Regular maintenance

• Clean or replace all filters in your home regularly. Dirty filters make your system work harder and run longer than necessary.
• Clean and service furnaces regularly. Oil-fired furnaces need annual maintenance, natural gas and propane furnaces should be serviced at least every two years.
• Change furnace filters at least every 90 days (or cleaned, if you use a permanent filter).
• Empty or bleed the air from hot water radiators once or twice a year so they can fill fully with water and work more efficiently.
• Keep air flowing by not obstructing vents or return air grilles with furniture.
• Check all exterior vents. Ensuring your vents are in good condition is crucial for the safety and energy-efficiency of your home. Replace any broken exhaust vent covers to maintain proper airflow. Clean out dryer vents regularly, as accumulated lint can be a fire hazard. In the winter, check that furnace and hot water tank vent pipes are not blocked by snow and ice. Use your hand to gently clear away snow; avoid using shovels or blowers, as they can damage the vent pipes. Keeping your vents clean and unobstructed helps reduce fire risks and ensures your heating systems operate effectively.

Preventing drafts and heating/cooling loss

• Use draft stoppers (draft snakes) along the bottom of doors or windows. Draft stoppers block cold air from creeping in and warm air from escaping. If you don't have one, you can easily make a DIY draft stopper by rolling up a towel or using an old sock filled with rice.
• Apply weather-stripping around older exterior doors
• Seal cracks and penetrations on the walls, ceilings or floors to prevent air from escaping into the walls and roof.
• Seal areas of air leakage around all window and door casings, mouldings, and baseboards.
• Seal all supply ductwork with aluminum foil duct tape, approved flexible plastic tape, or water-based mastic.
• Seal and insulate cooling and ventilation ducts running through basements, crawl spaces, or unheated attics.
• Insulate hot and cold water pipes by covering the first two metres with foam sleeves. Leave a 15 cm (6-inch) clearance between insulation and vent pipes on fuel-fired water heaters.
• Install foam insulation gaskets behind electrical outlet and light-switch faceplate's. Small drafts can enter your home through faceplate's on exterior walls. Installing foam gaskets behind faceplate's is a simple and affordable way to reduce air leakage. Just remove the faceplate, place the gasket over the outlet or light switch, and screw the plate back on. For extra insulation, consider using baby-proofing outlet faceplate's to block unused outlets.

Kitchen

• Use the microwave to reheat food.
• Don't pre-rinse dishes, scrape dishes instead, let the washing do the rest.
• Use the air dry feature on a dishwasher.
• Use the dishwasher setting with the best cleaning in least amount of time.
• Allow room for air-flow in your fridge (don't overfill).
• Keep the fridge away from heat sources such as heat vents, stove, and sun.

Bathroom

• Install a water-saving shower head to use less hot water (look for one that has a flow rate of less than 7.6 litres per minute).
• Take a shower instead of bath to save on hot water costs.
• Use a low-flow toilet that uses 4.8 litres per flush to save water.
• Buy a faucet aerator to use less hot water (choose aerators that deliver 3.0 to 5.7 litres per minute of water).
• Install a timer switch for your fan (do not leave manual fans running unattended).

Laundry

• Pre-soak stained clothes (avoid re-washing)
• Choose high-speed or extended spin to remove maximum amount of water before drying clothes.
• Wash in warm or preferably cold water.
• Clean the lint trap in the dryer after every load to maximize air flow and efficiency.
• Avoid over-drying, use the sensor setting or time it just right.
• Don't overfill the dryer to ensure maximum airflow and reduce strain on motor.
• Sort by thickness, light items in one load, thick items in another.
• Avoid the dryer and air-dry clothes.

Appliances

Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and fixtures

• Fridge (use 10 percent less energy*).
• Range hood fan (use 50 percent less energy*).
• Dishwasher (use 12 percent less energy*).
• Washing machine: (save 25 percent more energy, use 33% less water*).
• Clothes Dryer (save 20 percent more energy*).
• Water heaters.
• Bathroom ventilation fan (use 50% less energy*).
• TV (use 25 percent less energy*).
• Audio/video products (use up to 70percent less energy*).
• Computer monitors (use 25 percent less energy*).
• Cordless phone (use 40 percent less energy*).
• Lighting fixtures (use up to 90 percent less energy**).
• Ceiling fans (use 60 percent less energy*).

*Compared to standard models / **Compared to incandescent bulbs.

Electrical

• Replace light bulbs with LED bulbs.
• Use dimmable LED bulbs and compatible dimmer switches.
• Use a smart power strip to cut power to devices not in use.
• Enable low power settings on devices to save energy and help your batteries last longer.
• Use natural light from windows instead of turning on the lights.
• Turn off lights when not in use.
• Install motion sensors to reduce your light use.

Create some summer shade

• Use awnings, blinds or drapes to keep direct rays of sunshine from overheating the room in the summer.
• Plant strategically positioned trees to help keep direct sunlight from overheating your home in the summer.

Maintain your gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling around your home's foundation, which may cause leaks and structural damage over time. Regularly cleaning out leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters ensures proper drainage and prevents costly water-related issues. If you want an extra layer of protection, consider installing gutter guards to minimize buildup.

Redirect downspouts

Even if your gutters are clear, they won't be effective if your downspout's direct water too close to your home. To prevent water from seeping into your foundation, extend your downspout's at least eight feet away. You can direct the water further into your yard or garden for better drainage.

Install rain barrels

For a more sustainable downspout solution, consider collecting rainwater with a rain barrel. This allows you to collect water for gardening, lawn care, and other outdoor uses, reducing your reliance on tap water and saving on water costs. If your rain barrel is full and rain is in the forecast, drain it onto your lawn to make room for new water collection.

Windfall Ecology Centre has an annual Big Savings Rain Barrel Sale in Durham and York Regions

Protect pipes from freezing

During the colder months, exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, or attics are at risk of freezing and bursting. Wrapping pipes in foam insulation or old towels can help maintain a stable temperature and prevent costly damage. If temperatures drop significantly, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving and reduce the risk of freezing.

Maintain your window wells

If your home has window wells, check them regularly and keep them clear of debris. Leaves and other organic matter can break down and clog the drains beneath the wells, leading to water buildup. In winter, snow and ice can also accumulate and should be removed to prevent drainage issues. Installing a window well cover can help minimize maintenance and keep your wells clear year-round.

Fix leaky outdoor faucets

A leaky outdoor faucet may seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to water waste and even foundation damage if left unchecked. Continuous dripping can cause water to pool around your home, increasing the risk of moisture seeping into your basement or weakening the foundation over time. To fix the leak, start by tightening the packing nut or replacing the washer inside the faucet. If the issue persists, you may need to replace the faucet or check for damage in the connected pipes. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your outdoor faucets can help prevent costly repairs and conserve water.

Clear storm sewer grates

Blocked storm sewer grates are one of the leading causes of flooding, especially during heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Keeping the grate clear of leaves, dirt, and other debris ensures that water can flow freely, preventing pooling and potential flooding around your home. Regularly check the nearest storm sewer grate to keep it unobstructed and take a few moments to clear any debris that might accumulate over time. This simple maintenance step can help protect your property from water damage during storms and spring thaw.

Managing temperature and humidity

Managing temperature and humidity in a home is essential for maintaining comfort, promoting good health, and protecting your property. Proper control helps prevent issues like mold growth, condensation, and discomfort caused by excessive dryness, heat or cold. Effective management involves using tools like thermostats, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, exhaust fans, and smart monitoring devices. Thermostats and smart monitoring devices can help you manage humidity and temperature as well as track them. By maintaining optimal indoor conditions, typically around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 degrees Celsius) with 30 to 50 percent humidity, you can ensure a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

Ensure adequate ventilation

Proper ventilation is also key to maintaining indoor air quality and preventing excess humidity buildup. Homes that are very airtight may experience lingering cooking smells, condensation on windows, or stale air, indicating a need for better airflow. Using exhaust fans, opening windows strategically, or installing an air exchanger can help regulate indoor humidity and prevent moisture-related issues. Balancing insulation with adequate ventilation ensures a comfortable and healthy living environment year-round.

Keep windows closed at the right times

Opening windows at the wrong time can let in humidity and hot air during summer, making your home feel warmer. In winter, it allows heat to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder and increasing energy costs. To improve energy-efficiency, keep windows closed during extreme weather and only open them for ventilation when temperatures are mild, air quality is good, and humidity levels are low.

Use heavy curtains or thermal blinds

Windows can be a major source of heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Installing thick, insulated curtains or thermal blinds can help regulate indoor temperatures by keeping the cold out in the winter and blocking excessive heat in the summer. Consider choosing light-colored curtains for the summer to reflect heat and darker ones in winter to absorb warmth.

Use kitchen and bathroom fans

Kitchen and bathroom fans are another method to controlling household humidity and maintaining a comfortable temperature. They can also prevent mold growth (excess humidity promotes mold growth) and promote good indoor air quality.

Running a kitchen or bathroom fan will:

• Remove steam from cooking.
• Remove moisture from the bathroom.
• Promote proper ventilation to maintain ideal indoor humidity.
• Reduce stale, humid air.
• Cool down the space by removing moist, hot air.

Trim overhanging trees

Strong winds, heavy snow, and storms can cause tree branches to break and damage your home's roof, siding, or windows. Regularly trimming trees around your house helps prevent storm-related damage while keeping your gutters free from excessive leaves. If you're unsure about which branches to cut, consult an arborist to avoid harming the tree's health.