For most homeowners, it's likely there are a few home maintenance tasks that you know you 'should do', but are often neglected. These little odd jobs can help save you money, keep you safe, and protect your largest investment: your home! So take a few minutes to add these actions to your 'to-do' list.

Safety and money saving home maintenance actions:

• Replace your furnace filter - Doing so will help your furnace function more efficiently.
• Clean your HRV unit - A clean HRV will help your heating and cooling system run more efficiently.
• Replace your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors - Smoke detectors only have a lifespan of 10 years, and CO2 detectors only 8 years.
• Clean your dryer vents - Clean vents not only help improve efficiency but also is the best way to prevent devastating dryer vent fires.
• Service your dishwasher  - Dishwasher hoses can dry out and crack over time. Food particles can build up and damage seals; both may result in costly water damage.
• Have your sump pump inspected - Ensuring that your sump pump is in good working order (including the backup battery) is essential to a dry basement.
• Clean your fridge's condenser coils - This will help with the efficiency of your appliance.
• Inspect the bathroom caulking - Old caulking can crack, come loose and may result in leaks or the growth of mould and mildew. Inspect and replace caulking once a year or as needed.
• Inspect your washing machine hoses - Just as with dishwashers, these hoses can dry and crack which may result in water damage to your home. It's recommended to check these hoses monthly.

Being proactive about your home and appliance maintenance is better than be reactive in the case of an emergency. Take some time to get these items crossed off your to-do list.