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Maintenance Tips

These plumbing tips will help you keep your pipes and home plumbing faucets and fixtures in good working order.

Turn Valves On and Off

Turn main water supply and fixture valves on and off periodically to make sure they don’t get stuck. You want to be sure you’re never in the position of not being able to turn your water supply off during an emergency or home plumbing repair.

Repair Leaking Faucets

Leaking faucets are not only a nuisance, they can also cause gallons of water to be wasted over time. Leaking faucets with washer fittings can be fixed by replacing the washer. Faucets without washers may require that you consult an installation manual or a specialist at a home plumbing store.

Inspect Your Septic Tank Periodically

This plumbing tip requires that you check your septic tank every three to five years to determine the level of scum and solids on the surface of the tank. The tank should be cleaned if the level of scum exceeds one half of the depth of the water in the tank.

Inspect Pipes Annually

You should examine your distribution and drainage pipes for signs of leaks each year. You may find clues that your pipes are leaking along the length of the pipe or around fittings or fixtures. Signs of leaks may include rust, corrosion, and mineral deposits.

You’ll also want to check the insulation of your hot water pipes periodically and replace any open or damaged areas of insulation. Another plumbing tip includes replacing aerators on faucets several times each year.

Furnaces/Heating

  • Clean or replace the furnace filter once a month to keep it operating efficiently. A clogged filter impedes furnace performance.
  • Have a licensed HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) professional service your furnace yearly to ensure it is operating at maximum efficiency.
  • Insulate heating ducts that travel through unheated areas of your home to prevent heat loss.
  • When buying a new furnace, look for the most energy-efficient model you can find.

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  • Set the furnace fan switch on “automatic” instead of “on” or “continuous”.
  • Use weather stripping and door sweeps to seal doors and reduce drafts.
  • Apply caulking and weather-stripping around drafty doors and windows to keep the cold out. No drafts mean a more comfortable home.
  • Close off air registers in any unused areas or rooms.
  • Keep warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators clean unblocked.

 

Energy Saving Tips

Seasonal Tips – Spring & Summer

Spring cleaning includes making your home energy efficient by:

  • Installing a Programmable Thermostat – Properly set, it can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.
  • Set your central air conditioner for 25°C when you’re at home and 28°C when you’re away.
  • Better still, use ceiling fans to circulate air. The blades should rotate to move the air down to help produce a cooling breeze.
  • Cleaning or Replacing your Air Conditioning Filter Monthly – Dirty filters can restrict air flow and reduce your system’s efficiency.
  • Vacuuming or Brushing Refrigerator Coils to make them more energy efficient.
  • Keeping the Heat Out – Close your blinds and curtains during the day.
  • Replacing your Incandescent Light Bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
  • Turning it Off – Remember to turn off the TV, computer, stereo, DVD players and lights when you’re not using them. Install a power bar with an integrated timer to shut off all your devices at the end of day.
  • Using it During off Peak Hours – Run your dishwasher, washer and dryer early in the morning or in the evening or weekends when electricity demand is lower. When you can, use a clothesline and let the sun and breeze naturally dry your clothes. With time-of-use pricing in place, electricity prices will vary, based on when it is used. This includes by time of day, by day of week (weekdays versus weekend), and by season (winter or summer)

Seasonal Tips – Fall & Winter

Get your Home Ready for the Change in Temperature.

  • Install a Programmable Thermostat – Properly set, it can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. Set your thermostat to 20°C when you’re at home and 18°C when sleeping or away.
  • Check for Gaps in weather stripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches and air conditioners. By reducing drafts, you could save up to 30% a year on heating costs.
  • Change your Furnace Air Filter Monthly – Have a licensed HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) professional service your furnace yearly to ensure it is operating at maximum efficiency.
  • Vacuum Refrigerator Coils to make them more energy efficient.
  • Replace your Incandescent Light Bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
  • Don’t Waste Heat – Close off heat to unused rooms by closing doors. Keep closets doors shut, too.
  • Turn it Off – Remember to turn off the TV, computer, stereo, DVD players and lights when you’re not using them
  • Install a power bar with an integrated timer to shut off all your devices at the end of day.
  • Using it During Off-Peak Hours – Run your dishwasher, washer and dryer early in the morning or in the evening or on weekends when electricity demand is lower. With time-of-use pricing in place, electricity prices will vary, based on when it is used. This includes by time of day, by day of week (weekdays versus weekend), and by season (winter or summer).