After You Buy: A Yearly Home Maintenance Calendar for Ottawa Homeowners

Aug 29

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—and protecting that investment means more than just paying the mortgage. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, keeps your systems running efficiently, and ensures your home remains safe and comfortable throughout the year.

We’ve put together a simple, seasonal checklist that breaks down the key tasks every Ottawa homeowner should tackle.

January & February: Winter Efficiency

Clean or replace your furnace filter
Wash or replace your HRV (heat recovery ventilator) filter
Clear snow and debris from air intakes and exhaust vents
Clean your oven range hood filter
Empty the basement floor drain trap and refill with water if needed

March & April: Spring Prep

Change furnace and HRV filters again
Turn off and clean your humidifier
Test your sump pump to prepare for spring melt
Inspect eavestroughs and downspouts
Look for water damage in your basement or crawl space
Ensure your yard slopes away from the foundation

May & June: Windows & Outdoors

Open and inspect outdoor hose connections
Wash windows, screens, and hardware
Clean oven range hood filter
Turn off your HRV if you open windows in summer
Start landscaping projects and garden prep

July & August: Mid-Summer Check

Use a dehumidifier in damp basements
Clean filters in your air conditioning system
Inspect exterior finishes, caulking, and weatherstripping
Service your furnace or heating system for fall

September & October: Fall Focus

Clean your fireplace and chimney if needed
Clear leaves from eavestroughs
Inspect your roof for wear or damage
Prepare outdoor plants and trees for winter
Reactivate your HRV if it was turned off in summer

November & December: Winter Readiness

Service your furnace and replace filters
Turn on humidifiers if needed
Test space heating systems
Ensure gas valves are clear of ice and snow
Close vents to crawl spaces

Annual & Long-Term Tasks

Once a year: Vacuum behind warm-air and return-air grills, lubricate garage door tracks, check smoke alarms, and inspect your attic for moisture.
Every 2–5 years: Refinish wood surfaces, repair driveway cracks, clean the septic system, and check chimney caps and caulking.

Why This Matters

Small maintenance tasks add up to big savings. A clogged filter can shorten the life of your furnace, unchecked water damage can compromise your foundation, and neglected caulking can lead to costly drafts or leaks. By following this seasonal checklist, you’ll not only extend the life of your home’s systems but also enjoy greater comfort and peace of mind year-round.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Ottawa?