Home Maintenance Suggestions
By Stephanie Miller, Marketing Coordinator
I think it is safe to say that no one is complaining about the winter we’ve had in Calgary. We’re already half way through February and have rarely had to shovel snow! Although this great weather might be deceiving, we need to remember that it’s still winter and that there are seasonal home maintenance items to look out for. So this week we checked in with our Customer Response Team for their top 3 February home maintenance suggestions.
First, it’s incredibly important to monitor the humidity in your home. Due to the connection between the outside temperature and the indoor relative humidity, a home’s humidity levels need to be monitored and adjusted accordingly by the homeowner. One tip we suggest when monitoring your homes humidity is to check your windows. If you see condensation forming at the bottom of your window then the humidity in your home is too high.
Next, it’s important to prevent ice damming in your downspouts. Ice damming refers to your downspout becoming blocked and therefore unable to properly drain water away from your homes foundation. To help prevent ice damming in the downspout, you need to make sure there isn’t any buildup (ex. snow or leaves) at the bottom of the downspout.
Last, but not least, during a cold snap check your exterior exhaust pipes (see above photo for example). There can sometimes be ice buildup that forms at the end of the pipes that can create blockage. This may cause your hot water tank to stop working.
Remember that your home is an investment and as such it is important that you properly maintain it to ensure that everything continues to work efficiently. For more suggestions, as well as a monthly checklist, we recommend reading through Alberta New Home Warranty’s ‘Care and Maintenance Guide’.
Have a great weekend,
Cedarglen Homes