Do's:

• Keep your eavestroughs clean and in good condition at all times. Most water infiltration problems are a direct result of clogged troughs and downspouts. If you are in a new development or in a neighborhood with no mature trees, things like birds, construction debris, and tennis balls can add to the clogging problem.
• Keep your furnace filter clean. Generally speaking your furnace filter should be changed every 8 to 12 weeks, even during the cooling season. If you have pets, live in a new development, or a somewhat dusty environment, it is recommended you change it every 6 weeks.
• Set your furnace thermostat fan to "On' instead of 'Auto'. There are two benefits to the fan being constantly on;
  • The fan will keep the air moving through your home and filter it constantly.
  • This will slow the $ HEAT LOSS $ process causing your furnace to cycle less.
• Consult your local Authority having jurisdiction for specific bylaws pertaining to the number of smoke and CO detection devices and their placement within your building.
• Unlike smoke, which rises to the ceiling, CO mixes with air. Recognizing this, a CO detector should be located at knee-height (which is about the same as prone sleeping height). Due to the possibility of tampering or damage by pets, children, vacuum cleaners and the like, it may be located up to chest height. To work properly, a detector should not be blocked by furniture, draperies or other obstructions to normal air flow. If a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector is used, it should be located on the ceiling, to ensure that it will detect smoke effectively. For more information on CO safety: Keeping Safe from the "Silent Killer " - The Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council (Province of Ontario)
• Have a properly maintained Fire Extinguisher on hand - not the one from your dad who has had it in the garage for the last 15 years - It is recommended to have a 5LBS Type ABC extinguisher and it should have maintenance done every 6 years, or immediately upon discharge.
• Use braided steel supply lines on your washing machine
• Check the depth and condition of your attic insulation - . More heat is lost through poor attic insulation than anywhere else in your home.
• A properly managed humidifier can actually lower your heating cost. Moist air 'feels' warmer to us than drier air; keep your humidifier well maintained and have the water set to the proper level and you may be able to turn the heat down a few degrees

Do Not's:

• Do not use angled air diverters on your floor diffuser (where the warm air comes out). Your HVAC is designed to blanket the outer walls with warm air. This is why floor diffusers are located on exterior walls at doors and windows
• Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring. Hire a licensed electrician to properly install a wired outlet
• Do not use the area around or on top of your furnace or water heater for storage; these areas get hot and any material in the vicinity can create a fire hazard
• Do not use vinyl ducting for your dryer - only install ULC approved ducting for dryer vents
• Do not use in-tank toilet bowl cleaners. The harsh chemicals will cause the gaskets and seals in the flush mechanism to break down prematurely and cause possible leaks (and your blue tongued dog will thank you too!). These types of chemicals are not to be used for septic systems either!
• Cold air return/intake should not be blocked by furniture . Be sure to leave adequate space to allow for proper air-flow. Air flow to these intake grilles are crucial to the proper operation of the HVAC system