Matt Hergot

Matt Hertog
Lead Warranty Technician 

Meet Matt – our Lead Warranty Technician. Continue reading as Matt helps you with this year’s fall maintenance.

As the vibrant colours of summer begin to fade and the crisp air of autumn starts to settle in, it’s time to shift our focus towards preparing our homes for the upcoming season. Fall is a perfect opportunity to tackle a range of interior and exterior maintenance of your home to ensure it is in top condition during the colder months. We asked our Lead Warranty Technician, Matt, to help us prepare a checklist for you to follow: 

Exterior Maintenance:

  • Clear out the gutters and downspouts: Fall means falling leaves and these can quickly accumulate in your gutters and downspouts, causing clogs that lead to water damage. Regularly clean out debris to ensure proper drainage, preventing potential issues during rainy fall days.
  • Inspect the roof: Before the rainy season hits, examine your roof for any signs of damage. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, and areas where leaks might occur. Addressing these issues early can prevent water from seeping into your home.
  • Seal the windows and doors: Drafts around windows and doors can lead to energy inefficiency. Inspect and seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulk to keep your home cozy and reduce energy costs.
  • Turn off outside water for winter: Before winter sets in, turn off the water supply to your home and drain the pipes to prevent freezing. Locate the main shut-off valve and open your faucets until the water flows out, safeguarding your plumbing from the chill.
  • Store outdoor furniture: As the outdoor season comes to an end, clean and properly store your patio furniture, garden tools, and other outdoor equipment. This helps prolong their lifespan and prevents damage from harsh weather.
  • Trim trees and bushes: Trimming overgrown trees and bushes not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also prevents branches from potentially falling onto your property during storms.
  • Prepare for fall landscaping: Rake leaves regularly to prevent them from forming a thick layer that can suffocate your lawn. Consider aerating and fertilizing your lawn to ensure healthy growth next spring.

Interior Maintenance 

  • Inspect and clean the dryer vent: Lint buildup in your dryer vent can create a fire hazard. Clean out the vent and hose to ensure efficient and safe operation.
  • Clean your HRV or ERV: Clean and replace your filters, checking the efficiency of the system and ensuring proper ventilation.
  • Change your Furnace Filter: Replace that dirty filter with a clean one! A clogged furnace filter can cause allergies and dust to circulate through your HVAC and can cause the system to distribute air ineffectively.
  • Test your sump pump: To test your sump pump, listen for its operational sound when it kicks in, indicating it’s working as expected; any unusual noises or silence might signal a need for maintenance or troubleshooting.
  • Clean fireplaces: If you have a fireplace, autumn is the time to ensure it’s safe to use during colder evenings. Start by cleaning the glass fireplace – this ensures that you know how well your fireplace is performing and extends the life of your fireplace because it can alert you to any issues it may be having otherwise.
  • Check insulation: Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. Inspect your attic insulation and consider adding more if needed.

Is your Home Ready for Fall?

View our full Fall Home Maintenance Series on our YouTube channel!

The Benefits of Living in an Energy-Efficient Home During the Fall Months:

Did you know that all Activa homes are energy-efficient – either to ENERGY STAR or Net Zero Ready? For those living in an energy-efficient home, you won’t have to worry as much about interior maintenance during seasonal changes. Activa homes are more durable – with high-performance windows, ultra-efficient heating and cooling systems, and better insulated walls making your fall maintenance checklist even easier! Let’s understand why:

  • Extra Insulation in Walls & Ceilings: A Net Zero Ready home’s superior insulation minimizes heat loss, ensuring your living space remains warm and comfortable during cooler months.
  • Triple Pane Windows: As the temperatures drop in the fall, drafty windows can make your home feel chilly and uncomfortable. Triple pane windows are designed to minimize drafts, creating a more comfortable indoor environment. These come in all Activa new homes.
  • Energy Recovery Ventilation System: Fall maintenance also involves ensuring proper ventilation and indoor air quality. Net Zero Ready and ENERGY STAR homes have an ERV system to maintain optimal indoor air quality while minimizing energy loss through ventilation.
  • Smart Home Integration: Activa homes can be upgraded to include smart home technologies that allow you to monitor and control various aspects of your home remotely. This proves invaluable during fall when temperature fluctuations are common. You can adjust heating settings, control lighting, and even manage your renewable energy system through a mobile app, ensuring your home is energy-efficient and comfortable.

 

PLUS, With the purchase of an Activa home, our partner Tarion has you covered under warranty for years to come. For more information on what is covered, please go to Tarion and log in to see your home details. You can also check your Customer Experience Binder for more specifics!

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