Start Outside
Time to check for problems outside that you may have neglected over the dark, colder winter months.
Lighting and visibility
Outdoor lights often get overlooked after a long winter. Check each outdoor light, fixture, and motion sensor. Replace burnt-out bulbs and replace or repair faulty light fixtures or sensors. (Call us if you need help replacing your old outdoor light fixtures.)
Gutters and drainage
Melting snow can overwhelm your drainage system and cause water to pool near the foundation of your home. Clear debris from eaves. Check that downspouts are connected and able to effectively direct water away from your home. (This is really important to do before a big melt!)
Outdoor water lines
Don’t turn on your outside water too early in the season. If you use your outdoor water too soon, and then temperatures drop, ice can become trapped in your water lines and pipes.
Ice in your water lines can lead to expansion and damage.
If you like washing your car or doing some gardening early in the season, consider installing frost-free faucets that prevent ice from forming in the outdoor water lines.
Test your AC early
Don’t wait for the first hot day. Clean the outdoor unit carefully and ensure airflow is not restricted. A shop vac or leaf blower can be used to clean debris, such as leaves and garbage, around the AC's outdoor unit.
Removing dust from the compressor can help your AC unit run more efficiently. Be very careful not to damage the fins. The metal fins in your AC compressor can be damaged very easily. Do not use a pressure washer to clean your outdoor AC compressor unit.
The Utility Room
There are a few checks and cleanings that can save you dollars down the road and help maintain your plumbing, heating, air conditioning & electrical systems.
Furnace filter and airflow
Your furnace has worked hard all winter. Change your air filters every month if you have pets or a busy household during months when the furnace is running most of the time.
Most often, we notice homeowners aren’t changing filters enough, so if you haven’t changed your air filter yet, now is a great time. Clogged filters restrict airflow and add stress to the components.
You can expect to increase the life of your furnace if you keep your furnace clean.
We recommend scheduling a furnace cleaning every 2 years. (Not air ducts, but the furnace itself.)
AC air flow
Poor airflow can cause coils to freeze, reducing cooling and potentially damaging the compressor.
Clean and dust the utility room
Dust is an enemy to all electronics, including your electrical panel and the motherboard in your furnace. Clean around your furnace to increase clean airflow and ensure nothing is obstructing airflow.
Ideally, 3 feet of clearance around your furnace is optimal. (It may require moving items you are storing near the furnace, hot water tank and electrical panel.)
Humidifier maintenance
Most of the furnaces in Edmonton are natural gas forced-air. Forced air can heat a room very quickly, but it also dries out the air.
Because we have dry air in Edmonton, a furnace humidifier is very important. Humidity holds heat, so higher humidity reduces the cost to heat your home.
Mineral buildup can reduce performance. Replace the humidifier pad regularly rather than trying to clean it.
Water heater care
Drain sediment from your water heater tank. Minerals and sediment can build up in your tank over time.
The anode rod in your hot water tank needs to be inspected. The anode rod is a sacrificial component that prevents tank corrosion.
It can save you thousands of dollars if it is checked in time. You may need this to be checked with the help of a plumber.
If you have soft water or whole-home filtration in your home, your anode rod should be checked every 2 years.
On-demand water heater
If you have an on-demand water heater, it needs to be cleaned every one to two years, depending on the hard water in your area.
Over time, scale builds up on the components because of the minerals in the water.
Scheduling regular maintenance will extend the life of your on-demand water heater.
Main water shutoff valve
Know where your main water shut-off valve is, and make sure you can shut it off and on. In an emergency, this can prevent major water damage.
In older homes, they are often difficult to operate and use gate valves. We recommend upgrading to a ball valve for preventative safety.
Electrical panel inspection
Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers. A tripped breaker will usually sit in the middle position.
If it trips again after resetting, there could be a problem.
If your panel is warm or smells like melting or burning, call us.
Sump pump testing
Spring melt can overwhelm systems quickly. Test your pump to ensure it activates properly by testing the float.
Inside the Home
Leaks and running water
Check under sinks, inspect faucets, and test toilets. Small leaks often go unnoticed but can lead to significant damage.
Laundry connections
Check the water lines to your washer for leaks. Hot water lines are prone to wear out faster than cold lines.
Consider upgrading to braided stainless steel lines to prevent unexpected failures.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Test regularly and replace batteries every six months. Ensure your home has carbon monoxide detection on every level.
Moisture & Air Quality
Bathroom fans
Run fans during and after showers to control moisture. Aim for about 25 minutes after use.
This helps prevent mould and mildew. Consider upgrading to a quieter fan or adding a timer.
Adjust your humidity dial
Your humidity dial controls the humidifier connected to your furnace.
In Edmonton, humidity helps retain heat in winter. In spring, reduce humidity levels.
Too much moisture can lead to condensation, mould, and mildew.
Below the Surface: What You Can’t See
Sewer line inspection
Older homes in Edmonton may have aging pipes prone to root intrusion.
A camera inspection can prevent unexpected backups.
If your home was built before 1970, you are at higher risk.
We provide a home inspection with every service call. We offer plumbing, heating, AC, and electrical services in Edmonton and the surrounding areas.