Fall Maintenance Tips

As fall is in full swing, the Sorbara Group of Companies would like to remind homeowners of essential maintenance tips and key areas of focus to ensure their homes continue to perform at their best.

CLEAN YOUR FURNACE & AIR HANDLER FILTERS
• It is a good idea to clean or change your furnace filter every three months to ensure your furnace/air
conditioner does not have to work too hard. Your furnace filter is found between the large return air
duct and the furnace. If you replace the filter, ensure your replacement is the correct size and is
oriented correctly. Filters come in many sizes, so refer to your existing filter when purchasing a new one.

MAINTAIN RELATIVE HOME HUMIDITY
• As winter approaches, the air (both outside and inside) will dry out significantly as the humidity levels
drop. This can cause wood products in your home to shrink, creating small gaps between boards in
hardwood floors.
• In the absence of a dehumidifier, you can also run your exhaust. Your principal exhaust fan (found in
your Main Bath) can be controlled by either the switch in the bathroom, or the switch located in your
Dining Room.
• Running your furnace fan by switching your thermostat from “Auto” to “On” can also help the
dehumidification process.
• Remember to keep humidity levels in the home between 35-45%

CLEAN OUT YOUR EAVESTROUGHS AND DOWN SPOUTS
• Late fall is an excellent time to check your eavestroughs and downspouts to ensure they are clean and
working properly.
• A clean trough and downspout system will promote rapid removal of surface water from the rooftop
and away from your home.
• Damages resulting from a poorly maintained eavestrough and downspout system may not be covered
by your Tarion Warranty.

CLOSE YOUR EXTERIOR HOSE BIBS FOR THE WINTER
• To avoid possible pipe damages, your exterior hose connections (bibs) should be properly “winterized”
before the onset of the winter months. To do so, you should disconnect your current hoses, sprinklers,
etc. from the bibs, then turn off the supply lines from inside your home and drain the supply lines
outside your home.