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Have furnace or heating system serviced by
a qualified service company every two years for a gas furnace, and every
year for an oil furnace. |
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Open furnace humidifier damper on units
with central air conditioning and clean humidifier. |
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Lubricate circulating pump on hot water
heating system. |
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Bleed air from hot water radiators. |
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Examine the forced air furnace fan belt for
wear, looseness or noise; clean fan blades of any dirt build-up (after
disconnecting the electricity to the motor first). |
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Turn ON gas furnace pilot light. |
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Check and clean or replace furnace air
filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation system, such
as heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months. |
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Vacuum electric baseboard heaters to remove
dust. |
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Remove the grilles on forced air systems
and vacuum inside the ducts. |
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If the heat recovery ventilator has been
shut off for the summer, clean the filters and the core, and pour water
down the condensate drain to test it. |
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Clean portable humidifier, if one is used. |
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Have well water tested for quality. It is
recommended that you test for bacteria every six months. |
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Check sump pump and line to ensure proper
operation, and to ascertain that there are no line obstructions or
visible leaks. |
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Replace window screens with storm windows. |
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Remove screens from the inside of casement
windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off
window glass. |
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Ensure all doors to the outside shut
tightly, and check other doors for ease of use. Renew door
weather-stripping if required. |
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If there is a door between your house and
the garage, check the adjustment of the self-closing device to ensure it
closes the door completely. |
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Ensure windows and skylights close tightly. |
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Cover outside of air conditioning units. |
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Ensure that the ground around your home
slopes away from the foundation wall, so that water does not drain into
your basement. |
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Clean leaves from eaves troughs and roofs,
and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof. |
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Check chimneys for obstructions such as
nests. |
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Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close valve
to outdoor hose connection and drain the hose bib (exterior faucet),
unless your house has frost proof hose bibs. |
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If you have a septic tank, measure the
sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before the
spring. Tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years. |
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Winterize landscaping, for example, store
outdoor furniture, prepare gardens and, if necessary, protect young
trees or bushes for winter. |
