Winter Maintenance Tips

With winter fast approaching in the weeks ahead, the Sorbara team would like to share essential winter maintenance tips to ensure the safety and optimal functionality of your home.

CLOSE YOUR EXTERIOR HOSE BIBS FOR THE WINTER
To prevent pipe damage due to freezing temperatures, it’s essential to winterize your exterior hose connections (bibbs) before the onset of winter. Follow these steps to ensure your home is protected:
– Disconnect All Hoses: Remove any hoses, sprinklers, and attachments connected to exterior hose bibs. This helps prevent trapped water from freezing and expanding.
– Turn Off Interior Water Supply Lines: Locate the water supply lines that lead to your outdoor bibs, and turn them off from inside your home.
– Drain the Lines: Open each hose bib to drain any residual water in the line. Leaving them open will prevent pressure build-up and reduce the risk of pipe bursts.

CLEAN FURNACE & AIR HANDLER FILTERS
Regularly maintaining your furnace and air handler filters is essential for your system’s efficiency and your home’s air quality. Here’s how to ensure your filters are in optimal condition:
– Change Filters Every 3 Months: Replace or clean your furnace and air handler filters at least every three months. This helps the system operate efficiently and reduces strain on the furnace.
– Choose the Right Replacement Filter: When buying a new filter, ensure it’s the correct size and is installed correctly. Furnace filters vary by size and type, so consult your existing filter’s specifications.
– Check for Dust Buildup: If you notice dust or debris accumulation, clean the surrounding area to prevent it from circulating in your home.
– It is important that furnace and air handler condensation lines remain in their original position to ensure proper drainage and functionality

AVOID USING OUTDOOR DE-ICER PRODUCTS
De-icing products can cause significant damage to outdoor surfaces if used improperly. Follow these tips to help protect your property:
– Limit Use of Salt and De-Icing Chemicals: Common de-icers such as salt and calcium can harm concrete surfaces, especially on areas like front porches, steps, and patio slabs. These products may cause pitting, cracking, or flaking on surfaces over time.
– Brush Off Excess De-Icer Promptly: If you must use de-icer products, apply them sparingly, and remove any excess from steps and walkways once the ice has melted. Leaving de-icer residues can continue to damage surfaces even after the ice is gone.
– Choose Concrete-Safe De-Icers: If necessary, look for de-icing products labelled as safe for concrete. These are usually designed to be less corrosive and can minimize potential damage.

CLEAR SNOW AND ICE TO REDUCE RISK OF WATER DAMAGE
– Check Vents and Intakes: Regularly ensure that no snow or ice is blocking vents on the exterior of your home, including air intakes and exhaust vents. Blocked vents can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of your home’s heating system.
– Prevent Ice Dams: To reduce the chance of ice dams:
– Clear gutters to allow proper drainage.
– Insulate your attic to reduce heat escape, which can contribute to ice formation.
– Use a roof rake from the ground to safely remove excess snow from roof edges.

CHECK AND REPLACE BATTERIES
– Replace Batteries: Where applicable, change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms at least twice a year. These devices play a crucial role in keeping your home safe, so make this a priority.
– Clean Detectors: Remove the covers from your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and gently vacuum around them with a brush nozzle to clear out dust or debris. This helps ensure optimal performance and reduces the chance of false alarms.
– Test Alarms Monthly: Press the test button on each alarm to verify they are functioning properly. If they don’t sound, replace the batteries or the device if it’s outdated.

GIVE YOUR ERV (ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION) SOME ATTENTION
– Understand the Benefits: Your HRV system helps improve indoor air quality and conserve energy by recirculating heat back into your furnace.
– Clean Filters Regularly: Clean every 3 months by removing and gently rinsing or vacuuming to remove dust. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when doing so.
– Check Outdoor Vents: Inspect the outdoor air intake and exhaust vents regularly to ensure they are clear of snow, ice, or debris that could block airflow.

MAINTAIN PROPER RELATIVE HUMIDITY IN THE HOME
– Monitor Humidity Levels: Keep indoor humidity between 35-45% to balance comfort and prevent issues. Use a hygrometer to monitor levels accurately.
– Adjust Settings in Winter: In colder months, keep humidity above 30% to reduce condensation or frost on windows but not too high to cause moisture issues.
– Use Humidifiers Wisely: If using a humidifier, clean it regularly to avoid bacteria or mould growth. Use exhaust fans in areas prone to moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms, to manage humidity effectively.