(Special)-Winters can be long, cold and tough on our homes. To keep you and your family safe, warm and comfortable, you need to keep your home in top condition.

Regular maintenance is the secret, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). While some maintenance can be done year-round, some of it has to be done seasonally. For example, in winter it is important to hire a qualified contractor to ensure your home's heating system is operating properly.

You can do much of the maintenance work on your own; however, if you are uncomfortable doing so or if you don’t have the necessary equipment, call in a professional.

Annual servicing of gas or wood heating appliances and chimney cleaning are examples of when a professional is needed to do the service and spot unsafe conditions.

Ongoing activities

Check and clean, or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. If you have a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV), check it every two months.

Clean range hood filters monthly. If you have a humidifier, clean it two or three times in winter and make sure it is set properly.

Inspect indoor and outdoor air vents (intake, exhaust and forced air) to ensure they are free of snow or debris and the flapper dampers are closed. Clean bathroom fan grilles and the coils underneath or on the back of a refrigerator or freezer.

Clean smoke detectors (this is a good time to test the smoke detector as well). Check all fire extinguisher gauges and recharge or replace if necessary. Examine indoor and outdoor lights, electrical cords, plugs and outlets. If plugs look worn or cords feel warm, replace them immediately. Also, review a fire escape plan with your family.

Keep out the cold

Examine windows and doors for accumulation of ice or for cold-air leaks. Seal any leaks temporarily with weatherstripping or removable caulking, and repair or replace the window or door in the spring.

Inspect your attic to ensure proper insulation and ventilation. Note signs of roof leaks, gaps or separations in the underside decking and repair. Check the attic for frost accumulation and the roof for ice dams or icicles. Excessive frost or staining on the underside of your roof or ice dams on the roof surface may indicate that your attic is not ventilated properly. Ensure any ducts serving exhaust fans are insulated, have a vapour barrier wrap and are vented outdoors.

Water wisdom

You will have to undertake numerous water-related maintenance tasks.

Check your basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water and refill if necessary. To help control sediment and maintain your hot water tank's efficiency, consult the owner's manual and drain a dishpan full of water from the clean-out valve.

Ensure hot water pipes are insulated. Unless you have freeze-proof outside faucets, turn off the stop-and-waste valves inside the house.

Check all indoor faucets for signs of dripping and change washers as needed. Replacing washers frequently may mean the faucet needs repair. If a plumbing fixture is not used often, run the tap briefly to keep water in the trap.

Finally, clean the drains in your dishwasher, sinks, bathtubs and showers, and test plumbing shut-off valves to prevent seizing.