
- Inspect Outdoor Outlets and Wiring: Check for exposed or damaged outdoor wiring and ensure outdoor outlets have weatherproof covers.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim branches that may be too close to power lines. Avoid contact between trees and power lines to prevent electrical hazards.
- Generator Inspection: If you have a backup generator, ensure it’s in good working condition. Schedule maintenance if necessary. Be sure that air intake vents are clear, or the unit may not function.
- Secure Outdoor Lighting: Check outdoor lighting fixtures, pathway lights and security lights. Clean or replace bulbs and repair damaged fixtures.
- Pool and Hot Tub Maintenance: Ensure all pool and hot tub electrical components are in good working order. If necessary, consider scheduling an inspection.
- Prepare for Winter: Disconnect and store seasonal outdoor electrical equipment, like lawnmowers or trimmers. Ensure outdoor outlets and extension cords are protected from winter elements.
Completing these various maintenance tasks is the best way to ensure your electrical system is safe and prepare your home for cooler temperatures. Don’t forget to download the fall home maintenance checklist to help you out.
If you find any problems in your home that are on this list, it’s also wise to enlist the support of a professional. For any electrical services you may need, Kraun is here for you! You can connect with us by calling (905) 684-6895, emailing service@kraun.ca, or using our online booking system.
Enjoy the season!
